b"AROUND THE WORLD | THE IRELAND FUND OF GREAT BRITAIN1 2 3Supporters Network Event at the Royal Air Force Club SEPTEMBER, 2012 The Ireland Fund of Great Britain held a Supporters Network event in the Royal 1 Olibhia McGinley, Emma ODolan, Paul O'DonnellAir Force Club, Piccadilly. The evening was an excellent opportunity to touch base with our many valued 2 Andrew Keaveney, Martin Keane, members as well as to welcome some new faces. As we approach our 25th anniversary we were thrilled Basil Geogeghanto get everyone together and take time to update people on the work we've being doing. Our wonderful 3 Ruairi Conneely, Eileen Kelliherguest speaker was Ruairi Conneely, and IFGB trustee, who spoke of his challenge climbing the Matter-horn in aid of The Aisling Appeal. Ruairi successfully summited the Matterhorn in August after months oftraining in memory of his niece Aisling who tragically died from of a rare form of cervical cancer. The Ireland Fund of Great Britain Winter BallDECEMBER, 2012 The iconic Savoy Hotel was once again the venue for the black tie event which commenced with a Laurent-PerrierReception in the luxurious River Room, followed by a three course dinner, auction and dancing in the beautiful surroundings of the LancasterBallroom. The main event, however, was the presentation to Nobel Laureate Seamus Heaney for his Contribution to Irish Cultural Life in theUK.In her opening speech, Co-Chair of The Ireland Fund of Great Britain Ruth McCarthy, described Seamus Heaney as a giant of Irish culture and indeed a man of the world. Later, Zach Webb, the chair of the Winter Ball presented Seamus Heaney with his award. SeamusHeaney was presented with a beautiful hurricane vase donated by Galway Crystal. In his speech Seamus Heaney spoke of his relationshipwith the Worldwide Ireland Funds for four decades and his gratitude for their commitment to writers over that time. The auction was conductedby rugby legend Fergus Slattery. Prizes that were kindly donated included a hand written poem by Seamus Heaney, a table for 10 at the BBCsports personality of the year awards, a Philip Treacy hat and artwork including pieces by Joy Garrard and Graham Knuttel. For the first timeever live charity pledges were included on the night. Andrew Hollingsworth spoke from The Passage, Bernie O'Rourke from Solas Women'sAid and Kathryn McDowell from the Derry-Londonderry Cantata on helping raise extra funds for the charities supported by IFGB. We wouldlike to thank everyone for their generosity on the evening as well the committee who helped generate auction prizes. Acknowledgementsand grateful thanks to; our headline sponsors San Leon and Coolmore; champagne reception sponsor Laurent-Perrier; wine sponsor DSMDemolition; flower sponsors Kiely Brothers; and water sponsors Fior Uisce, as well as all who donated prizes.connect 2013 | 92"