We have played an important part in the peace process in Northern Ireland and with the help of the late Lady Mary Fairfax AC, OBE and many others have seen the number of integrated schools in Northern Ireland increase by schools 30%.

A milestone was reached in March 2022 with a Private Members bill being passed on Integrated Education which places an obligation on the Department of Education to have a strategy and action plan to ensure there will be sufficient integrated school places for those that chose it. This is a wonderful development after many years of nurturing.

In March we had our first face to face event in 3 years, a Black-Tie dinner at the Star attended by 400 supporters. Chairman Yvonne le Bas told guests she was so excited to be together with all our supporters after such a long time and was very grateful their attendance would help us to support projects doing vital work in Ireland. Emotionally she spoke of the tragic invasion of Ukraine and announced funds raised on the night via our live auction would be donated to humanitarian aid for Ukrainians.   We were thrilled to have Irish Minister Hildegarde Naughton join us on the night too.  Bobby Fox was wonderful as MC and platinum selling singer Meg Mac thrilled us all with a wonderful performance.   

On 20 May we came together for a very special evening with Dermot Kennedy who donated his time in between sold-out concerts to be with us.   We were able to thank our supporters and share with them an update on the work of the Fund.   All were thrilled as Dermot moved through the crowd to say hello and have photos take, very special young man. Thanks to David Kelly and PwC for hosting us and Brett Murrihy for making it possible. 

We are a network with a purpose. We bring people together from all parts of the world to have fun, spend time with like-minded company giving us all joy, whilst giving back to those in need. 

Striving to be the largest network of friends of Ireland around the Globe, being a part of the Ireland Funds family means that together we can make a huge difference.  

We are a registered charity here in Australia with ACNC and as such, donations are tax deductible.  

As we come to the end of the financial year, please contact me or head to our website through the donate now button below to make a tax deductible donation and learn more about how you can support us and join the fun the Ireland Funds Australia has to offer.