PALM BEACH AROUND THE WORLD 4 5 7 6 8 9 February, 2017 The Ireland Funds’ Annual Emerald Isle Dinner Dance took place at The Breakers. The event drew more than 200 friends, sup- porters and dignitaries that included Former Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, the Honorable Elizabeth Frawley Bagley, the Honorable Nancy Brinker, Consul General Shane Stephens, and Brian P. Burns. Other distinguished guests included Robert Kraft, owner of the New England Patriots, who had recently scored a stunning Super Bowl victory; author Mary Higgins Clark; Bob Wright, CEO of the Palm Beach Civic Association and co-founder of Autism Speaks, and David Foster, the Canadian composer and record producer, who stopped by to hear award-winning Irish tenor, Ronan Tynan’s live performance. The Venetian Ballroom set the scene for the cocktail reception and dinner, and entertainment was provided by the Bob Merrill Orchestra. William M. “Bill” Murphy served as the Din- ner Chairman of the event that honored Florida native and entrepreneur, Tim Gannon. Murphy welcomed the guests, thanked the Honorary Chair- men for their support and generosity before he introduced John Fitzpatrick, Chairman of The Ireland Funds America. Fitzpatrick also extended words of welcome and thanks and then introduced Kieran McLoughlin, Worldwide President and CEO of The Ireland Funds, who provided an update on the vital work of The Ireland Funds as one of the largest supporters of Ireland’s non-profit sector. Following dinner, Honorary Dinner Co-Chair Bill Finneran took the podium and gave a few highlights on Gannon’s career as co-founder of Outback Steakhouse, and cited polo and tennis, among his passions. Then Brian Burns introduced Gannon, whose Business Leadership Award was co-presented by Burns and Finneran. Board member Tom Quick conducted a live auction and then called to the stage the multi-talented Ronan Tynan, also a sought-after motivational speaker and a Paralympian Gold Medalist, who gave a memorable live performance. Palm Beach Annual Dinner Gala 1 2 3 1 Peter & Kay Bernon, Lesley King, Robert Kraft 2 Tim Gannon and Meredith Webb (center) with family and friends 3 Esther Murray, Bill Finneran 4 Kieran McLoughlin, Mary Maroney, John Fitzpatrick, Amb. Elizabeth Frawley Bagley 5 Howard & Michele Kessler 6 Bill & Una Murphy 7 Mary Higgins Clark, John Fitzpatrick, John Conheeney 8 Lore Dodge, Tom Quick 9 Dr. Michael Zinner, Susan Keenan, Bob Wright, Amb. Nancy Brinker Photos: Jim Higgins connect 2017 • 67