We enjoyed a fabulous afternoon on Sunday 17th November for our annual Sydney Garden Party which was held this year at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. Entering through the Walk of Honour, guests were greeted with Moet and Canapes from Merivale and creamy Guinness overlooking the famous Sydney Cricket Ground Pitch. As we connected with old and new friends, the Noble Dining Room was buzzing.
Our Executive Director Teresa Keating welcomed all our guests and introduced our MC for the day – the fabulous Catherine Murphy, Director and ABC Sports Reporter who welcomed to stage Kyhnan Samuelsson, an AIEF Scholarship recipient, for the Acknowledgement of Country.
We were then officially welcomed by our Treasurer Patrick Tuttle who acknowledged guests with a special mention to H.E. Tim Mawe, Ambassador of Ireland to Australia and Consul General Rosie Keane, Dr Stanley Quek, Chair of the Ireland Funds of Singapore and major supporter, Former Chairs Charles Curran AC and John O’Neill AO, Patrick and
Angela Gallagher, Laing O’Rourke, The Inagh Foundation, fellow Board Members Dr Tom Moore, Ray Wilson, David Woodward, John Gallager, Catherine Murphy and the retirement of Ted Johnson and Frank Curran after over 20 years of service. He also welcomed Special Guests Ronan Keating and his wife Storm and all our Table Captains.
We enjoyed entertainment by superstar Irish performer Bobby Fox and heard from John O’Neill AO who gave a moving tribute to our late co-founder of the Ireland Funds, Sir Anthony O’Reilly. What a Life! What a Legacy! We are very proud to carry on the work he started.
Our Live Auction was filled with excitement and fun with hotly contested bidding! We thank our very generous sponsors Coolmore Australia, Alloggio, Glen Dimplex, Capital Investment Group, The Merrion Dublin, Castlemartyr Resort, Sheen Falls Lodge, Trinity Townhouse Dublin and Australian Radio Network and our Auctioneer John Higgins of MyPlace Estate Agents. We then drew our raffle prize which was a fabulous 7 night stay at Club Med Kani in the Maldives for 2 Adults & 2 Kids – Thank you Club Med for your very generous support.
With wonderful food from Merivale had and formalities over, guests enjoyed more entertainment from Bobby Fox and DJ Karla for the remainder of the afternoon whilst sipping Irish Coffees and Baileys thanks to Diageo. An incredible day was had and we were so thankful to be joined by so many friends to enjoy and connect all whilst giving back to people who need some help and encouragement.
