Irish Prime Minister Honors Ninth Class of Mitchell Scholars

Photo Gallery

Taoiseach Brian Cowen was the guest of honor at a reception celebrating the 2009 class of George J. Mitchell Scholars, held at the American Ambassador’s residence in Dublin last night. The Scholars are concluding their year as postgraduates on the island.

In his remarks to the Scholars and the guests in attendance, the Taoiseach recognized the changing nature of the US-Ireland relationship. He praised the Mitchell Scholarship program and restated the Government’s commitment to contributing to the program, which has, to date, been disproportionately funded by the US Government.

Trina Vargo, president of the US Ireland Alliance said that US-Ireland relations are at a pivotal moment in history and that drastic measures are required to solidify its future. Vargo reminded the audience that, despite the current global crisis, Ireland is one of the wealthy nations of the world. She said that despite the economic downturn, it is essential that Ireland not lose sight of the long term objectives and that the future of the US-Ireland relationship, if there is to be one, will be built on arts, culture, business and education.

Mitchell Scholarship Director Mary Lou Hartman, and the Taoiseach, presented the Scholars with their class rings, an annual gift from Cross Atlantic Capital Partners. Among the 100 guests in attendance were Ambassador Dan Fried, the US Special Envoy for Guantanamo Closure; US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Rob Faucher; advisor to the Taoiseach Martin Fraser; NUI Maynooth president John Hughes; Abbey Theater director Fiach Mac Conghail; Alliance Board member and Cross Atlantic Capital Partners founder Gerry McCrory; Alburn founder Noel and Anne Marie Smyth; artist Charlie Whisker and author Julia Kelly.

The reception capped a week of activities for the Scholars, which began in Limerick with a visit to Glenstal Abbey. The Abbot of the Abbey, Mark Patrick Hederman, welcomed the Scholars and gave them a tour of the underground chapel devoted to antique icons. Brother Anthony shared a detailed history of the Abbey grounds, which was followed by afternoon tea with a number of Glenstal monks. That evening, the Scholars visited the home of renowned Irish musician Micheal O Suilleabhain and his sons and fellow musicians Eoin and Micheal. Mitchell Scholar Katie Boyle played the guitar and sang a song; Adam Tart performed “Classical Gas” on the guitar, and Tyler Dillard wowed the audience with a Beethoven piano concerto. The Scholars then traveled to Kenmare to stay at Parknasilla. While there, the Scholars went horseback riding, took guided walks along the coast, and dined in Kenmare.