Master of Ceremonies Alderman Ed Burke, featured speaker Irish Minister Batt O’Keeffe TD, Irish Consul General Martin Rouine, Patrick Thompson of the Host Committee and British Consul General James Clark.

Host Committee Member Patrick Thompson presents an engraved Waterford Crystal gavel to Alderman Ed Burke for his dedication and support of The Irish American Partnership.

2008 CHICAGO ST. PATRICK’S DAY CELEBRATION

Union League Club of Chicago Friday, March 14, 2008

THE IRISH AMERICAN

PARTNERSHIP

The Cork Delegation, led by Mayor of Cork Tom Sheahan (third right), with Minister Batt O’Keeffe TD.

The Irish American Partnership’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast Celebration was held on Friday, March 14 at the elegant Union League Club of Chicago. The Republic of Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal & Developing Areas Batt O’Keeffe TD, gave a presentation on the current status of Ireland’s economy, the significant progress in Northern Ireland and the continued important role of Irish America.

Master of Ceremonies Alderman Ed Burke introduced Fr. Jack Clair for the invocation, Patrick Thompson who spoke on behalf of the Host Committee, Mary Sugrue McAleer who thanked guests for their support of the Partnership’s efforts, and Bishop Francis Kane for the closing prayer.

Many thanks to all who attended.

THE IRISH AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP 33 Broad Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02109 · 800-722-3893 · fax 617-723-5478 · www.IrishAP.org

The magnificent Union League Club dining room.

Bill Gainer of the Host Committee with Minister Batt O’Keeffe and his wife Mary O’Keeffe.

Union League Club of Chicago Friday, March 14, 2008

Host Committee Member Chris Kozicki with Fr. Sean O’Sullivan and Fr. Jim Gartland.

Judge Anne Burke, Irish Consul General Martin Rouine, John Griffin and Frank Mahon.

Patrick Thompson addressing Partnership guests.

Fr. Jack Clair making the morning’s invocation.

Breakfast Host Committee Member Jim Durkan and his guests.

Minister Batt O’Keeffe and Alderman Ed Burke with Chicago Su-perintendent of Police Jody P. Weis.

Union League Club of Chicago Friday, March 14, 2008

President of the Irish Fellowship Club Tom Allen, Tom Kiley, Host Committee Members Frank Harmon, Gene Callahan and Brian Hickey.

Republic of Ireland Minister for Housing, Urban Renewal & De-veloping Areas Batt O’Keeffe TD, reporting from Ireland.

Jack Hartman and Host Committee Member Kevin Conlon with guests.

Host Committee Member and Chair of the Board of the Irish Fellowship Club Kathy Taylor with Committee Member John Hartigan.

Alderman Ed Burke with Judge Mary Jane Theis and son, Jack Theis.

Many thanks for joining us March 14. We look forward to another festive morning next year!