The Irish Pastoral Centre held their Annual Fundraising Banquet on Saturday, November 15. Nearly 400 people attended the event which took place in Florian Hall, Dorchester. On the night Corporate Counsel for the City of Boston, Eugene O’Flaherty was honored with the first Community Award, for his exemplary leadership, his selfless acts of time and dedication and his outstanding work ethic which has driven his community and our organization to a level that has prospered. Mr. O’Flaherty then spoke of the personal ties he has to the Irish Pastoral Centre and namely Fr. John McCarthy.

The Guest of Honor on the night was GAA legend, Tyrone manager Mickey Harte, who kept the crowd enraptured with a powerful speech on "the four F’s" - football, faith, family and fun. Kevin Doherty was our auctioneer extraordinaire for the Live Auction which garnered lots of laughs and lots of bids, particularly the three items kindly donated by Guest of Honor, Mickey Harte. Music on the night was provided by Kevin Doherty and friends who kept the crowd on the dance floor until the small hours. We would also like to congratulate the winners of our raffle; 1st prize went to Owen Butts, 2nd prize went to Marjie Joyce and 3rd prize was won by Kevin Conroy.

Thanks to Kevin Doherty, emcee for the night John Cunningham, Mickey Harte, Eugene O’Flaherty, the Board, Staff and Volunteers of the IPC, the hall decorator, all the generous sponsors and donors and the Banquet Committee who organized a fantastic event.