connect 2017 • 12 “HE WAS A LION OF A MAN and one of the most gentle and generous people one could ever meet,” commented Kieran McLoughlin, Worldwide President & CEO of The Ireland Funds. “Together with his co-founder Tony O’Reilly, Dan was the soul and sage of this organization. He did so much for so many, so willingly.” Dan Rooney was an American Football legend. As owner and Chair- man of the Pittsburgh Steelers, his team won a record six Super Bowl titles and the league named “The Rooney Rule” after him. The football team was founded by his father Art Rooney and in 2003 the reins were handed over to a 3rd generation of Rooneys with Dan’s son Art Jr. running the team since 2003. President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins said Dan was “deeply com- mitted to Ireland and the Irish people”. He added that thanks to his contri- butions through The Ireland Funds, “many projects promoting peace and reconciliation in Ireland were initiated.” Former Taoiseach Enda Kenny described Dan as “a personal friend of mine and the proudest Irish supporter of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He leaves a massive legacy which will benefit many people for the years to come.” In June of 2017, The Ireland Funds family gathered in Wicklow for The Ireland Funds Worldwide Conference. It was a chance to honor the great co-founder of the organization which has now improved the lives of thou- sands of people across Ireland and around the world. A memorial service organized by Dan’s nephew Peter Rooney was held in Dublin at St. Mary’s Church attended by family, friends, President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and former Taoiseach Enda Kenny among others. Later in the week at the Conference Gala, a video tribute to Dan’s life and influence was shared and The Ireland Funds were honored to welcome Dan’s granddaughter Sarah to the podium who thanked The Ireland Funds for all they had done and would continue to do to carry on her grandfather’s legacy of care. “I know that he cared very deeply about passing his values down to the next gen- eration,” said Sarah Rooney to those gathered. “As I consider how to best honor his memory, the only way is to keep working and stay involved in peace and open-mindedness. I can only think of how proud my grandfather would be seeing everyone here tonight gathered for the causes he cared so deeply about.” Toasts were made, stories were told, and Dan’s memory burned brightly among all gathered. T H E F A M I L Y O F T H E I R E L A N D F U N D S E X T E N D S I T S D E E P E S T S Y M P A T H Y T O D A N ’ S W I F E P A T R I C I A A N D T H E G R E A T R O O N E Y F A M I L Y .