Dear Donors and Friends, The economic recovery in Ireland is well underway driven by the resolve and endurance of the Irish people. However, while that recovery is real, it is uneven and many people are still struggling to regain an economic foothold. Equally, in Northern Ireland, the Peace Process is going through a series of political challenges which remind us that we must remain fully engaged to help bring it to its completion. In the face of these challenges, your philanthropy is critical. In this edition of Connect we hope you will see the evidence of just how critical that support is and the great impact that it has. You will read about projects that are transforming people’s lives across the country. It is a privilege for us to guide you in your grant making across Ireland. I am delighted to say that many donors are investing in the future of this organization and enabling us to grow our capacity to meet the challenges of now being Ireland’s largest private grant maker. This is particularly the case with our endowment which has grown by almost 50% led by our Directors in the United States but also in Asia and, reflecting our future, by our Young Leaders. This is hugely significant and very welcome. In all that we do we continue to be inspired by the vision of our dear Dan Rooney. The objective of achieving a peaceful and prosperous Ireland set out by Dan and his great philanthropic partner, Tony O’Reilly, in 1976 is just as compelling and urgent today. Dan’s decency, generosity and integrity set the standard for us in the organization. For us he was our sage and our soul. Dan would be so proud of the Rooney family who remain involved with us through three generations. Dan and the Rooney family repre- sent the very best of Irish America and both our roots and our future. Our donors are at the center of what we do. Everything we report in Connect magazine is a tribute to your commitment to Ireland. We thank you so much for this. Kind regards, Kieran McLoughlin Worldwide President & CEO, The Ireland Funds Connect FALL / WINTER / 2017 connect 2017 • 5