conference 2014 invitation JUNE

Transcription

1 conference 2014 invitation JUNE

2 The Ireland Funds invite you to Belfast, Northern Ireland for our Conference 2014 Please consider joining your fellow directors and supporters for The Ireland Funds Annual Conference in June Giant s Causeway, County Antrim Cover image, Belfast City Hall and skyline

3 conference 2014 invitation JUNE Maurice Hayes, former Chairman of The Ireland Funds Advisory Committee It was a happy thought to bring the Annual Conference North at this stage in the peace process, to which the Funds, in their own understated way, have contributed so much support. When Tony O Reilly and Dan Rooney founded The Ireland Funds all those years ago, under the mantra of Peace, Culture and Charity, it was primarily as a response to the outbreak of violence in Northern Ireland. Peace was shorthand for the non-violent resolution of conflict there, and charity an opportunity provided to American sympathisers to contribute to the support of those who foreswore violence and sought reconciliation and justice by peaceful, democratic methods. While not itself involved in politics, the Funds, in a quiet way, helped prepare the seedbed on which peace germinated and eventually took root. Lighting a candle where others preferred to curse the dark, the Funds helped build hope and confidence in local communities in the darkest days, helped the emerging women s movement, supported integrated and Irish-language schools, and developed local leadership through support for unsung heroes. Northern Ireland society has reached a degree of stability, with local politicians elected to a power-sharing administration, but still requires support in the most difficult tasks of all that of binding up the nation s wounds, of dealing with the memories and the hurts of a cruel, bloody and divisive conflict, and building a future of peace and social and economic stability for all. Above all, you should come for the witty conversation, storytelling and good-fellowship, and a chance to see what good your money and your support have done, among people who will welcome you warmly, and share with you their hopes and aspirations as they labour to rebuild community and society. You will come, won t you?

4 This year we visit The Culloden Estate & Spa Standing high on the slopes of the Holywood Hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim coastline, the magnificent Culloden Estate & Spa, Northern Ireland s most prestigious hotel is only 20 minutes from Belfast International Airport, 5 minutes from Belfast City Airport and 90 minutes from Dublin Airport The Culloden Estate & Spa

5 Hillsborough Castle & Gardens Stormont Parliament Buildings Titanic Belfast We will meet with the people and organisations you support as they share in their hopes and visions for the future Integrated Education One of the most significant social developments within Northern Ireland over the last 30 years, bringing together children from Protestant, Catholic and other backgrounds in educational settings that teach respect, tolerance and conflict resolution.

6 conference 2014 :: schedule of events evening Wednesday 18 June Private Dinner for leading Promising Ireland Campaign donors at Hillsborough Castle, hosted by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers conference 2014 :: main programme noon afternoon evening morning afternoon evening noon or evening Thursday 19 June Lunch at The Culloden Estate to welcome all delegates and outline the conference programme Tour exceptional projects supported by The Ireland Funds and experience first-hand the impact of your generosity Gathering at Stormont Parliament Buildings, home to the Northern Ireland Assembly, hosted by First Minster, Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness Friday 20 June Board Meetings at The Culloden Estate followed by The Worldwide Ireland Funds Plenary Session to review the Promising Ireland Campaign and plan future strategy Lunch followed by The Ireland Funds Young Leaders International Meeting Gala Dinner at Titanic Belfast and presentation of The 42nd American Ireland Fund AWB Vincent Literary Award Saturday 21 June Travel through Antrim s North Coast, visit the iconic Giant s Causeway, learn about Belfast s world famous murals and experience Belfast s rich culture and unrivalled hospitality Tee off on Ardglass Golf Club, Co. Down, rated amongst the world s greatest links courses An evening of fun and entertainment enjoying an Ulster culinary feast schedule of events is subject to final changes

7 Highlights from previous Conference visits to Belfast

8 the global Irish making a difference together The Ireland Funds 25 St Stephen s Green Dublin 2 Ireland T F E nlynch@irlfunds.org W