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GIFT 2023 COMMENTS 

What a great event Patrick. Inspiring to see American football played on the Old Sod! Appreciate you including us in the event, loved being there, thanks for providing high schoolers withthis experience.
Dan Rooney,
Pittsburgh Steelers

Patrick,
To the lives you touch and the memories you create are second to none.
A privilege to call you ‘a friend’…
Anything I can do to help let me know
..
Rock (Rocky Bleier)

Patrick, I am indebted to you for including me in the “official party” of G.I.F.T. 2023. The entire experience was truly a GIFT to all involved. Your mission of “making better global citizens” is making a better world!My favorite moment: At Thursday’s pep rally, one of the team captains of the “hometown” team, the AFI Jr. Wolfhounds, grabbed the mic and said to the four visiting teams from the U.S., “You guys grow up with ‘Friday Night Lights’. You get to live it. We don’t … so thanks for bringing it to Ireland and including us. Let’s play some football!” The AMBASSADORSHIP that you’ve created was flowing in both directions and it’s making this world a better place. THANK YOU!
Rear Admiral Bill Byrne 
United States Navy (Retired) 

Patrick, I hope this note finds you in the best of spirits. I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the incredible experience we all had in Dublin. The sense of accomplishment that we collectively achieved is truly remarkable and will forever be etched in the memory of all participants, especially the high school athletes. Your dedication, along with the efforts of the entire GIFT team, has truly made the Bonner/Prendergast experience one for the books. The impact of these memorable moments will undoubtedly resonate with all the student-athletes, leaving an indelible mark on their lives. GIFT, under your leadership, has proven to be a true “gift” not only to all the participants but to the entire island nation. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who played a role in making this endeavor such a resounding success. It takes a village to accomplish something of this magnitude, and each person’s contribution is deeply appreciated.I was particularly moved by the message delivered by Admiral Bill Byrne. His words resonated deeply. It’s a small world, in speaking with Admiral Byrne I discovered he worked with a close friend of mine, Navy Admiral Tom Lynch. Admiral Lynch was the capital of the fabled 1963 Navy team with Roger Staubach.I am more than happy to offer any input to a fellow 69er/Kilimanjaro enthusiast.Once again, Patrick, thank you for your remarkable leadership and for being the driving force behind GIFT and our unforgettable journey. With the utmost appreciation –KILELENI- to the Summit! Jim Delaney
Peace and All Good ☩

Patrick and all,
Thank you again for a wonderful opportunity and experience for our school, coaches and players. Our community has been raving about it. Let us know how we can help you promote the experience for others!
Erik Kimrey,
Baylor School Head Coach

Patrick,
Can’t thank you enough for everything you and your staff did to make our teams trip such success.
I’m very proud of the way that my guys handled themselves and also on taking on an NFL Academy team that we really knew nothing about..
Good to take a bye week but we are back to practice and planning for our next game… but we will never forget our trip to Dublin!
Kileleni!
Jack Muldoon,
Head Football CoachBonner & Prendie Catholic School

Morning guys,
Thank you so much for everything last week, it was incredible to meet you all. My family & myself were a little overwhelmed with all the praise you guys gave my father & it meant a huge amount to us all. Thanks again for everything to each one of you & look forward to seeing you all again. The GIFT merchandise / The Brian Mullins Ambassador Award & the coin from Admiral Byrne are all now new additions to the decor in our home. Thank you so much,
Nathan Mullins & family 

Patrick, I was one of the game officials for this year’s G.I.F.T. and wanted to drop you a note of appreciation for allowing me the opportunity to take part in such a great event. The organization was first-rate and we all enjoyed ourselves immensely. I enjoyed meeting you and the other G.I.F.T. staff. I have attached a photo from after the final game. Priceless memory!
I would be very interested in helping out your organization in the future in some capacity as I am now retired and very much enjoy international travel. If I can be of assistance, please contact me.
Boyd Marquardt