12th March, 2010

St. Patrick’s Luncheon

Keeping with the tradition its co-founders John Dunne and Joseph Murphy started, the 27th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon celebration brought together more than 1,100 guests travelling from Ireland, the United States (California, Florida) and all over Canada.  Brogue, the Celtic Dance Company entertained our guests with music and dance expressing humourous stories and friendly competition.  Simon Cotter provided comedic relief with his daily life observations – sharing an interesting perspective with the crowd.

A hearty Irish meal was served to the guests with complimentary Irish brew! Thank you to John Maxwell of Maxwell’s on the Danforth for supplying the freshly baked soda bread. 

Fenian Film, the Videographic Sponsor, captured our dignitaries and corporate sponsors describing their support of the Fund, while Athlete’s Video, our Photographic Sponsor, offered our guests complimentary photos with friends to commemorate the day.

Canada’s Minister of Finance, the Honourable Jim Flaherty announced the Government of Canada’s intention to invest $2.1 million to the Senator O’Connor Estate restoration project.     

Fund supporters continued to contribute in the live auction and the donation envelope drive from which the proceeds will be applied to The Edge Youth Center in Northern Ireland for their Young Men’s Program and to local community cultural support at home.

This year the Fund launched its first Annual “The Ireland Fund of Canada Lottery”.  Proceeds from the Lottery will be applied to St. Paul’s Toronto School of Irish Music, University of St. Michael’s College, and Ireland Park.

We would like to thank our sponsors; Pillar Sponsor Guinness / Diageo Canada; Media  Sponsor Toronto Star; Live Auction Sponsors, Tourism Ireland, Fitzpatrick Hotels Manhattan, American Ireland Fund,  Air Transat and Learning Disabilities of Ontario Friend Jay Mandarino, C.J. Skateboard Park, Bronze Sponsor, LIUNA Ontario Provincial District and all of our Green Sponsors.

Congratulations to Chair, Kevin Gallagher, the Luncheon Committee and volunteers on a successful event!

Our Head Table

Mayor Hazel McCallion – Mayor of the City of Mississauga
The Right Honourable John Turner
John Dunne Co-Founder of Luncheon and Patron
Ted McConnell, Patron
Mayor David Miller, Mayor of the City of Toronto
The Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance
Ambassador Declan Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to Canada
Minister Dara Calleary, Minister for Labour Affairs, Ireland   
Oliver Murray, Chair, The Ireland Fund of Canada
Kevin Gallagher, Director, Ireland Fund of Canada
Seamus O’Regan- CTV Canada AM Host, Master of Ceremonies
John Cruickshank, Editor in Chief, Toronto Star