b'HONG KONGAROUND THE WORLD 1 2 34 5 67 8 9TheIrelandFundofChinaDinner1Clem & Rickie McCloskey,NOVEMBER, 2014 150supporters of The Ireland Fund of China were joined at the Conrad Hotel Grand Ballroom, Brian Francis 2Cyril Fung, Ritu Sandhu,Hong Kong by Irish Rugby Legend Ronan OGara and the key executives of the Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association Annie Wang (HKGDA)one of the chosen beneficiaries who were on hand to inform and educate guests on their important work. Donal 3Donal Boylan, Ronan OGara, Kieran McLoughlin Boylan, representing The Ireland Fund of China, kicked off the evening by introducing Kieran McLoughlin, Worldwide 4Tara McCloskey, Ronan OGara Ireland Funds President & CEO. Kieran spoke to the importance of The Ireland Funds and the recent upsurge of interest 5Fianna Chi, Patrick Maloney6Kieran McLoughlin, Harry ONeill in Asia. Brian Francis, HKGDA Director of Business Development and Training provided a compelling overview of the 7Linda Murray, Vivien Guo,Hong Kong charitys important work. HKGDA supports independent living in a barrier- free society delivering a free service Oisin Murray, Joyce Ng, Anthony Leung for people with visual impairment, autism and other disabilities. Trader Ip, one of only 10 guide dog users in Hong Kong 8Ronan OGara, Teresa Ryan, shared her personal life-changing experience due to her belovedguide dog Riley. The scene was set for a blind charity Consul General Peter Ryan9Sarah & Paul Weerappah,auction where eager guests generously bid for the privilege of naming a guide-dog puppy for a Ronan OGara personally Kay Tao, Kelly Chow, Kevin Ng autographed Irish & Munster rugby jerseys plus a Roy Keane autographed Ireland Soccer jersey (arranged by our other key beneficiary Irish Guide Dogs). Ronan OGara then captivated the audience by taking questions from the floor with the insightful Peter Ryan, Irelands first Consul General in Hong Kong, acting as MC. The evening has resulted in a significant profile for The Ireland Funds amongst the Irish and their friends in Hong Kong, and significant funding for the benefit of both the Irish Guide Dogs and Hong Kong Guide Dogs Association.connect2015 | 105'