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Mar 14, 2009 11:55 pm US/Eastern
Rooney Attends Pgh. American Ireland Fund Dinner
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) ―
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Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney (File)
KDKA
Pittsburgh's favorite Irishman, Steelers Chairman Dan Rooney, was at Heinz Field today for the annual Pittsburgh American Ireland Fund Dinner Gala.
With St. Patrick's Day approaching, the American Ireland Fund honored UPMC for bringing hospitals and cancer centers to Ireland. Rooney cofounded the fund more than 30 years ago.
"Our goal with the Ireland Fund is peace, and we've done everything we can," said Rooney. "We started in 1976 and we've been working for peace all that time."
The efforts of the fund are winning high praise locally and around the world.
"It speaks to the strong faith of Pittsburghers of all different denominations," said Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik. "Second of all, it shows the importance of Pittsburgh leaders coming together to really work together to make this the wonderful community it is."
A total of 800 people were in attendance at Saturday night's green tie and tux affair.
But overshadowing the big party were rumors about the future of Rooney, and whether his efforts with the fund could land him the job of Ambassador to Ireland. Rooney was not commenting on that at the gala.
The rumors have been fueled by Rooney's close relationship with President Barack Obama.
Gala attendees said they believe Rooney would made a wonderful ambassador.
"An ambassador is somebody who can present to the country that he's going to - the goodwill and the relations of this country," said Pa. Attorney General Tom Corbett. "I can't think of anybody else, but Mr. Rooney who could go back to Ireland and present that goodwill."
Rooney is set to visit Washington D.C on Monday where he will be honored by their branch of the American Ireland Fund.
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