Leadership Forum : Ambassador Michael Collins : 5.19.08

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On Monday May 19th, AIF West Coast Regional Director Marjorie Muldowney welcomed Ambassador Michael Collins on his inaugural official visit to Los Angeles. The Bel-Air Bay Club in Pacific Palisades provided a spectacular backdrop for friends and key supporters of the Fund to gather together on a glorious evening. The cocktail reception was followed by a special dinner in the Club's elegant dining-room overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Profuse thanks to Allison and Bill Butler for arranging this beautiful venue.

Ambassador Collins was visiting with his wife, Marie Collins and escorted by Consul General Emer Deane and Honorary Consul General, Finbar Hill. AIF National Board Director, Bart Murphy, flew in from San Francisco with his wife Eileen and they were joined by Stephanie & Tom Heneghan of Tourism Ireland and Tom McFadden of Aer Lingus. Special guests included Monsignor Liam Kidney, Adrienne Fontanella & Peter Culhane, Valerie & Harry Hartford of Causeway Capital Management, former Utah Jazz basketball player Adam Keefe, Don and Mary Beth Woods, Dr. Tom Lomis and his wife Deborah, former Miss Ireland and actress Olivia Treacy, Joan & Liam Murphy of Amgen, Niall O'Muilleoir of Financial Dynamics and Conor Shalloe.

Also present were Michelle & Tom Kneafsey, Lynn & Ted Leary and Marian and Tom Napier as well as Annie & Jimmy Murphy and Jane & Sean Brown. Conductor Derek Gleeson of the Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra talked about the upcoming U.S. tour that kicks off in early '09 with Shannon Anderson and Shannon DeBiaise while Margaret Hayhurst charmed everyone with her quick wit and sense of fun!

The Ambassador paid special tribute to The American Ireland Fund, expressing gratitude for the tremendous support that the U.S. has given Ireland for many years. He made clear that while Northern Ireland is at peace, it will take generations to heal properly from the Troubles.

It was an evening of warm conviviality and we look forward to seeing a strong American Ireland Fund developing in Los Angeles, strengthening the ties between the U.S. and Ireland.

Photos
1 - View from The Bel-Air Bay Club, Pacific Palisades, overlooking the Pacific Ocean
2 - Ambassador Michael Collins, Honorary Consul General Finbar Hill
3 - Marie Collins, Consul-General Emer Deane, Marjorie Muldowney, AIF Regional Director
4 - Lynn Leary
5 - Stephanie Heneghan, Olivia Treacy
6 - Adrienne Fontanella
7 - Harry & Valerie Hartford, Niall O'Muilleoir
8 - Jane & Sean Brown
9 - Michelle & Tom Kneafsey, Annie Murphy
10 - Spring Centerpiece
11 - Joan & Liam Murphy, Marie Collins
12 - Bill Butler
13 - Steve Kirch, Peter Culhane
14 - Marian Napier
15 - Eileen & Bart Murphy, Tom Heneghan
16 - Jimmy & Annie Murphy, Derek Gleeson
17 - Shannon Anderson
18 - Stephanie Heneghan and Annie Murphy greet Margaret Hayhurst