The Ireland Funds Annual Conference 2011
June 25th, 2011data-via=”" >
I was delighted to be invited by Caitlin Duffy to attend the annual conference for The Ireland Funds in the fabulous surroundings of Drumoland Castle on Friday last.Â
The Ireland Funds are a global fundraising network for people of Irish ancestry and friends of Ireland, dedicated to raising funds to support programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland. The Funds exist in 12 countries around the world, the largest member of the network being The American Ireland Fund. Â The global chairman of The Ireland Funds is Tony O’Reilly. They have raised over $350 million for worthy causes in Ireland and around the world.
The conference included a great selection of Ireland Funds team management, team members, social entrepreneurs and supporters. I met so many new people I can’t list them here but it was also nice to bump into old connections  Paddy Cosgrave and Senator Mark Daly. The guests of honour included the President Mary McAleese, Senator Martin McAleese and the Tanaiste Eamon Gilmore. The meetings for the Young Leaders were really interesting and you can see a video here >> with more soon to follow.
Congratulations to Kieran McLoughlin and Hugo McNeil and the team for the work and for making me feel so welcome at this event which felt a little like a big family re-union.