From left Senator Dick Durbin, Alderman Ed Burke, Professor Brian MacCraith, City Clerk-elect Susana Mendoza, Fr. Jack Clair, Consul General Martin Rouine and Patrick Thompson.

From Left City Clerk-elect Susana Mendoza, Mary Sugrue McAleer, Marie McKeown of Tourism Ireland, and Mary Rouine.

2011 CHICAGO ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION

Union League Club of Chicago Friday, March 11, 2011

THE IRISH AMERICAN

PARTNERSHIP

The Irish American Partnership’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day breakfast was held on Friday, March 11 at the Union League Club of Chicago. President of Dublin City University, Professor Brain MacCraith gave a presentation on DCU, Irish education, the Irish economy and the important role of Irish America.

Master of Ceremonies Alderman Ed Burke introduced Fr. Jack Clair for the invocation, Patrick Thompson who spoke on behalf of the Host Committee, Mary Sugrue McAleer of the Partnership and Senator Dick Durbin.

Many thanks to all who attended the St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Celebration in support of the Partnership’s work in Ireland, North and South.

THE IRISH AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP 33 Broad Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 · 617-723-2707 · fax 617-723-5478 · www.IrishAP.org

Tourism Ireland generously provided two round trip airline tickets to Ireland for one lucky breakfast attendee. City Clerk-elect Susana Mendoza was the happy recipient of the prize. The winning ticket was chosen by Mary Rouine, wife of Irish Consul General Martin Rouine and presented by Tourism Ireland Executive Marie McKeown.

Tourism is important to Ireland’s economy and we urge you to consider a trip. For information visit discoverireland.com.

Tourism Ireland Prize Winner

From left Rosie O’Neill, Fr. Jack Clair, Tom O’Gorman and Abdon Pallasch.

Union League Club of Chicago Friday, March 11, 2011

Host Committee Member Ed Joyce with family and friends.

Senator Dick Durbin enjoys the celebration, acknowledging all immigrants and supporting the work of the Partnership.

The Cork Delegation in Chicago to promote that “Cork is ready for business” pictured with Patrick Thompson, Kathy Taylor and Mary Sugrue McAleer.

Judge Anne Burke, City Clerk-elect Susana Mendoza and Judge Mary Jane Theis.

Professor Brian MacCraith of Dublin City University with Irish Consul General Martin Rouine and Mary Rouine.

Irish American Partnership Chicago Members Support Education and Community Programs in Ireland

Attendees at the Irish American Partnership’s St. Patrick’s Day breakfast were informed by all speakers of the importance of the support of Irish America to Ireland. The Irish American Partnership’s efforts to raise funds to support education programs and community programs were applauded. Master of Ceremonies Alderman Ed Burke introduced Fr. Jack Clair who opened with an inspiring invocation. Senator Durbin acknowledged the role of immigrants to the United States. Patrick Thompson thanked the Host Committee and presented his grandfather’s traditional toast for St. Patrick’s Day. Professor Brian MacCraith spoke of the optimism and positive signs for Ireland despite the current difficulties. He demonstrated his vision for Dublin City University as a University Of Enterprise. Mary Sugrue McAleer thanked all breakfast attendees for their support of the Partnership’s work. She updated guests on Partnership projects such the Partnership Rural Primary School Science Program, the support for school libraries in rural areas, the gifts to Integrated Education in Northern Ireland and the support for Dublin City University’s Access Program. Professor MacCraith ended his presentation with a quote from Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney which he felt is appropriate for Ireland at this time: “We should keep our feet on the ground to signify that nothing is beneath us, but we should also lift up our eyes to say that nothing is beyond us!” Thank you to all Chicago supporters of the Irish American Partnership’s mission supporting education in Ireland.

Students at Tourmakeady National School in County Mayo perform for Irish American Partnership members visiting from Chicago.

Many thanks for joining us March 11th. We appreciate your support on behalf of Ireland.