The Ireland Funds’ Wild Geese Ball 2005

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Friday, 11th March 2005 - This evening in Dublin, Jean Pierre Rives was presented with The 2005 Wild Geese Award at the annual Ireland Funds’ Wild Geese Ball. The award, presented by Sir Anthony O’Reilly, honours the recipient’s achievements and their significant contribution within their chosen field.

Previous winners have included Pat Cox MEP, President of the European Parliament (2004), The Duke of Magenta, John Hume, Brendan Kenneally, John O’Conor, Dr Michael Smurfit, Neil Jordan, Michel Dèon and Seamus Heaney.

Speaking at the event, Pierre Joannon, President of The Ireland Fund of France, said:

“It is timely that on the eve of the Ireland vs France Six Nations Rugby International, we are presenting the Wild Geese Award to one of France’s greatest rugby players and ambassadors - Monsieur Jean Pierre Rives. His achievements, commitment and leadership both on and off the playing field have earned him many accolades. He is described as a player who has transcended the limitation of his chosen sport to become a national icon in his own right. Through his many connections with Ireland he continues to support and build relationships for Ireland overseas”.

The hosts for the evening, Sir Anthony O’Reilly, Worldwide Chairman of the Ireland Funds and Lady Chryss O’Reilly, Patron of the Ireland Fund of France, were joined by some 500 guests at this annual fund-raising event. Guests attending include the Irish Ambassador to France, HE Padraic MacKernan and Mrs. MacKernan; the Irish Ambassador to Portugal, HE Patrick O’Connor and Mrs. O’Connor; the French Ambassador and Madame Frederic Grasset; The British Ambassador, HE Mr. Stewart Eldon, and Mrs. Eldon; Senator Maurice Hayes and Mrs. Joan Hayes; Mr. Redmond O’Donoghue, President and Group Chief Operating Officer, Waterford Wedgwood and Mrs. Anthea O’Donoghue; Mr. Billy Vincent; Mr. Hugo MacNeill; Ms. Caitriona Fottrell, Ireland Director, The Ireland Funds; Mr. Bill Cullen and Ms. Jackie Lavin; Mrs. Norma Smurfit and Deputy Enda Kenny.

In the lead up to the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, The Ireland Funds will host over fourteen events in seven countries worldwide. A total of four additional events are taking place this evening to coincide with the Wild Geese Ball in Dublin, in Pittsburgh, San Francisco, Toronto and Sydney. In total over 5,000 guests will attend these events and combined it is estimated that they will raise over $2.5m. The funds raised will support peace, education and cultural projects aimed at generating positive change in Ireland and building relationships overseas.

The Ireland Funds is an international charitable organisation operating in 10 countries. Established by Sir Anthony O’Reilly and Dan Rooney 29 years ago, the organisation has raised over $300 million around the world for worthy causes in Ireland. To date, over 1,800 non-profit organisations in Ireland that promote peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development have benefited from The Funds’ grants.