On Tuesday, December 10th, The Ireland Funds Young Leaders and friends gathered to kick off the Christmas season at the U.S. Ambassador’s Residence in Phoenix Park. As always The Ambassador’s Residence was impeccably decorated and the fires lit, creating a Christmas atmosphere most guests didn’t want to leave. Music Generation Ambassador’s Elsa Kelly, harpist and Iseult Ring provided some beautiful backdrop music for our guests.
Mr. Stuart Dwyer, Chargé d'affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin welcomed our guests and spoke about the giving nature that is embedded in the Irish and the importance of the work of the Ireland Funds. Over 125 guests filled the rooms to celebrate a great year, and to toast all our donors around the world who make the work we do possible.
The guests were delighted to have the chance to mingle and meet our special guests from The Dublin Senior Football team who were present alongside Jim Gavin, the Dublin Manager to accept the 2013 Spirit of Ireland Award. Jim thanked the Ireland Funds for the honour and recognized the dedication and hard work of the team that resulted in the 2013 All Ireland Title.
Whether attendees were Dublin supporters or not most were delighted to get the opportunity for a few photos with The Sam Maguire Cup and some of the players. Special thanks to Bernard Brogan, Michael Fitzsimons, Mick Deegan and Kevin Nolan for attending and representing the Dubs on the night!
Coaches picked up the guests at the end of the event and headed to House where many of the guests continued to socialize and enjoy their evening. It was a wonderful to see so many faces old and new and to kick off to the Christmas season together.
A very special thank you to the U.S. Embassy and all of the Ambassador’s Residence staff for such a wonderful evening.
Thanks to Dee Organ Photography
