The Rev. Jack Wall said, “This dinner is not only a beautiful way for Irish-Americans to give back to Ireland in the work of peace and reconciliation, but to thank Ireland for all its contributions to the U. S. — particularly, its sons and daughters.” Photos by Erik Unger

 
It doesn’t take much for a bunch of Irish folks to enjoy a good party, but when you add an opportunity to honor one of their very own, merriment reigns.

So it was at the Four Seasons Hotel when the American Ireland Fund held its 24th fundraising dinner, honoring the Rev. Jack Wall, who was the beloved pastor of Old St. Pat’s for 24 years and is now president of the Catholic Church Extension Society.

Read Crain’s interview with the Rev. Wall

The evening began with cocktails until the Shannon Rovers Irish Bagpipe Band led the 350 guests to the ballroom, where Tom Meagher Jr., chairman of the Midwest Regional Advisory Board, welcomed all and introduced Catherine O’Connell, who sang the U.S. national anthem in English and Gaelic.

Guests enjoyed Irish salmon, filet mignon and soda bread pudding before Nora Daley Conroy presented a magnificent Waterford bowl to Rev. Wall, who received a standing ovation. A special gift was presented to the Hartigan family in memory of Bridget Hartigan Routh, who served as Midwest regional director of the fund.

Kieran McLoughlin is president of the fund, which raised more than $500,000 at Wednesday’s event.

A few usual supporters missed the party this year: Mayor Richard M. and Maggie Daley were in Turkey on Olympics business; and the Merchandise Mart’s Chris Kennedy was in New York with his mother, Ethel, and siblings to celebrate the renaming of the Triboro Bridge in honor of his late father, Robert F. Kennedy.

What's up this week

Dec. 3: AIDS Foundation of Chicago, World of Chocolate, Hilton Chicago, (312) 922-2322.

Dec. 4: Chicago Horticulture Society, All Aboard, at the Chicago Botanic Garden, (847) 835-6944.

Hot Ticket! Dec. 5: Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Spirit of St. Nicholas Ball, Hilton Chicago, (312) 655-7907.