An evening of celebration and conversation was hosted on February 20th by The Ireland Funds as supporters gathered in West Hollywood to toast Ireland’s nominees at the 2019 Academy Awards.
Los Angeles star power came out in force including Golden Globe-nominated actress Caitriona Balfe (Outlander) Chris O’Dowd (Bridesmaids, Get Shorty), Victoria Smurfit (Once Upon A Time), Jason O’Mara (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Ciaran Foy (Sinister 2, Eli), Sunday Times Bestselling author Dawn O’Porter, Nick Murphy (Moone Boy), the Irish producers of History Channel’s Vikings and Netflix’s Nightflyers, comedian Tara Flynn, Amy Shiels (Twin Peaks), Elan Mastai (What If?) and Mike Dowse (Goon, What If?, It’s All Gone Pete Tong).
Sunday Times Bestselling author Dawn O’Porter hosted the evening at Ysabel restaurant along with Ed Guiney, Irish producer of The Favourite nominated for 10 Oscars, and Cartoon Saloon’s co-founder, Oscar-nominated producer Paul Young whose company was up for its 4th Academy Award® nomination for Best Animated Short for Late Afternoon.
The evening was held in support of the philanthropic work of The Ireland Funds. As one of the largest sources of private support to Ireland’s non-profit sector, the global organization assists projects that serve the island of Ireland and Irish communities around the word. The promotion and preservation of Irish culture and is one of its focus areas.
Special thanks to our sponsors Screen Ireland, IDA Ireland, Colin McCafferty of McCafferty & Co., Drew Buckley of Electus, Brian Carmody of Smuggler, Michael Feeley of Latham Watkins, Dan & Linda Kiely of Voxpro, Kaitlyn Kyle Cafferky and Don Morgan.
Photos: Elaine Lee
