The Ireland Fund Unites Young People to Create a New Ireland

By Ashley Shantz

    

The Ireland Fund of Canada helps fund community-level projects in Ireland and Canada, such as The World's Largest and Longest St. Patrick's Day Lunch, coming up on March 9th. Striving for reconciliation and mutual understanding between Protestant and Catholic traditions, thousands of young Canadians from all backgrounds have already become part of a global network that shares the vision of a New Ireland. I chatted with Jane Noonan, the Executive Director of the Ireland Fund of Canada, to learn about the Fund’s biggest events and why the organization is close to her heart.

How long have you had a Canadian Chapter?

The Ireland Fund of Canada was started in 1978 by Hillary Weston – that makes us 34 years young!

Congrats – what an accomplishment! What do you believe is the most important part about The Ireland Fund of Canada?

We are committed to keeping Irish culture, education and history alive outside of Ireland and are passionate about funding programs in Ireland that help keep the peace and foster reconciliation.

What is your favourite part about the organization?

I love that we are able to support organizations where a small grant can make a big difference. I truly am in awe of the generosity and passion of the Irish diaspora - it is a wonderful group of people to work with.

Can you tell us about some of your annual events and how our readers can get tickets?

Our first annual event coming up this year is The World's Largest and Longest St. Patrick's Day Lunch. This year’s event will be held on Friday, March 9th. Now in its 29th year, we have expanded to St. John's (150 people), Ottawa (300 people) and Toronto (1400 people).

We’d love to have you spend this green celebration with some great Irish people. The easiest way to get tickets is on our website: http://www.theirelandfunds.org/upcoming-events/chapter.canada

Another great event is called Blas, which is the Irish word for flavour, taste and style. The event showcases Irish culture and art, and in 2011 we enjoyed performances by the Toronto Mendelssohn Choir, an Early Baroque Music Ensemble and poetry recitations by Rosemary Dunsmore. We were thrilled to have Sean McCann from Great Big Sea and his band The Committed close out the evening. The Blas event in 2012 will be held on Friday October 26, 2012.