On December 7th, 2023, several members of the Foundation had the pleasure of attending a delightful Christmas Party hosted by the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) at La Maison Louis Joseph Forget on Sherbrooke St. West.

The distinguished guest of honor at this event was His Excellency, Eamonn McKee, the current Irish Ambassador to Canada. During his inspiring speech, Ambassador McKee acknowledged the significance of our efforts to create a beautiful memorial space around the Black Rock.

And then we were all thrilled, when he also formally announced that the Government of Ireland is making an initial contribution of $200,000 (Canadian) for the project’s startup planning phase.

This generous donation will undoubtedly play a crucial role as we advance in the planning stages for the memorial site.

In the photo captured after the announcement, from left to right, are Scott Phelan, Board member and Chair of our Finance & Fundraising Committee; Ambassador Eamonn McKee; and Fergus Keyes, Chairman of the Montreal Irish Monument Park Foundation.

Although not pictured, Vivian Doyle-Kelly, a Board Member of the Foundation and a member of the ICCC, was also on-hand to hear this great announcement

(Photo credit to Ivan Presser)