Rugby Reception - 7 March 2008

On the eve of the Ireland-Wales rugby match, The Ireland Funds Chairman Hugo MacNeill hosted an evening cocktail reception at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. Addressing over 150 attendees, Hugo described how The Ireland Funds plays a leading role in developing a unique, vibrant culture of philanthropy in Ireland. With rapidly accumulating wealth, he noted, comes the opportunity to make philanthropy more accessible and engaging through innovative giving structures, such as Donor Advised Funds and Giving Circles.

Former Irish Captain Keith Wood spoke about his interest in giving to projects in his hometown of Killaloe, and to those providing care and support for paralysed rugby players. He explained that organisations like The Ireland Funds offer an alternative to establishing a trust or private foundation, and make it easier for people to give by handling the administration and monitoring of gifts.

Guests included The Ireland Funds Board Director Trevor Ringland and David Cullen, both of whom were awarded the Arthur Ashe Courage Award in 2007 for their work with PeacePlayers International. American Ambassador Thomas Foley was also in attendance along with Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Dermot Gallagher, and his wife, Maeve; Dr. Maurice Hayes; and former Secretary General of the Department of Communications, Marine and Natural Resources, Brendan Tuohy. Other guests included Board Directors Bernard McNamara; Michael Houlihan, David Duffy and members of the women’s Giving Circle Core.

• Giving Circles >

Photos
1 – Claire Cronin, Ray cotter, Laura & James Muldowney
2 – Tony Condon, Trevor Ringland, Joe Devine, David Duffy
3 – Brian Cregan, David Moffitt
4 – Paul McSharry, Aisling Garvey
5 - Eugene McCague and Eoin MacNeill
6 – Peter Butler, Mark Cunningham, Katherine and Ieuan Evans
7 – Former Welsh Rugby Captian Ieuan Evans addressing the group
8 – Former Irish Rugby Caption, Keith Wood
9 – US Ambassador to Ireland, Thomas C Foley with Chairman of The Ireland Funds and former Irish Rugby International, Hugo MacNeill