Washington : National Gala 2004

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The American Ireland Fund 12th National Gala was held in Washington, DC, March 16th, 2004 entertaining over 900 distinguished guests including Members of Congress, Ambassadors and politicians from Ireland North and South.

The National Building Museum was the perfect setting for the Dinner with the main hall overflowing with color, emphasizing the Gala theme of “Peace and Progress.” The Honorary Chair, An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, was the featured speaker and Secretary of State for Northern Irleand, Paul Murphy, accepted the Peace Award for Prime Minister Tony Blair. Honorees included Prime Minister Tony Blair, Congressman Peter King and Mary McGrory.

Upon the completion of the speaking program, distinguished guests and members in attendance proceeded to ‘the Pub’ and were entertained by the traditional music of ‘The 40 Thieves’.

Tuesday, 16th March – The Ireland Funds honoured the Right Honourable Tony Blair MP with the Peace Award at a ceremony held this evening in the National Building Museum, Washington D.C. This prestigious award was presented by An Taoiseach, Bertie Ahern for Mr Blair’s valuable contribution to peace and reconciliation in Ireland, North and South.

Paul Murphy, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland accepted this award on behalf of Tony Blair MP. The Ireland Funds also presented the Humanitarian Award to Journalist Mary McGrory (Bono was the recipient of this Award last year) and the Leadership Award to Congressman Peter King.

The Ireland Funds is an international charitable organisation that has raised over $300 million around the world for worthy causes in Ireland.

Funds raised through the 12th National Gala in Washington will help support Irish Charities, North and South.