What: The University of St. Thomas Irish Gala.
Where: The Houstonian Hotel.
The 411: Celebrating the 10th anniversary of UST's William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies, the gala honored the Rev. Harold Good, former president of the Methodist Church of Ireland, and his wife Clodagh Good, residents of Belfast, Northern Ireland, recognized for their efforts at working for peace around the world. Taking leadership roles in the evening were gala chairs Janet and Randy Gilmore and Laura and Rev. Charles Millikan and honorary chairs Cardinal Daniel DiNardo and Bishop Janice Riggle Huie of the Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church.
Entertainment featured traditional Irish music by the Flying Fish Sailors and a performance by Celtic balladeers Danny O’Flaherty and Noel Nash. After the program, the balladeers led the gathering of 375 in an Irish sing-along. The evening raised $242,000 for the academic program and an additional $55,000 for scholarships and student support.
Who: UST president Bob Ivany and wife Marianne; Consul General of Ireland Aidan Cronin in from Chicago; the Rev. Bill Shaw, director of the 174 Trust in Belfast, Northern Ireland; William J. Flynn, namesake of the UST Center for Irish Studies, in from New York; and numerous clergy members including Bishop Joseph Fiorenza and the Rev. Martin Nicholas of the Sugar Land First United Methodist Church
The Rev. Charles Millikan and Laura Millikan, left, with Janet and Randy Gilmore at the University of St. Thomas Irish Gala.
