March 29, 2022 Staff Report
The non-profit Irish American Partnership has secured golfer Pádraig Harrington as a patron of the organization.
Harrington, a three-time Major winner and former European Ryder Cup Captain, joined the Partnership at an event last week at the US Ambassador’s residence in Phoenix Park, Dublin. The reception was attended by 25 guests from academia, sports, business, and included staff and Board members of the Irish American Partnership.
The Partnership, which is based in Boston, was founded in the 1980s with the goal of galvanizing Irish American support for job creation, education and economic development in Ireland.
“The Partnership plays such a vital and unsung role in supporting young people in some of Ireland’s most underprivileged areas,” Harrington said.
“I have been so impressed with the Board and team and their tireless efforts to champion young people, and I’m proud to join them as a patron.”
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To mark Harrington’s patronage, the Partnership announced the launching of an Outdoor Play & Learning program for primary schools to purchase resources that enhance outdoor play and learning.
The program was launched in collaboration with the Department of Education and $250,000 is being allocated to the initiative. This program 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.
Ambassador Claire Cronin welcomed the news.
“The Partnership builds upon the vital connections between the United States and Ireland through targeted grassroots donations to empower Ireland’s young people, Cronin said.
Like Pádraig, I am delighted to see their impact across the island and thank them for their investment in the Outdoor Play & Learning initiative.”
For over thirty-five years the Partnership’s mission has been to invest in Ireland’s future—its youth. The Partnership has targeted its funding – more than $50 million raised – where it has the greatest impact, so that every child can have the resources they need to learn, and to grow.
Schools looking to apply for funding from the program can do so by clicking here.
Grants vary from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the school site and need.
Mary Sugrue, Chief Executive of the Partnership, also welcomed Harrington.
“It is incredibly exciting to have such a fantastic Irish sportsperson joining us as Patron. Pádraig will be a tremendous asset in our mission to inspire the next generation,” Sugrue said.
“As a Dublin native, he knows the impact the Partnership’s work has on the ground in schools and communities up and down the country. On behalf of everyone at the organization, I want to extend our sincere thanks to Pádraig.”
The Partnership is hosting a Business Leaders Breakfast in New York on April 7. The event will feature honoree Stan McCarthy, non-executive Chairman of Ryanair and former Chief Executive of Kerry Group.
For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
Watch Michael interview Irish American Partnership CEO Mary Sugrue last year below. Fast forward to 22:54
