b'AROUND THE WORLDAUSTRALIA1 21Lee Thomas, Dr. Mary McAleese,John ONeill2John ONeill, Yvonne le Bas, Dr. Martin McAleese, Dr. Mary McAleese, Prof. Ronan McDonald3Bernadette OBrien, Dr. Mary McAleese, Dr. Martin McAleese, 3 Richard OBrien PresidentMaryMcAleeseTributeDinnerSEPTEMBER, 2014 The Australian Ireland Fund were honoured to host a black tie dinner for former IrishPresident Mary McAleese at The Star, to raise funds for the Chair of Modern Irish Studies at the University of New South Wales. It is a cause well remembered by and close to the heart of Dr. McAleese, and she recalled launching the fundraising campaign on her first visit to Australia in 1998. A special presentation of The Ireland Funds Bird and Bell Award was made by Dr. McAleese and Chairman John ONeill AO to Lady Mary Fairfax AC, OBE for all her support over the last 10 years to integrated education in Northern Ireland, the award was accepted by Lee Thomas on Lady Fairfaxs behalf. Other speakers included the Chairman of The Australian Ireland Fund, John ONeill AO, who warmly welcomed Dr. McAleese back to Australia. His Excellency Noel White spoke about the importance of The Australian Ireland Fund and its support for the Chair of Modern Irish Studies. Professor Ronan McDonald of the Global Irish Studies Centre,provided a comprehensive summary of the work being done by the Centre and the importance of its continuation. Many great supporters of the Chair of Modern Irish Studies were acknowledged on the evening, including former Irish Ambas-sador Richard OBrien, Mary Lee and Professor Patrick OFarrell who was remembered for all his efforts for Irish studies. connect2015| 100'