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An Extraordinary Result in Extraordinary Times

The 2009 American Ireland Fund New York Dinner Gala raised $2.32 million, $400,000 ahead of its original goal, which is remarkable given the very challenging times in which the Dinner took place.  It is a tribute to the commitment, loyalty and generosity of the Fund’s supporters and to the energy of the Dinner Committee.

A sell-out attendance honored Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, the Taoiseach and Jack Dunn and Dennis Shaughnessy, respectively CEO and Chairman of FTI Consulting Group.  Loretta Brennan Glucksman praised the Mayor as a great philanthropic and civic leader.  Micheál Martin, T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs, represented An Taoiseach Brian Cowen, who was honored for his work in deepening the bonds between the diaspora and Ireland.  Jack Dunn and Dennis Shaughnessy were recognized for their great personal, professional and philanthropic contributions to Ireland. 

Co-Chairs John Duffy and Michael Higgins acknowledged the exceptional lengths to which the Committee of over sixty members, from the U.S. and Ireland, went to guarantee the night’s success.  They also announced a gift of $200,000 to launch the Forgotten Irish campaign to help elderly and disadvantaged members of the Irish-American community in New York City.

In a great fusion of New York and Irish culture, the entertainment for the night was provided by Keltic Dreams, a dance troupe of Hispanic and African-American teenagers from the Bronx, which the Fund has supported since its inception.  Important sponsorship for the event was provided by FTI, Digicel, Business & Finance, Coco-Cola, Atlantic Philanthropies, Invest Northern Ireland, Ryan International Corporation, Tax Back International and Tourism Ireland.

The event’s success, almost in defiance of the recession, was a testament to the strength of Irish America.

Info
For more information, please contact Kieran McLoughlin
E - kmcloughlin@irlfunds.org 
T - 212.689.3100

Photos
1 – Adrian Flannelly, Diana Taylor, Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Minister Michael Martin
2 – John Duffy, Michael Higgins
3 – Jack Dunn, Dennis Shaughnessy, Minister Michael Martin
3a - Jack Dunn, Dennis Shaughnessy, Loretta Brennan Glucksman
4 – John O’Donoghue, Declan Kelly, Dennis Shaughnessy, Bob McCann
5 – 2009 Chairmen’s Committee
6 – Jack Dunn, Dennis Shaughnessy, guest, guest
7 – Niamh Gunn, Minister Michael Martin, Taxback International Guests
8 – Dennis Shaughnessy, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Minister Michael Martin, Jack Dunn
9 – Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Minister Michael Martin, John Duffy
10 – The Duffy Family with Minister Martin
11 – Diana Taylor, Mayor Bloomberg, Speaker Christine Quinn, Adrian Flannelly
12 – Peggy & Kip Condron
13 – Bob McCann
14 – Bart & Lesley Grenier
15 – Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Loretta Brennan Glucksman
16 – Mayor Bloomberg, Kieran McLoughlin
17 – Sheila O’Malley, Mayor Bloomberg, Maura O’Rourke
18 – Bob & Cindy McCann
19 – Minister Martin, Ambassador Michael Collins, Guest, Brendan McDonough
20 – Hillie Mahoney, Guest
21 – Keltic Dreams
22 – Guests Dancing
23 – Keltic Cross Musical Entertainment
25 - Caitlin Duffy, Brian Mylod, Kara Duffy
26 - Diana Taylor, Mayor Bloomberg, Kathleen Tuohy
27 - Joe Berry, Kevin Murray, Kathleen Fee, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Angus Miller, Paul Keary, Kevin Fee
28 - Maureen Gillespie, Sheila Montgomery, Matthew McElroy
29-30 - guests
31 - Young Leader Rob Fox