Washington Ireland Program

With sadness, we announce the news of Jim Gray's passing, a longstanding member of our host family community. Ben English, WIP Board Member, who stayed with Jim in 2012, shares his reflections in Jim's memory. WIP sends sympathies to Jim's family & friends at this difficult time.

Today NIHRC staff met with students from the Washington Ireland Academy. The Academy is an 8-week leadership development programme for young people aged 18 to 25 involved in community work on a voluntary or professional basis who are dedicated to peace, reconciliation, and cooperation. The Commission is delighted to be a Work Placement Project Partner for the 2026 Academy.

WIP welcomes all Alums to celebrate Thanksgiving this Thursday evening at Custom House Belfast. Sign up for the annual celebration and to connect with others in the WIP community here: forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/response…

Requiem Mass will be celebrated for Maureen on Saturday, 22 November at 10am in St Ann Church, 5300 10th St N, Arlington, VA 22205. The mass will also be available to watch online.

Maureen epitomised the spirit and values of WIP, service, leadership, generosity, and a belief in the potential of young people. Her impact on the community is immeasurable. We are grateful for all she gave to WIP, and she will be remembered with great affection by our community.

It is with great sadness that we announce that Maureen Donnelly passed away on Thursday evening. Maureen was a cherished member of the Washington Ireland Program community and a long-standing host parent to countless WIP students over many years.

Everyone at WIP will miss Jim dearly and we send our deepest sympathies to Ann, Sammi and Shannon.

This is a testament to the special bond the Burkes shared with many of their students. It was a joy to have Jim and Ann with us at WIP’s 30th Anniversary celebrations in Belfast and Dublin last year. Catching up with former students was clearly the highlight of their trip.

It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Jim Burke on Saturday, 18 October 2025. Jim and his wife Ann are one of WIP’s longest-serving host families, and Jim is the father of WIP Director of Operations, Sammi Burke.