by Paul Hogan, Director, Queensland Irish Association

The 2024 Ireland Funds Luncheon was held at the Hillstone St Lucia Golf Links on August 2nd. On a cracking Queensland winter’s afternoon, a large crowd gathered to raise money for a worthy cause.

This annual Brisbane event was hosted by the ABC’s Catherine Murphy, with Queensland’s own Reds head coach, Les Kiss, as the guest speaker. While Les is famous for his NRL and State of Origin achievements, this season, he led the Queensland Reds to the semi-finals. He spoke about his time at London Irish and coaching in Ireland, entertaining the crowd with witty anecdotes.

The auction raised substantial funds, with great silent auction items and raffle prizes. Guinness and wine flowed into the late afternoon, making it a very enjoyable day. Distinguished guests included the Chair of The Ireland Funds, Yvonne Le Bas, former Lord Mayor Sallyanne Atkinson, QIA Life Member and Vice President Seamus Sullivan, fellow Board member Michele Burke, long-time QIA stalwart Dr. Tom Moore, Des Ryan, Joe Thompson and his wife Gabrielle, and former ACU Chancellor Peter Sheehan. All in all a tremendous afternoon was had and substantial money raised all in a very good cause. 

Later this month, The Ireland Funds Australia will hold their Global 5k. On 21st September, participants will join the Southbank Park Run in Brisbane, the Princes Park Run in Melbourne, and the Centennial Park Run in Sydney. All profits raised will support Irish support agencies in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, as well as the Belvedere Youth Club in Ireland.

The Ireland Funds Australia, established in 1987, is a non-political, non-sectarian registered Australian charity that funds community projects in Ireland and Australia. Its mission is to harness the power of a global philanthropic network of friends of Ireland to promote and support peace, culture, education, and development across the island of Ireland and among Irish communities around the world.

Pictures: Les Kiss at the lunch. Credit: The Ireland Funds/Supplied

For more pictures from The Ireland Funds lunch, see the September edition of Anglo&Celtic magazine.