The 2007 Worldwide Ireland Funds Conference was held in the bucolic setting of Kenmare, Co Kerry, possibly the prettiest village in Ireland. Representatives of the various Ireland Funds around the globe congregated for three days of discussion and debate on the future of the Funds as well as reflecting on achievements in the past. Having raised over a quarter of a billion dollars in the last 14 years and having developed a unique global philanthropic network in the process the Funds are now positioned to build on that base and take on even greater challenges in the future.

A presentation entitled The Ireland Funds – Past, Present and Future, 1976 – 2007 & Beyond looked at the global philanthropic marketplace and the major shifts which are now occurring. Most commentators in the sector believe we are in the early days of a new “golden age of giving” driven by the massive intergenerational transfer of wealth and the fact that three quarters of this wealth is in the hands of people aged 60 and over.

The presentation also looked at the challenges facing Ireland, North and South. In the North the signs were good following the establishment of the new assembly and the new sense of cooperation between the political parties. At the same time it is a deeply divided society with the Peace Walls longer and higher than ever. The challenge now is to help build a new society after 30 years of conflict - one based on reconciliation, rebuilding and renewal. In the Republic the divide is more socio-economic with many not experiencing the benefits of the Celtic Tiger and a sense that the best days of the Tiger were behind us.

The consensus of the discussions was that we should continue and accelerate our fund raising efforts and look at preparing and launching a 5-7 year Capital Campaign as well as put in place the staff structures to allow this to happen. Having successfully completed a five year Campaign from 1999 to 2003 to raise $100 million, it was felt that we had the capacity to considerably exceed that total with our next Campaign.

The Conference also took the opportunity to pay tribute to a lifetime of contribution by Senator Maurice Hayes as Chairman of our Irish Advisory Committee when he was presented by a self portrait by acclaimed artist, James Hanley.

Similarly, at a spectacular closing night’s dinner in Muckross House, his ancestral home, tribute was paid to Board Director Billy Vincent with the presentation of a book on his life entitled, simply “Billy”.

Photo index
1. Lex & Diane Gamble, Jack & Jackie McDonnell, Peter Rooney, John Curran
2. Simone & Bob McDonough
3. Kerri Chaffers, Garry Murphy, Deanna McHugh at Carton House
4. Brian Moore, Eileen Murphy, Deanna Moore, Bart Murphy at Carton House
5. John Sharkey, Ken Gorman, Ted Murphy
6. Mr.and Mrs Michael Barry, Ted Murphy, Loretta Brennan Glucksman
7. Margie and Kerry Murphy, Margaret Hayhurst after being inducted into the WineGeese Society
8. Carton House
9. (back row) guest, Ken Gorman, Kingsley Aikins, Cliff Miercort
(front row) Kerri Chaffers, Roz Crowley, Barbara Miercort, Elisabet Bordt.
10. Maraget Hayhurst, Netta Blanchard, Katherine Bulbulbia
11. Denis John Healy, Sondra Healy, Denis Healy and Loretta Brennan Glucksman on the patio at Sheen Falls
12. Declan & Julia Kelly
13. La Cascade resturant at Sheen Falls
14. Bob McCann, Kieran McLoughlin, Rob Fox, Kaitlin Cafferky, Maureen Hurley, Tara McCabe
15. Dolores McCall, Maurice Hayes, Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Joan Hayes
16. John Cosgrove speaking during the Plenary Session
17. Sharon Murphy, Martin Drury, Seamus Heaney, Diana Sezer, Hugo MacNeil, Marie Heaney
18. Bill Cullen, Jackie Lavin, Jimmy Deenihan, Maurice Hayes
19. Declan Kelly, Rob Fox, Tim Phillips
20. John and Connie Curran, Dr. Maurice Mullins and Patricia Mullins
21. Joe Corcoran, Moira & Bernard McNamara
22. Jeanette & Bob Dunfey, Marjorie Muldowney at Muckross House
23. Joe & Rose Corcoran with his 4 sisters outside Muckross House
24. Seamus Heaney, Lou Ann Corboy, Trevor Ringland
25. Hugo MacNeil, Kip Condron, Bob McCann
26. Sir Anthony O'Reilly addressing the crowd
27. Seamus Heaney addressing the crowd
28. Peggy & Kip Condron, Cindy & Bob Mcann, Jackie & Jim Higgins
29. (back row) Lex Gamble, Jack McDonnell, Peter Rooney, John Curran
(front row) Jackie McDonnell Diane Gamble & Ursula Leslie
30. Bridget Hester, Susan Davis, John Cosgrove
31. Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Kaitlyn Cafferky, Lore Dodge, Sheila O'Malley
32. Patricia Mullins, Sue Dickie
33. Teresa Keating, Tom and Kathy Corcoran
34. Peter Rooney & John Curran enroute to Lord Brandon's Cottage