The annual IRFU Charitable Trust Rugby Ball in association with Vodafone Foundation took place at the Round Room in the Mansion House on March 7th.
Guests were greeted with a mesmerising electric violin performance from award winning musician Nicole Lonergan, including renditions of the Fields of Athenry and Zombie, getting everyone in the mood for a fantastic night for rugby fans and supporters of the IRFU Charitable Trust.
All funds raised on the night go towards supporting the 36 seriously injured rugby players across the four provinces of Ireland and the Trust was delighted to have seriously injured rugby players Victor Connell, Jamie Graham, Danny Noonan and Ciarán McCarthy in attendance.
Before MC Alan Shortt kicked off the night, guests were treated to a drinks reception, sponsored by Guinness.
BusinessPlus.ie, media partners with the IRFU Charitable Trust, joined the night, interviewing a number of guests.
Michael Whelan, IRFU Charitable Trust Chair, took to the stage to welcome everyone, in particular giving thanks to Vodafone and Vodafone Foundation for their ongoing support for and sponsorship of the event.
Michael introduced a video of seriously injured player Tommie Kyne, created by the Trust’s video partner Get Broadcasting, which captures the importance of the rugby community in helping Tommie, and his family, cope with his rugby accident.
Linda Black, IRFU Charitable Trust Head of Operations, followed Michael on stage to thank everyone for their support in making the night happen including sponsors and volunteers, everyone in attendance, those who so generously donated Raffle Prizes and Auction Lots, and the team who brings it all together.
Recently retired Munster and Ireland legend Eimear Considine Ryan, along with France legends Dimitri Yachvili and Serge Betsen were the special guests for the night and took to the stage for an entertaining interview after the guests enjoyed their three course meal.
The Trust held two auctions on the night, their Silent Auction and Live Auction, which included prizes from partners like Bank of Ireland, Connacht Hospitality Group, Killester Travel, Leinster Rugby, The K Club, the IRFU, Vodafone, Guinness, Ballyfin Demesne, Trump International, Lahinch Golf Club, Vaughan Lodge and The Travel Suite.
Ciarán McCarthy also spoke with MC Alan Shortt about his second book “Closer to walking again” which brings readers on the author’s journey following his rugby accident, and involvement in research to shape the future of spinal cord injury advancements.
The night ended on a high with Spring Break, sponsored by Slattery’s of Beggars Bush, getting everyone onto the dance floor for crowd favourites 80s music.
