The following article is from the Boston Irish Reporter [1], a monthly publication.

At a reception on June 18 at its Canton, Mass., campus, the Irish Cultural Centre of New England (ICC) was presented with an Irish Government Support for Irish Emigrants Programme grant of $350,000 by Irish Consul General David Barry.

The grant follows the board of directors' presentation of the Centre's five-year strategic plan to the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin.

The plan will bring the ICC closer to the founding member's original goal of becoming the center of Irish culture throughout New England.

This plan also details how the Centre will continue to be an umbrella organization in supporting other organizations as they continue to promote their specific areas of Irish culture.

One way the ICC plans on accomplishing this is by providing its main campus for regional competition in various aspects of Irish culture.

In presenting the grant, Consul General Barry recognized not only the vision for the future, which will help to strengthen ties between Ireland and New England, but also the many accomplishments of the past:

"I congratulate the board of directors on their plans and vision for the future as outlined in the strategic plan. In awarding this grant, I also hope to recognize the energetic volunteers over the last 20 years who have brought the idea of an Irish Cultural Centre in New England to fruition. I want especially to recognize the Cultural Centre's president, Michael O'Connor, one of the original founders. People like Mike O'Connor, through determination and hard work, bring vision into reality. This is most evident by the impressive campus located outside of Boston. Ambassador Michael Collins and the director of the Irish Abroad Unit in the Department, Jim Carroll, were impressed on recent visits with what has been accomplished here."

Barry continued: "The Irish Cultural Centre has worked closely over many years with the Consulate and the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Minister Dermot Ahern, who is now the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, recognized that by this decision. The Consulate is keen to work closely with [the ICC] as it seeks to support and promote Irish culture throughout New England. The Irish Government is confident that this grant of $350,000 this year will help the [Centre] to continue to be a showcase of what is truly the best asset of Ireland, her people, heritage, and culture."

Said ICC President O'Connor of the announcement: "On behalf of the board of directors, and more importantly, our members and volunteers, we are honored to be recognized for our sustained efforts. This grant truly honors the sacrifices of so many people that worked hard to make this idea of an Irish Cultural Centre a reality. This grant will take [the ICC] one step closer to the vision that was laid years ago." "

Source: BostonIrish.com [2]

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