Ireland: A Country of Deep-Rooted Connections - How we can copperfasten our position as a truly ‘civic-minded society’ in the midst of a challenging global environment
Mary O’Kennedy
OKC Managing Director
Over the past month, I have had the privilege of attending a number of in-person gatherings that left me feeling optimistic for Ireland’s future. There’s no question that we are operating in a world marked by geopolitical uncertainty, growing social fragmentation and the accelerating impact of technology, particularly AI, which is reshaping how we work, connect and communicate with each other. However, despite all this, these events left me with a strong sense of hope for Ireland and what one small country can achieve when we come together.
These events were all very different in nature and focus. The Ireland Funds celebrating 50 years of philanthropic impact in Dublin; a two-day EUConsult study visit in Brussels focused on what is at stake for civil society; TASC’s annual Friends and Supporters dinner; and an uplifting evening at the British Embassy residence reflecting on cultural and civic connections between Ireland and the UK.
More than anything, what struck me from each occasion was how we showcase Ireland and its people at our very best - open, warm, curious, connected, and instinctively comfortable in conversations - listening to each other and learning how to shape a positive future together. In a world increasingly shaped by technology, we can easily overlook the incomparable power of personal connections and free-flowing conversations - happening in real rather than virtual rooms!
What stood out most was the quality of conversation that emerged. No AI could have generated those conversations, replicated the trust built in the informal moments before or after a session, or recreated the energy of people trying, together, to make sense of complex challenges we face today. This month really reminded me that while technology can support us in many ways, it cannot replace authentic human connection.
At OKC, we often say that friend-raising comes before fundraising. It's a simple idea, but one that feels increasingly relevant. Before people invest in a cause, they need to understand the cause and build relationships. And to enable meaningful relationships , trust has to be built. And before impact can be achieved, people need opportunities to come together, exchange ideas and understand one another's perspectives. That philosophy was visible at every event I attended over the past month.
What also struck me was how naturally this way of working sits within Ireland’s civic identity. We often hear people comment that although Ireland is a relatively small country in terms of our size, we have an extraordinary ability to punch above our weight internationally, it’s the ‘small but mighty’ adage - and I think a lot of this is down to how we connect. We don’t need to be the biggest or loudest voice, we need to be relational, welcoming and collaborative. There is a warmth in how we engage, a generosity in how we listen and a cultural instinct to bring people together rather than keep them apart. Our culture has always placed enormous value on conversation, storytelling, creativity and connection. These qualities continue to shape how Ireland is viewed around the world and are, I believe, some of our greatest competitive advantages.
Our diaspora is perhaps the best example of this. Across generations and continents, Irish people have maintained deep connections with home, creating an extraordinary global network that continues to influence philanthropy, business, diplomacy, education and culture. Those relationships have become one of Ireland's greatest strengths.
The Ireland Funds, now celebrating their 50th anniversary, embody this perfectly. What began as a response to a moment in Ireland's history has become a remarkable global movement built on generosity, shared identity and long-term commitment. During the celebrations in Dublin, attendees were reminded not only of the impact that has been achieved over five decades, but of the friendships and relationships that have sustained that impact. The announcement of the new partnership between U2, The Ireland Funds and Government to support Music Generation Ireland was an inspiring example of what becomes possible when philanthropy, government and culture come together around a shared vision. Speaking in a recent interview, Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO of the Ireland Funds said “Are there issues? Of course, there are. But there’s something truly magical about how people feel about Ireland.”And it’s this deep affection and commitment that can be translated into long-lasting social impact.
I have seen that same spirit reflected elsewhere too. As Chair of EUConsult, our recent study visit to Brussels focused on the question: What is at stake for civil society? Conversations with colleagues from across Europe reinforced the importance of strong civic institutions, but they also reinforced something equally important - that relationships between people remain at the heart of effective civil society. No policy or piece of legislation can replace trust, collaboration and mutual understanding. As Ireland prepares to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, I believe we have a real opportunity to showcase what makes our country distinctive. Absolutely, we should celebrate our innovation, our enterprise and our economic success. But perhaps even more importantly, we should celebrate our civic culture.
Inspiring conversation also flowed at a recent TASC dinner, as this year they celebrate 25 years of translating research into practical action to sustain democracy and reduce inequality. Guests from across business, philanthropy and civil society explored many of the same themes from a different perspective, asking how we create a more equal, inclusive and sustainable Ireland.
And in the beautiful surroundings of the British Embassy residence at Glencairn, the inspiring British Ambassador to Ireland, Kara Owen, (who seamlessly swapped between Irish and English as she addressed guests), reminded us of the enduring cultural connections between Ireland and the UK, and how culture continues to build bridges even when politics can sometimes create barriers.
Again and again, I found myself returning to the same conclusion. When government, business, philanthropy and civil society come together with a shared purpose, extraordinary things become possible. That is something Ireland does exceptionally well.
We are already seeing this reflected in Ireland’s evolving civic infrastructure. The implementation of the National Philanthropy Policy, alongside the work of organisations such as Philanthropy Ireland, Community Foundation Ireland, Rethink Ireland, The Ireland Funds, corporate foundations, socially-conscious business leaders and family philanthropies, reflects a growing commitment to collaboration and shared purpose across the ecosystem.
Of course, none of these organisations can solve our challenges alone - our future depends on partnership. We are a society that values connection as much as competition, that sees culture as something that binds us, and that understands the importance of bringing different sectors and diverse voices and perspectives into the same room to work through shared challenges.
And perhaps, in a world that often feels increasingly divided, Ireland can be a small but important beacon of hope - a reminder of what collaborative impact can achieve when it is grounded in trust, relationships and shared humanity.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead famously wrote: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - so let Ireland and its people be that group!
That idea feels particularly relevant right now, because over the past month, I have met so many of those thoughtful, committed people - all working, in different ways, towards the same goal: building a better Ireland. An Ireland that is the best place to live, to work, to innovate, to create, to be well, and indeed, to be cared for when we are not.
At OKC, this is why we do what we do. We are passionate about connecting great people to great causes to enable great impact. Every day, we have the privilege of bringing together individuals and organisations who share a common purpose. And in a world increasingly shaped by technology, we are more convinced than ever that the most meaningful change still happens between people - in conversation and in shared purpose.
Technology will continue to evolve, and we should embrace the opportunities it presents. But I hope Ireland never loses what has always made it so special - our warmth, our generosity, our culture, our curiosity, our willingness to welcome others and our instinct to come together.