Irish celebrate heritage at American Ireland gala

Honorees included Daniel Broderick IV, Russell Chapin, Ryan Lynch, Douglas W. Manchester, James Conor McDonald, Michael Mulvihill, Sean Neil, Michael O’Connor Reidy, Bennett Sexton and Erik Thornes.

Gerri and Brian Monaghan, local authors of “The Power of Two: Surviving Serious Illness With an Attitude & an Advocate,” the story of Brian’s successful battle against malignant melanoma, received The Robert A. MacNamara Literary & Arts Award.

The evening included a cocktail reception, live auction, dinner, dancing to Sensation Band, and an Irish sing-along. Special guest was songstress Annette Griffin from Ashford Castle in Ireland.

Proceeds will again support peace and reconciliation efforts in Northern Ireland, as well as Hogar Infantil La Gloria, an orphanage in Tijuana and a residential facility in Ireland.

The American Ireland Fund is at 7720 Ivanhoe, La Jolla. For more information, call (858) 212-6080 or e-mail bestburke@hotmail.com