Peacemaker honored in Philadelphia : 4.18.08

Click any photo to send as an ecard!

The Philadelphia Chapter of The American Ireland Fund hosted a unique American celebration of the 10th Anniversary of The Good Friday Agreement by honoring its architect, Senator George Mitchell. 

The event was emceed by Chris Matthews. He spoke movingly of having been in Ireland ten years ago and the optimism that the agreement generated. This was in stark contrast to the deeply depressing impact of The Troubles.

Kieran McLoughlin, President of The American Ireland Fund, spoke of how the agreement had brilliantly provided a mechanism to accommodate the two traditions in Northern Ireland.  In ushering in peace and political stability, it provided the conditions for reconciliation in Northern Ireland.  PeacePlayers was a classic example of reconciliation at work.

Denis Durkin, Chairman of the Philadelphia Chapter, thanked his fellow Committee Members and congratulated them on a sell out event. He expressed his own personal pride at being in a position to honor Senator George Mitchell.

Senator Mitchell spoke of his great affection for the people of Northern Ireland and how this sustained him through the years of demanding and arduous talks. He spoke of the lessons of the Northern Ireland Peace Process for other regions of the world.  He spoke also of his ambition to bring his young son, who was born during the course of the negotiations, back to Northern Ireland.  He did this recently and visited the Assembly at Stormont.  He said this gave him a great sense of completeness. 

On behalf of The American Ireland Fund, Senator Mitchell was presented with a Waterford Crystal trophy and an original copy of Seamus Heaney’s latest poetry collection signed by the author.  To thank him for his involvement and support, Chris Matthews was presented with a copy of The Flight Path.  The Flight Path was published on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of the American Ireland Fund Literary Award and includes extracts by each of the winners, a veritable constellation of Irish writing talent.  The book was published privately and limited to 500 copies.

The event was a tremendous celebration of a great American, a great Irish hero and a great Peacemaker.

The Fund would like to acknowledge the very generous sponsorship of Invest Northern Ireland.

The Philadelphia Leadership Luncheon Committee

• Dennis Durkin - CB Richard Ellis
• Ward Fitzgerald - Exeter Property Group
• John Kent - Kent & McBride
• Jim Lynch - Patriot Financial Partners
• Bob Loftus - LinkSource Communications
• Michael McCabe - Trinity Investment Advisors
• Joe McLaughlin - The Haverford Trust Company
• Kieran McLoughlin - The American Ireland Fund
• Ed Robertson
• Fran Van Kirk - Heidrick & Struggle

• more information on event >

Photos
1. Senator Mitchell
2. Kieran McLoughlin, Chris Matthews and Senator Mitchell
3. Niall O'Dowd and Prof. O'Leary
4. Chris Matthews and Ambassador Elizabeth Bagley
5. Ramsay, Tuohey and Chris Matthews
6. Chris Matthews, Kieran McLoughlin

Information: Kieran McLoughlin
P - 212-689-3100
E - kmcloughlin@irlfunds.org