MICHAEL CONNOLLY came to the UK from Ireland in the 1950’s to seek work; in 1959 Michael met Kathleen Toland and two years later they were married. Kathleen supported Michael in his business life, whilst fulfilling her duties as an elected representative on Luton Borough Council.

Michael went on to form a house building company, Connolly Homes, which grew, with his hard work and guidance plus Kathleen’s devoted support, into a substantial business in the ensuing 50 years.

In the 1970’s Michael formed a similar house building company in Belfast which has also grown into a thriving business due to its success in housing development in Northern Ireland.

Michael and Kathleen, through their experiences as young people in Ireland and later in their adult lives in England, were mindful of the difficulties faced by so many elderly people, particularly those who had come from the same economic background as themselves.

They often wished that they could give meaningful assistance to those in need; both in helping young people acquire new skills and qualifications and in facilitating care for the elderly.

THE FOUNDATION

In 1999 Kathleen died unexpectedly. Michael, in Kathleen’s memory, focused his energies and a substantial amount of revenue into creating the Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation, spurred on by the dreams and wishes that Kathleen and he had shared.

In keeping with their own lives together The Kathleen and Michael Connolly Foundation has two main objectives. To assist the elderly and the provision of funding for young people in education in Bedfordshire, and as an umbrella for the smaller Irish foundation.

The work carried out by the charity has expanded and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future.