Conference The gathering is an extraordinary opportunity for do- nors to come together under the banner of The Ireland Funds to learn first-hand about the organization’s work across Ireland. Donors visited a range of funded projects including Barnardos, Native Woodland Trust, ReCreate, Irish Men’s Sheds, AsIAm and FoodCloud Hubs. Later, donors heard from select organizations such as 174 Trust, Women for Election, Charities Institute Ireland and Social Entrepreneurs Ireland all of whom had received Flagship funding from The Ireland Funds. Each highlighted how that significant investment had changed their organiza- tion and enabled them to further their impact. In addition to seeing the work of so many key ini- tiatives, The Ireland Funds celebrated the best of Irish culture with The Ireland Funds AWB Vincent Literary Award. The 2017 award which was presented to prolific playwright Conor McPherson. In winning, Conor joined luminaries from the literary world such as Seamus He- aney, Emma Donoghue, and Colum McCann. McPherson was presented with the award at a gathering at Tinakilly House, Co. Wicklow. Speaking at the award ceremony, the playwright said he was humbled to be on an awards list that boasts great Irish writers and playwrights. “I have been familiar with what The Ireland Funds have been doing for a long time now. But I never thought I would be here on a night like this,” said Conor. “They are amazing supporters of the arts and education in general, which is a wonderful benefit for not just Irish people but helping the Irish arts to thrive abroad as well.” The conference also included a plenary session– featuring a panel with Dearbhail McDonald of Independent News & Media and Simon Carswell of The Irish Times. The plenary session reflected on the Brexit anniversary, the state of Ireland’s economy and global factors, and the need for a new narrative in North- ern Ireland. Dearbhail spoke of Ireland’s initiatives to solidify economic investment highlighting the recent work of former Taoiseach Enda Kenny who was present. connect 2017 • 59 1