The award was presented by the Board of Ireland Network Chicago in recognition of Clune’s significant and sustained service to the Irish Community in Chicago and beyond.
Jim Kelliher Joins The Board of Directors
The Partnership announces the election of Jim Kelliher to its Board of Directors. Chief Executive Mary Sugrue said, “I have the privilege to welcome Jim Kelliher, who has been newly elected to our expanding Board of Directors. As a four-time CFO and financial executive, his global business acumen, vision, and unwavering commitment to Ireland are all tremendous assets to our organization."
Charles Francis “Chuck” Feeney – A Tribute
Today the Board and staff of the Irish American Partnership join the international community in mourning the loss of Chuck Feeney. Irish American businessman and philanthropist who gave all, and inspired so many to do the same. Chuck Feeney’s philanthropic organization, The Atlantic Philanthropies, made grants totaling more than $8 billion, much of it anonymously, to causes on five continents.
Joseph F. Leary, Jr. – A Tribute
LPGA star Leona Maguire Presents $25,000 from the Irish American Partnership, marking over $250,000 received by thirty-five Primary Schools so far in 2023
Boston Peace Dinner Raises $30,000 for Integrated Education
The Integrated Education Fund (IEF) was honored and delighted to have received a $30,000 donation from a special dinner organized by leading transatlantic educational charity the Irish American Partnership, Ireland Gateway To Europe, and the Boston College Ireland Business Council.
The Boston College Peace Dinner was held in March to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement and to celebrate Senator George Mitchell’s distinguished contribution to the peace process in Northern Ireland, special guest speakers at the event included Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern, United States Special Envoy for Northern Ireland Joe Kennedy III, Senator George Mitchell, Minister of State at the Northern Ireland Office Steve Baker MP, and Tommie Gorman, author, journalist and former Northern Ireland Editor of RTE. More>>
Irish American Partnership Announces Partnership with Leader Kicking
Leading transatlantic educational charity the Irish American Partnership is delighted to announce its support of, and partnership with, Leader Kicking. Founded by Tadhg Leader, former rugby union player and gridiron football placekicker, Leader Kicking is a non-profit organization that creates and supports a pathway for young Irish athletes to access a college education in the US. More>>
Dr. Robert Mauro - A Tribute
It is with profound sadness that we learned of the passing of our great friend and partner Bob Mauro, gone far too soon.
Remembering Baroness May Blood
Actor Cillian Murphy and Prof. Pat Dolan Release Partnership-Funded "Ionbhá: The Empathy Book for Ireland"
Actor Cillian Murphy and Prof. Pat Dolan Release "Ionbhá: The Empathy Book for Ireland". The Irish American Partnership is proud to support not only the production of this important book, but also the pioneering Activating Social Empathy education program, piloted throughout all Irish secondary schools.
Irish American Partnership Announces $500,000 in Educational Grants on Leadership Mission
The Irish American Partnership (the Partnership) disbursed $500,000 in grants to education and community programs across the island of Ireland during its biennial leadership mission this week. This round brings the charity’s year-to-date funding for Ireland to $1.2 million. The awards were announced at a reception to culminate the mission, hosted at the residence of U.S. Ambassador to Ireland, Claire D. Cronin
Ambassador Leona Maguire Stays the Course with $20,000 in Grants to Schools in County Clare
Former diplomat Nicholas Michael joins the Irish American Partnership as Director of Development
Announcing Irish LPGA star Leona Maguire as our new Ambassador
Celebrating the announcement of new Patron, Pádraig Harrington at the US Ambassador's Residence, Dublin
Announcing Our New Patron, Pádraig Harrington: Three-time Major Champion and European Ryder Cup Captain internationally renowned golfer
The Partnership is pleased to announce internationally renowned champion golfer, Pádraig Harrington, as its Patron at a reception today at US Ambassador to Ireland, Claire D. Cronin’s residence in the Phoenix Park, Dublin. To mark Harrington’s patronage, the Partnership, in collaboration with the Department of Education, will launch the Outdoor Play & Learning program providing $250,000 funding for primary schools to purchase resources that enhance outdoor play and learning. Outdoor Play & Learning has been developed in response to the great need identified by principals and teachers to encourage young people to get outside particularly in the wake of virtual learning necessitated by COVID-19.
Three New Board Members
Norman Houston RIP
We are deeply saddened to hear of Norman Houston’s passing. Norman was a great ambassador for Northern Ireland and a dear friend of the Partnership who brought joy and kindness to everyone he met. He will be so missed. We extend our most sincere sympathies to his family.
Irish American Partnership Announces $1 Million Gift to Peter McVerry Trust to Expand Offerings for Homeless and At-Risk Youth
The investment was made possible by Partnership support, particularly from Partnership Chairman and Founder of national general contractor Clune Construction Company, Michael T. Clune, and his secondary school friend Irish businessman and financier, Dermot Desmond.
Specifically, the $1 Million gift will provide underprivileged young people (aged 13-17) who have been removed from mainstream schools with a high quality of education, equipping them with life skills to play a positive role in society through existing learning centers.
A Statement From The Irish American Partnership on Racial Injustice
Ní neart go cur le chéile—we are stronger together.
It is a simple truth, but a powerful one. This principle has guided the Irish American Partnership’s work for over thirty years, but feels more significant now than ever before.
The Partnership strongly condemns racism in all its forms and stands with those working to eradicate systemic racial injustice in our communities. We recognize that racism is an insidious global issue that transcends borders—and Ireland is by no means an exception.
The Partnership renews our own commitment to build a more peaceful Ireland where all, regardless of race or background, have the opportunity to thrive. We remain steadfast in our mission to bring about a more inclusive, equitable, empathetic, and just society across Ireland, North and South. We believe in the transformative power of education and acknowledge the urgency of educating young minds and hearts to confront bias in order to bring about a society where all are truly loved, accepted, and valued.
As a part of this pledge, we are pleased to announce an additional grant of $10,000 to Educating the Heart—an impactful program in Northern Ireland that equips young people with the capacity and courage to stand up for local and global justice.
We remain incredibly grateful for our wonderful community across the United States and Ireland who are coming together to promote understanding, kindness, and compassion.
In solidarity,
The Irish American Partnership