IRFU Charitable Trust 2025 Rugby Ball in association with Vodafone Foundation
The night before Ireland took on France in the Guinness Six Nations at the Aviva, the annual IRFU Charitable Trust Rugby Ball in association with Vodafone Foundation once again took place at the Round Room at the Mansion House on Friday 7th March 2025.
Guests were greeted with a mesmerising electric violin performance from award winning musician Nicole Lonergan, including renditions of the Fields of Athenry and Zombie, and getting everyone in the mood for what was to be another 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 we were delighted to have seriously injured rugby players Victor Connell, Jamie Graham, Danny Noonan and Ciarán McCarthy in attendance. Jamie attended with his wife Natalie who was celebrating her birthday – happy birthday Natalie! Victor and Danny attended with friends and family, and Ciarán, who we will come back to later; attended with his mum Brenda, brother Aidan and Aidan’s wife Fiona. Fiona and Aidan’s daughter Fia had an amazing experience, thanks to Leinster Rugby, the weekend before, where she presented the Player of the Match to Charlie Tector of Leinster, after Leinster secured victory over Cardiff.
Before MC Alan Shortt kicked off the night, guests were treated to a drinks reception once again very kindly sponsored by Guinness. Many thanks as well to our event media partner BusinessPlus.ie who joined us on the night, interviewing a number of guests – the video of which you can view on this page. Alan Shortt then invited the one and only Eimear Considine Ryan, who attended with her husband, Clare GAA star Dean Ryan, to help him with the always entertaining ‘Heads and Tails’; with the lucky winner receiving a lovely hamper from Butlers Chocolates. Many thanks to Butlers for the hamper and for the chocolates on everyone’s place setting.
Michael Whelan, IRFU Charitable Trust Chair, then 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 our video partner Get Broadcasting which you can view on this page, which deeply 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.
As guests worked their way through a lovely three course meal, along with complimentary wine, very kindly sponsored by Masterlink, Nigel Osborne invited our special rugby guests to the stage: recently retired Munster and Ireland legend Eimear Considine Ryan, along with France legends Dimitri Yachvili and, surprise guest on the night, Serge Betsen. Undoubtedly one of the most entertaining interviews ever at the Rugby Ball! A very heartfelt thank you to Nigel for hosting; and for the brilliant entertainment and insights from Eimear, Dimitri and Serge!
Guests were reminded to partake in the increasingly popular Silent Auction with guests treated to over 30 Silent Auction Lots – all of which you can see on the Table Card on this page. Again, thank you to everyone who donated so generously to the Silent Auction including our partners Bank of Ireland, Connacht Hospitality Group, Killester Travel, Leinster Rugby, The K Club and of course Vodafone. Many thanks as well to Paul O’Connell and Robbie Henshaw. In addition, thank you all for the wonderfully sponsored Raffle Prizes, in particular from Weir & Sons, BOSS Watches and Aldi. There was a Raffle Prize for every table and a full listing of the Raffle Prizes can be seen on the Tables Card on this page.
Seriously injured player Ciarán McCarthy was then invited to the speak with MC Alan Shortt about Ciarán’s 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. It is a powerful story, with messages of resilience and hope, founded on practical research involving Ciarán and other seriously injured rugby players; including the Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) element of the research which has received international accolades and awards. Guests had the opportunity to purchase Ciarán’s book on the night with Ciarán kindly offering to sign books for anyone who did purchase. Thank you to all of you who purchased Ciarán’s book and thank you to Niamh and her daughter and colleagues for being there to sell the books. If you would like to get your hands on a copy, “Closer to walking again” is available from all good bookshops and from the Dublin University Press website.
It was then time for the Live Auction – all ten Lots which you can view on the Table Card. Very big thanks to all the Live Auction contributors including our partners, the IRFU, Vodafone, Guinness, Bank of Ireland and Killester Travel as well as Ballyfin Demesne, Trump International, Lahinch Golf Club, Vaughan Lodge and The Travel Suite. Special thanks as well to the four living Grand Slam Captains Fiona Coghlan, Rory Best, Brian O’Driscoll and Johnny Sexton, for the first Lot – a signed 150th Ireland Rugby Jersey. The generosity of everyone who bid on and won each of the ten Lots is greatly appreciated and we hope you enjoy your prizes!
The night ended on a high with the always brilliant Spring Break getting everyone up and dancing to crowd favourites 80s music and more, packing the dance floor. Many thanks again to Slattery’s of Beggars Bush for very kindly sponsoring the band. Take the time to view highlights of the night with the highlights video from the event kindly created by Matt Ryan Films.
Finally, on behalf of all 36 seriously injured rugby players and their families, we would like to take this opportunity to once again thank you all for your support – partners, sponsors and donators, committee members and volunteers, colleagues and all our loyal and generous guests including our FRIENDS. Your support for those who have been seriously injured playing the game we all love is greatly, greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you all in March 2026 for another great night of entertainment and rugby!
