An Irish Christmas in July
21st July 2016
On July 21st 2016 over 100 Sydney Young Leaders donned their most festive jumpers, reindeer antlers and Santa hats to celebrate a very merry Christmas in July Irish-style at the Magners’ Rooftop Bar in Jackson’s on George. It was the second time that the Sydney Young Leaders’ Committee organised a Christmas in July event, which raised over $5,000 for the Australian Ireland Fund’s flagship charities, Soar, Solas, Suas and The Australian Indigenous Education Foundation.
The informal, social gathering saw guests treated to a glass of festive cheer on arrival, as well as an array of canapés, courtesy of Gallagher Hotels, who also provided the venue.
Young Leader Donna Cluer (née Campbell) spoke on the night, introducing Kieran McLoughlin, CEO of the worldwide Ireland Funds, and event sponsor Kevin Sinnott, Managing Director of Sonder Consultants to address the crowd. Donna also pointed out Teresa Keating, Executive Director of the Australian Ireland Fund and fellow Young Leader Committee Members in attendance, John Gallagher, Ronan MacSweeney, Andrea McElhinney, Niamh Cunningham, Andrew Scannell, David Eccles and Melissa Fisher. She then spoke briefly about the network and about why she has supported the Fund for over a decade, as well as mentioning the Young Leaders’ Network events from earlier this year and their upcoming flagship Global 5km run, of which Olympic medallist Sonia O’Sullivan as our Global patron, which will take place on 24th September.
No Christmas event would be complete without presents and to make sure nobody went home empty handed, guests were treated to Tayto crisps courtesy of Taste Ireland. There were also some amazing raffle prizes up for grabs, such as a hamper, also provided by Taste Ireland, a GAAGo.ie subscription donated by Nick from the GWS Giants, a Sunday Roast for Four at the Charing Cross Hotel in Waverley and a $150 voucher for Little Lily’s Wine & Tapas Café in Little Bay.
Other ‘presents’ on the night were a bottle of whiskey for the Young Leaders’ member’s draw, courtesy of the Australian Ireland Fund. Best dressed prizes were also given to Richard Robinson, who received a drinks hamper from Gapdrinks, and to Ann and James Keating who won a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, courtesy of John Gallagher from Clyde & Co.
Music was provided on by The Tribesmen, who played some classic tunes and seasonal songs, ensuring guests sang along and danced into the wee hours!
A joyful and triumphant thank you to our event sponsors, supporters & members for helping us to raise a wondrous $5,100 on the night.
