The 32^nd Flax Trust/America New York Luncheon took place on Wednesday, October 12^th 2022 at The Links Club.

12 noon Cocktail Reception/music

Tom O’Brien Chairman, President & CEO Sterling Bancorp/Director Flax Trust America chaired the Luncheon

Tom O’Brien welcomed guests and invited Rev. Fr. Robert M. Dunn to give the invocation.

Tom O’Brien invited brief reports – on screen from Fr Myles Kavanagh C.P. Founder / Chair Flax Trust Belfast and Elaine Burns Chair ABC Health & Leisure Trust, Belfast.  Robert Reilly, Fordham Law School, Report – UCIT/Community Finance Group Ireland.  Patrick Grace, President & CEO Grace Institute Foundation, Report – School for Social Enterprises in Ireland (SSEI)

Tom O’Brien introduced honoree John Coleman, President, Friendly Sons of St Patrick in the City of New York.  Sr. Mary Turley presented The Flax Trust Award. 

Tom O’Brien invited Brian McCabe former President American Irish Historical Society to introduce honoree Sophie Colgan, Programme Director, The Ireland – U.S. Counsel.  Sr. Mary Turley presented The Flax Trust Award.

Tom O’Brien invited Alison Metcalfe Exc. President Nr America, Australia, New Zealand, Tourism Ireland/on screen to introduce Bill Byrne, Sr. VP Global Sales, USA accepting on behalf of Aer Lingus.  Sr. Mary Turley presented The Flax Trust Award.

Tom O’Brien invited remarks from: –

– Helena Nolan, Consul General of Ireland

– Hannah Young, Deputy British Consul General

– Andrew Elliott, Director/Counsellor Northern Ireland Bureau

Sr Mary Turley thanked bursary sponsors and guests.

1.50 p.m. Tom O’Brien drew the proceedings to a close.

2.00 p.m. Programme ended.

 

Gerard Crotty Chair Weichert Enterprise 2021honouree, Bill Byrne Senior Vice President Global Sales U.S.A. accepting award on behalf of Aer Lingus, Tom O’Brien Luncheon chair / Director Flax Trust/America, Helena Nolan Irish Consul General New York, Honouree John Coleman President Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, New York, Andrew Elliott, Director/Counsellor, NI Bureau, Honouree Sophie Colgan Program Director The Ireland US Council, Laura Hickey Deputy British Consul, Shawn Griffin, Partner Harris Beach PLLC, Director Flax Trust/America, Sr Mary Turley Director Flax Trust.