One of Ireland's top statesmen in recent years, Dr. Patrick Hillery, was making his first visit to Bermuda this week.

Dr. Hillery, President of the Irish Republic between 1976 and 1990 was special guest at gala banquet for the 1993 Corporate Golf Tournament.

The banquet at the Fourways Restaurant was the final event of the a two day golf tournament raising money for the Children's Medical and Research Foundation, in Dublin.

The events raised a total of $100,000 for the foundation which has links with hospitals all over the world.

Other money raised will go towards providing a wheelchair for nine-year-old Shalimar Williams who suffers from a rare physical disorder.

The former President and his wife Mary met Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan and Lady Swan and shared a table during the banquet.

Dr. Hillery is a former Minister for Education, Industry and Commerce, Labour and Foreign Affairs in Ireland.

During his time as Minister of Foreign Affairs between 1969-72 he negotiated Ireland's accession to the European Community.

Between 1973 and 1976 he was vice president of the Commission of European Communities with special responsibility for social affairs.

An Honorary Freeman of the City of Dublin, Dr. Hillery's time as Ireland's head of state ended in 1990 when he was replaced by the country's first woman president.

Dr. Hillery said he was enjoying his first trip to Bermuda and was delighted to be helping the research foundation which is world renowned for its work.

Other guests at the event included Olympic runner Mr. Eamon Coghlan, showjumper Mr. Eddie Macken and former Irish rugby captain Mr. Fergus Slattery.

Event organiser Mr. John Kane was delighted with the way the golf tournament and banquet went.

Mr. Kane said: "It was a great success. The golf tournament had a lot of overseas teams from the United States, England and Ireland as well as support from the local teams.

"We are very pleased to be helping the foundation which is doing a lot of good work for children.

"Shalimar needs things as she gets older. We are getting her a special wheelchair.'' A spokesman for the foundation said: "Sick children are very special. They bring particular difficulties to their parents, families and family friends.

"So it is important to appreciate that the work we are supporting is not only bringing hope to these children but it is also bringing joy and security to all those who are near and dear to them.

"In 1980, our first major overseas event took place in Wingedfoot, New York.

Now major support also comes from the UK, the Middle East, the Far East and Europe.

"This international support has happened and continues because the results of the work at the centre are made available internationally. Medical and scientific peers throughout the world recognise the quality of work at the centre and the unique facility we have in Ireland for carrying out paediatric research.'' IRISH SMILES -- Former President of Ireland Dr. Patrick Hillery meets the Premier the Hon. Sir John Swan at Fourways Inn last week.