A Reception to Honor

An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern

April 30, 2008 at the St. Regis Hotel

 

 

Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern made his last appearance at a Joint Session of Congress on April 30, 2008.  In honor of his visit, The American Ireland Fund hosted a private reception at the newly restored St. Regis Hotel that evening.

 

Guests included members of the American Ireland Fund and Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley.

 

 

A striking ice sculpture was the centerpiece of the reception.  The Irish flag was on one side and the American flag was on the reverse.

 

 

Kieran McLoughlin, President of The American Ireland Fund, was on hand to greet guests, one of whom matched the ceremony of the day with a green tie.

 

 

Kingsley Aikens, President of The Worldwide Ireland Funds in deep conversation with a guest at the reception.

 

 

Guests greet Prime Minister Bertie Ahern (center).  Irish Ambassador Michael Collins is on the far left and Loretta Brennan-Glucksman with the American Ireland Fund is to the right of the prime minister.

 

 

The Prime Minister greets guests before he enters the reception.

 

 

Prime Minister Ahern regales the crowd with tales from Ireland.

 

 

Mr. Ahern speaking to the crowd.

 

 

Mr. Ahern greeting guests at the reception.

 

 

Governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley with Loretta Brennan-Glucksman, Kieran McLoughlin and Kingsley Aikins.