IAUC Announces Fundraising Effort; Calls on Irish America for Financial Support for The Pat Finucane Fund

August 11, 2008–The Irish American Unity Conference today announced that it will be organizing a fundraising effort through its website to support the 20th anniversary tribute to Pat Finucane planned by the Finucane family for February 2009 in Dublin. Donations in any amount and statements of support may be made through the website at www.iauc.org/finucanefund. All funds raised will go directly to the Pat Finucane Fund, and donors may contribute as individuals or using any organizational affiliation.

IAUC National President Kate McCabe met with Seamus Finucane in Belfast earlier this year to discuss ways that Irish America could continue to support the Finucanes in their effort to secure an independent, international, public inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Pat’s 1989 murder.

“Though we were pleased to participate in the passage of the 2007 Congressional Resolution in support of an independent inquiry, we recognize that the British government remains as intransigent as ever. I met with Seamus to discuss other ways we might continue to highlight the Finucane case, because Irish Americans are committed to seeing this effort through to the very end,” McCabe said.

“February’s event will be a tremendous opportunity not only to highlight the unresolved issue of the Finucane inquiry, but also to commemorate the life and legacy of a man who continues to inspire people to continue to fight for human rights and social justice around the world,” McCabe said. “The IAUC is excited to work with the Finucane family to raise money and build support in the United States for this important event.”

John Finucane, Pat and Geraldine’s youngest son, said, “For 20 years we have fought to expose the truth surrounding not just my father’s death, but the extent to which the British State was involved in the murder of 100s, perhaps 1000s, of individuals. Our search for the truth would not have been possible except for the enormous support from many groups and individuals around the world, most notably in America.

“Next February my family is holding an international event in Dublin to pay tribute to my father’s legal work representing and fighting for human rights. We plan to celebrate his innovative and courageous use of the law, and also to highlight the British government’s continued refusal to admit its role in his killing.

“We again ask for your support to help us stage this event, and would be grateful if you could contribute whatever you can to The Pat Finucane Fund. On behalf of my family we wish all of our supporters our most sincere thanks and gratitude for your continuing support,” said Finucane.

John Finucane will be a featured speaker at the IAUC’s 25th anniversary conference to be held this October 3-5 in Walnut Creek, California. Finucane will discuss ongoing efforts to secure an independent, public inquiry, and will highlight his family’s efforts to organize an international commemorative event in celebration of his father’s life and legacy. October’s IAUC conference is open to the public; non-members are encouraged to attend.

McCabe noted, “This is the first time that the Finucanes have ever asked for financial support in their almost 20 year struggle to expose the truth. Each and every donation, no matter how small, will have an impact on the success of the commemoration. Let’s work together to send a message to the British government, and to the world, that the Finucane case continues to be a priority for Irish Americans by contributing to the Pat Finucane Fund.”