The Flax Trust Annual Trustees/Board Dinner and Friends took place on Friday 31^st January at the Europa Hotel.

Special guest included Lynden Hughes-Jennet and Pat Murphy representing the British/Irish Intergovernmental Joint Secretariat, Collette Fitz Gerald Head of the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland, US Consul General Greg Burton and Gabrielle Moseley Counsellor for Political and Economic Affairs.

Sr Mary Turley welcomed guests and led a toast to four long time Board members who had sadly passed away during the past year – Sir George Quigley (Belfast), Dan O Callaghan (Dublin), Dr George Moore and Honourable Tom Foley (Washington DC).  All contributed a great deal to the work of the Flax Trust.  Their wisdom and friendship are greatly missed.

Rev Gary Donegan, Rector Holy Cross gave the Invocation.  John Patterson gave a snap shot of Flax Trust since its inception.  Professor Ken O’Neill spoke on the activities of the School of Social Enterprises in Ireland (SSEI).  Dr. Peter Smyth gave an overview of Flax Trust Classics.  Guests were treated to a recital by soprano Marcella Walsh.

Fr Myles Kavanagh addressed guests at the meals conclusion.