Executive Director, Teresa Keating, started proceedings by welcoming guests and giving a special toast to Former Board Member, Dr Tom Moore.

It was great to see so many familiar faces and welcome new friends to our community. We are incredibly thankful to our Table Captains – your support was instrumental in gathering such an enthusiastic crowd which made for an incredible atmosphere of excitement throughout the lunch.

We also thank our Board Members whose generosity and dedication continue to shape the impact of the Ireland Funds across Australia and the success of this event is a testament to your hard work and vision.

Chair Yvonne Le Bas gave an update on the work of the Ireland Funds and shared a special moment captured at the Ireland Funds 50^th celebration in June of Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland. When asked what action she would like people to take, spoke about hope, and if we all do what we can do, no matter how small, it can make a difference!

Peter Psaltis, Channel 9 Commentator, was wonderful as MC and we thoroughly enjoyed hearing from special guest, Stephen Moore AM – former Wallabies Captain. We were thrilled to have Trevor Watts MP attend and speak at the lunch also.

Not only did we enjoy connecting with one another, but the day was filled with palpable goodwill and a shared commitment to philanthropy with vital funds raised for the projects we support in Ireland and the Irish and Indigenous communities here in Australia.

Thank you to everyone who bid in our Live and Silent auctions for your generous support and our auctioneer on the day – Evan Bancroft of Ray White.

We also sincerely thank our wonderful major sponsors including Alloggio, Glen Dimplex, Charles Curran AC, Coolmore and Miriam Innes – we cannot do this important work without you. Your continued partnership ensures we continue supporting initiatives in education, community development and peace & reconciliation.

We truly appreciate everyone’s support. It is because of your generosity that we can continue making a difference in the lives of those in need.