Indianapolis:  24 April 2023:  The Ireland Funds has today announced that it has entered into a brand ambassador partnership with talented Irish racing driver James Roe, who is competing in the United States this year in the INDY NXT™ by Firestone championship. This is an exciting development and opportunity to shine a global light on the philanthropic work of The Ireland Funds.

A native of Naas, Co. Kildare, Roe left home aged eighteen with a goal of reaching the pinnacle of American motorsport racing – the NTT INDYCAR® SERIES – and being the first Irishman in decades to run the prestigious Indianapolis 500. On his motorsport journey, the ambitious driver has recorded numerous wins, pole positions, and podium finishes across every series he’s competed in to-date.

In January, Andretti Autosport and Roe announced that the 24-year-old would join the world-renowned team for the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone season – the final developmental step before the NTT INDYCAR SERIES – at the helm of the No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara.

James Roe, Driver, No. 29 Topcon Andretti Autosport Dallara: “I am very proud to have the opportunity to work with The Ireland Funds and highlight the incredible difference the organisation is making across the island of Ireland to millions of INDYCAR fans globally. I’m excited to use my unique platform to give back and shine a light on the powerful workThe Ireland Funds is doing across Ireland and among Irish communities worldwide.”

Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO, The Ireland Funds said: “We are thrilled to partner with James Roe at this exciting time in his career. The Ireland Funds has always been a way for the diaspora to connect and do great things for Ireland and we are grateful for the opportunity to work together to promote the work of The Ireland Funds across the United States and beyond. It is a fantastic partnership for The Ireland Funds and we wish James every success for the season ahead.”

There are fourteen fixtures in the 2023 INDY NXT by Firestone calendar with races including St. Petersburg, Detroit, Nashville, Indianapolis, Monterey, and Portland.  Roe will be back in action with The Ireland Funds displayed on his car livery on 30th April at the Indy NXT by Firestone Grand Prix of Alabama.

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Issued on behalf of The Ireland Funds by Heneghan

Inquiries

Nigel Heneghan – nigel@heneghan.ie – + 353 86 258 7206

Colm Kearns – colm@heneghan.ie + 363 86 870 1711

About The Ireland Funds

The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network established in 1976 to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland, and Irish-related causes around the world. It has benefited the work of thousands of different organisations, with both financial and non-financial support. Today, The Ireland Funds is one of the largest independent grant makers for the non-profit sector in Ireland.