b'AROUND THE WORLD | THE IRELAND FUND OF FRANCE1 23 4Franco-Irish Rugby Match Gala Dinner1 Jennifer & Hugo MacNeill, FEBRUARY, 2012 AT THE PAVILLON DAUPHINE IN PARIS, THE 18TH WILD GEESEPatricia & Patrick OConnor 2 Guests at dinner BALL WAS ENJOYED BY OVER 120 GUESTS. Stephen Roche the champion Irish cyclist was3 Minister Leo Varadkar, Stephen Roche, Aine Adesthe Guest of Honour, marking the 25th anniversary of his Triple Crown win in 1987: the year he won the Tour4 Laurent Astruck, de France, Giro dItalia and the World Championship road cycling race. The Irish Minister for Transport,Sophie Desbry, Stephen Roche, Tourism and Sport Leo Varadkar TD presented the Wild Geese trophy to Stephen and spoke in eloquentCatriona Astruck,Alain Adesterms about the work of The Ireland Funds. On behalf of the Irish Government, I want to acknowledge thefine work done by The Ireland Funds for worthy causes in Ireland which place an emphasis on peace, cul-ture, education and charity. Charities across Ireland are under pressure. As a consequence of our eco-nomic crisis, demand for their services has soared while government support and private income hasreduced. I am sure that The Ireland Funds Promising Ireland Campaign will play a vital role in filling thatgap and helping us to keep our society together during these harsh and challenging times.connect2012 | 111'