A New Jersey attorney participated in a triathlon on Saturday to raise funds for Irish-medium education in Northern Ireland. Mike Breen, a veteran Irish American advocate, completed the Supertri New Jersey Triathlon on 19 July.

Mr Breen founded the charity Mary’s Gift 16 years ago to provide assistance to struggling Gaelscoileanna across the north. He is a recipient of the Belfast Ambassador Medal, a frequent visitor to the city, and is currently learning the Irish language.

He stated that the remarkable expansion of Irish immersion schooling has had a positive and transformative effect on many communities and thousands of children throughout the north of Ireland. Through this triathlon, he aimed to mobilise the Irish American community behind the cause.

Donations to Mary’s Gift are being accepted online. Mr Breen emphasised that his fundraising campaign is directed primarily at Irish America, noting that the community had previously stepped up for Northern Ireland and he expects a similarly enthusiastic response to this appeal.