The 2003 Worldwide Ireland Funds Conference in Dublin drew over 200 delegates from 40 cities around the world and from 10 branches of The Ireland Funds.

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The highlight of the conference was the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics World Summer Games 2003 in Croke Park. A crowded stadium welcomed over 7,000 athletes from around the world with U2, Nelson Mandela and President Mary McAleese leading the festivities.

Conference delegates visited several projects throughout Dublin, including Fettercairn Youth Horse Project, Special Olympics Ireland, the National Gallery, Trinity College and the Shanty Project in Tallaght. Attendees personally saw the progress made with these projects and how their assistance through The Funds make a real difference to so many people.

Board Directors from The American Ireland Fund, Australia, Great Britain, Canada and Japan met in Iveagh House, St. Stephen’s Green to discuss the conclusion of from the Hope and History Campaign and to start the planning process for the next phase for The Funds. Many initiatives were discussed and it was agreed to continue the planning process throughout the year with the aim of presenting a strategic plan at the June 2004 conference.

Other Conference highlights included the launch of the Winegeese Society of The Ireland Funds at a Vintage Evening in Fado restaurant in Dublin, chaired by AIF Board Directors John Tillotson and Ken Gorman. This year’s Conference was brought to a close with the presentation of the A.W.B. Vincent / AIF Literary Award to Irish playwright and author Marina Carr and a performance by James Galway at the Gala closing dinner in Dublin Castle.

Special Olympics World Summer Games :: Photos and Report >

2002 Conference :: Photos and Report >

Schedule of Events 2003

June 21 Saturday
Evening:
Opening Ceremony of the 2003 Special Olympics World Summer Games at Croke Park

June 22 Sunday
Afternoon:
The Worldwide Ireland Funds' Plenary Session
'The Next Five Years: Our Future Strategy' at Iveagh House

Evening:
Traditional Irish Pub Night -informal dinner and drinks

June 23 Monday
Morning:
AIF and Canada Board Meetings
Visit projects supported by The Funds

Evening:
Black Tie Hope & History Campaign Gala Dinner and
Presentation of The American Ireland fund Literary Award

June 24 Tuesday
Noon:
Chryss O'Reilly Golf Tournament at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links