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A LIST of the top 100 Irish Australians of all time is heavy in prime ministers, state premiers, sports stars, artists and the odd bushranger.

The Irish Echo, an Australian newspaper for the Irish community, has compiled the list to celebrate its 20th anniversary and showcase the contribution Irish migrants and their descendants have made to Australia since the arrival of the First Fleet.

Four Labor prime ministers have shared Irish heritage including Kevin Rudd, Paul Keating, John Curtin and Ben Chifley.

Former governor-general Sir William Deane also made the list, along with two NSW premiers and two Victorian premiers.

Irish Australians are also a creative bunch, excelling in the arts, with actor Nicole Kidman, artist Sidney Nolan, author Tom Keneally and singer Damien Leith among those listed.

Irish Australian sports stars were also honoured, including surfer Mick Fanning, sprinter Patrick Johnson and Olympic swimmer Sarah Frances “Fanny” Durack.

And there’s no escaping the Irish influence on Australia’s footy fields, with Socceroo Lucas Neill, former Sydney Swan Tadhg Kennelly and AFL great Jim Stynes  scoring a place on the list.
Australia’s gold rush and bushranger eras also provided a source of entries with Ned Kelly and the leader of the Eureka Stockade, Peter Lalor, notable entries.

NSW claimed the majority of names with 50 entries, followed by 26 from Victoria, 10 from Queensland, nine from Western Australia, three from South Australia and two from Tasmania.

Source: News.com.au

She was expected to undergo surgery today to treat cysts as a result of urogenital chlamydiosis, a life-threatening disease that affects 50 per cent of the koala population.

Vet John Butler told waiting media outside Morwell Veterinary Clinic that due to complications with the disease, the best course of action was to put Sam down, The Herald Sun reported.

Mr Butler said that due to “extensive changes” in the condition of bladder and uterus this morning, the decision was taken to put Sam down before surgery to prevent her suffering too much pain.

“Dr John Butler of the Morwell Vet Clinic operated on Sam shortly after 1pm today and discovered that Sam had severe changes in her urinary and reproductive tract that was non-operable and unfortunately had to put Sam to sleep,” said Peita Elkhorne of TressCox Lawyers.

“The changes were consistent with the Chlamydia infection. It was so severe that there was no possible way to be able to manage her pain.

“Colleen Wood and her team at Southern Ash Wildlife shelter and all of those who have been involved with Sam are devastated with this loss.”

Southern Ash Wildlife Shelter said they were grateful for all the support they have received and will continue to provide aid and comfort to distressed and injured wildlife.

Sam captured hearts across the world in photos and video that helped to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for the CFA after the Black Saturday bushfires.

Source: news.com.au