Distinguished Leadership Award presented to Tony Smurfit; Performing Arts Award to Carole King
Manhattan, New York – May 7, 2026 – Over 800 guests came together on May 7 to celebrate The Ireland Funds’ 50th Anniversary New York Gala at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers. The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network which supports the work of hundreds of nonprofit organizations each year across the Island of Ireland. 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of The Ireland Funds since its founding in 1976 and the event celebrates the deep ties, heritage and friendship between the island of Ireland and New York City.
The Gala recognized the contributions of two outstanding leaders in the fields of business, philanthropy and the arts.
The Ireland Funds Distinguished Leadership Award was presented to Tony Smurfit, President, Group CEO and Director of Smurfit Westrock, a global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. Tony’s leadership encompasses 500+ facilities across forty countries and six continents, while employing approximately 97,000 people. “It’s both an honor and a privilege to receive this prestigious award from The Ireland Funds, especially when I look to the past recipients,” said Tony Smurfit. “At Smurfit Westrock, I work alongside a team of talented and dedicated people who have all played their part in building the global leader in sustainable packaging that we have today. It’s quite a transformation journey from where we started with one small box plant in Dublin.”
The Ireland Funds Performing Arts Award was presented to Carole King, legendary singer, songwriter, author and environmentalist. Carole is recognized as one of the most successful female songwriters of all time with over 118 Billboard chart hits in the US alone. Her music is an integral part of American cultural history and has earned her a place in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame as well as four Grammy Awards. “I’m deeply honored to receive this award,” said Carole King. “I love that The Ireland Funds was founded on the premise and the promise of peace and possibility. At a time when those principles seem almost out of reach, The Ireland Funds continues to step up, and it matters.”
“Fifty years ago, our founders had a vision of harnessing the power of collective care for the island of Ireland,” said Caitriona Fottrell, President & CEO of The Ireland Funds. “Fifty years later, we’ve built stronger communities, supported thousands of nonprofit organizations and improved the lives of countless people. As we mark this milestone, we proudly celebrate the key role that the New York Gala has played in that success, and we are excited to move forward with increased purpose and opportunity.”
The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network established to promote and invest in lasting peace & reconciliation, arts & culture, community development, education & innovation across the island of Ireland. The Ireland Funds has raised over $750 million for deserving causes in Ireland and beyond, benefiting thousands of nonprofit organizations since its founding in 1976.