lockdowns and similar measures to keep us apart
Message from Ambassador
CONTACT US ON OUR WEBSITE
friendsofireland.org.au or by EMAIL on
contactfoi276@gmail.com
has underlined like never before our need to
Is cúis áthais dom mo dhea-ghuí a chur go Cairde
na hÉireann agus buíochas a ghabháil leo as an
sárobair a dhéanann siad le cultúr agus
oidhreacht na hÉireann a chur chun cinn san ACT
agus máguaird.
The Friends of Ireland Society has a
straightforward mission. It promotes a deeper and
better understanding of Ireland, our culture and
our heritage amongst people living in and around
Canberra. It also allows people living here to
express their Irish identity, to celebrate their
affinity or to explore their connections with an
island that is so closely connected with Australia.
The Society is a valuable and valued partner of the
Irish embassy. Working together, we endeavour to
promote Australia’s knowledge and understanding
of Ireland in a manner that reflects the Ireland of
2022; an Ireland that has been independent for 100
years and has been a member of the European
Union for 50 years; an Ireland that is progressive
and outward looking; and an Ireland that
participates fully in the global economy.
The history that we share is extremely important.
It also offers the foundation of familiarity that
allows us to relate so well to each other in the
present time and that will help us work together
into the future.
The persistence and pervasiveness of COVID-19
has impacted us all since 2020. Beyond the
immediate health aspects, it has prevented us from
doing so many things that are important and has
really curtailed what the French call la vie
associative. It is paradoxical that the imposition of
participate in our society and our community.
The pandemic has undoubtedly hindered the
activities of the Society. However, now that we
are learning to live in a world in which the virus is
present, I am optimistic that the dynamism will
return to the Society’s activities, that membership
will grow and that participation will deepen. I
hope that individually and collectively we will
again invest in our community and follow our
interests.
Taking the time and making the effort to join the
Friends of Ireland Society and to actively
participate in its programmes is an excellent way
to make an investment in ourselves; to shake off
the impact of the COVID restrictions and to pass a
vote of confidence in our Canberra community
I am very happy to be associated with the Society
and to participate in and support its activities
where I can. I hope that the coming year will bring
many occasions where we can come together to
promote Ireland in Canberra
Le gach dea-ghuí
Tim Mawe
Ambassador of Ireland/Ambasadóir na
hÉireann
FRIENDS of IRELAND SOCIETY The Friends of Ireland Society
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Founded in 1985, the Friends of Ireland Society
Title.... First Name……..... ……………..…. ('Cairde na hÉireann' in Irish) reflects the deep
interest that many people from the Canberra region
Last Name: …..... …………………………… have in their Irish origins and the links between
Australia and Ireland.
Postal Address: …………………………......
The Society promotes a better understanding of the
.......................................................................... modern Ireland (North and South) and of the
distinctive contribution that the Irish have made to
Ph:….......…........Mobile……………............... the Australian way of life.
Email address: ………………….…................ We hold regular guest speaker meetings on topics
of interest about Ireland and Irish-Australia. CÉAD MÍLE FÁILTE
Would you like to receive the Newsletter by email? Members often meet beforehand to enjoy a meal
Yes No Email saves us postage costs. together and meet our speakers informally.
WELCOME
Please circle: Note: one membership covers a An Ecumenical Service is held to celebrate St to the
couple or a family Patrick’s Day.
Full $20 (one year) $40 (two years) Heritage tours and weekend events are held from
Concession $10 (one year) $20 (two years) time-to-time in Canberra and region. Award- FRIENDS of IRELAND
(Seniors, pensioners, unemployed and full-time winning Irish (Gaelic) language classes are open to SOCIETY
students are entitled to concession rate) all.

If admitted, I agree to be bound by the rules of the A member’s newsletter keeps you in touch with (CAIRDE na hÉIREANN)
Society. our activities.
Signature: .......................................................
Date: ............................................. But whatever the event, you’ll find something of Circumstances of history brought many
interest, good company and a friendly Irish of our people to Australia, making it the
Payment by direct credit is possible. Beyond welcome. And you don’t even have to be Irish to most Irish country outside Ireland itself.
Bank BSB 325185 Acc 03405456. Please identify join!
yourself on all payments.
Further information: Just join for the Craic!
Website: friendsofireland.org.au
Jill Hanson (02) 6288 6729 0434395456
3 Gulgong Place Fisher, ACT. 2611
handson@iinet.net.au