Washington DC Young Leaders Launch : 9.18.08

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The American Ireland Fund and Orla O’Hanrahan, Deputy Head of Mission, Irish Embassy, recently co-hosted the inaugural celebration of the Washington DC Young Leaders program. Over 100 supporters gathered at the Irish Embassy’s stately headquarters on Embassy Row to welcome Washington DC’s young Irish-American community and kick off this dynamic program in our nation’s capital.   • more info - Washington Young Leaders >

Orla O’Hanrahan welcomed guests and emphasized the special connection between Ireland and the US and how important it is that the next generation is devoted to maintaining and strengthening these ties.  American Ireland Fund President Kieran McLoughlin and Brendan Tuohey of PeacePlayers also spoke about the impact this emerging generation of philanthropists has on Irish-American relations, including support of reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland.  Although peace has been achieved, there is still much work to be done in addressing the persisting prejudices in Northern Ireland today.

To cap off the evening’s festivities, Maureen Gillespie then presided over a quiz game testing guests’ knowledge of Irish-American political trivia.  As this event was a “party with no party,” questions and answers involved both Republicans and Democrats.  Grand Prize Winner Daniel Connolly won a weekend getaway to New York City, including tickets to the New York Young Leaders St. Patrick’s Day Celebration, a two-night stay at the Fitzpatrick Hotel, and dinner for two at Moran’s Chelsea.

The goal of the Young Leaders program is to foster the involvement of young friends of Ireland and provide a forum for networking with fellow business professionals, while financially supporting the philanthropic work of The American Ireland Fund.  

Getting involved with the DC Young Leaders is a unique and exciting opportunity to support the work of The American Ireland Fund and meet other successful, professional DC-based Irish and Irish-American executives, leaders and artists. 

If you would like to become involved, please contact
Maureen Gillespie
E - mgillespie@irlfunds.org

As a member, you will enjoy entrée to exclusive AIF events throughout the year, including the DC Dinner Gala, and New York and Boston Young Leader events.

Photos

1 – aerial shot of the Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Launching The American Ireland Fund DC Young Leaders Program.
2 – Jessica Moore, The Walt Disney Company, chats with Amb. Michael Collins
3 – Brendan Tuohey, Executive Director of Peace Players International, describes the impact of The American Ireland Fund’s crucial support of programs like theirs
4 – Daniel Connolly, ODIN Technologies, accepts the grand prize award of 2 tickets to the New York Young Leaders dinner, 2 nights stay at Fitzpatrick’s hotel and dinner for 2 at Moran’s Chelsea Restaurant.
5 – guest, Christina Kelleher, Luisa Murphy
6 – Dan Snyder, Patrick Satalin and Jim Hurley share Harps and a Guiness to celebrate passing the Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day mark
7 – Kelley Newton from the Irish Embassy takes a moment to relax
8 – Kieran McLoughlin, President of The American Ireland Fund, introduces the newest Young Leaders to the Fund
9 – Kevin McDonnell and Gareth Moore, both sons of The American Ireland Fund Board Members, continue the tradition of support for the Fund
10 – Kieran McLoughlin, Orla O’Hanrahan, Deputy Head of Mission for the Embassy of Ireland, welcome representatives from ODIN: Patrick Sweenwy, Daniel Connolly and Brett Kinsella.
11 – Susan Bernabucci, McKinsey & Company, Inc. & Keith Pemrick, Office of Congressman Tim Holden learn about the mission of the Funds 
12 – Deputy Mission Head of the Irish Embassy, Orla O’Hanrahan, was the host of the evening and welcomed the Young Leaders and explained the impact the Fund has had over the years and the need for  the continued support
13 – The Young Leaders answered trivia questions testing their knowledge of the Irish in DC
14 – Kieran McLoughlin, Maureen Gillespie, New York Regional Director of the American Ireland Fund, moderate the lively trivia game.