Friday, 7th March - At a gala ball this evening in the Mansion House, The Ireland Fund of France honoured Professor Brendan Kennelly with the Wild Geese Award. The award, which was presented by Sir Anthony O'Reilly, traditionally pays tribute to the achievements of the recipient who, through excellence in their field, has reflected enormous credit on Ireland abroad. Previous winners have included John Hume, John O'Connor, Dr. Michael Smurfit, Neil Jordan and Seamus Heaney.

Pierre Joannon, President of the Ireland Fund of France, commended Professor Kennelly on his outstanding literary career to date. "Professor Kennelly is an incredibly talented and prolific poet. His verse articulates a vision of Ireland ensnared in history, yet liberated from its past. He casts a humorous eye on the Irish landscape and thoroughly revels in the every day struggles of the heart and mind.

"As an educator in Trinity College for over 40 years, he has brought his brand of wisdom and comedy to countless students. Indeed, I believe Brendan exemplifies the activities and aspirations of the Ireland Fund of France, which is dedicated to the promotion of peace, culture, charity and education," he concluded.

The host for the evening, Lady Chryss O'Reilly, Patron of the Ireland Fund of France, was joined by over 400 guests for this celebration, which included last year's Wild Geese Award winner, Seamus Heaney.

This key-note fund-raising event was also attended by over forty corporate patrons. In addition Her Royal Highness, Princess Margarita of Romania; His Serene Highness, Prince Radu of Hohenzollern-Veringen; Irish Ambassador to France, Padraic McKernan; French Ambassador to Ireland, Gabriel de Bellescize; Senator Maurice Hayes; Loretta Brennan Glucksman, Chairman of The American Ireland Fund; Kingsley Aikins; Louise Kennedy; Bill Hughes and Moya Doherty were in attendance.

Funds raised on the evening will support peace, education and cultural projects aimed at generating positive change in Ireland and enhancing the bonds between Ireland and France.