IRFU Charitable Trust 2024 Rugby Lunch kindly sponsored by Aon
A wonderful afternoon was had by all 360 or so guests at the annual IRFU Charitable Trust Rugby Lunch, kindly sponsored by Aon, which took place for the second year running at the stunning, and very popular, InterContinental Hotel in Ballsbridge. Taking place on Friday the 8th of November, the afternoon of the Ireland v New Zealand match later than night, everyone in attendance was excited and hopeful for an Irish win. Unfortunately the match result did not go as hoped but congratulations to the All Blacks on their victory … we will get you next time!
Thank you to the amazing number of people who attended the lunch with a number commenting “there was a lot of love in the room.” This was really captured by the very open and emotive conversations our MC Andy Dunne had with seriously injured players Brendan Glynn and David Ross. Both spoke passionately about how the rugby community and all their rugby friends have always been there for them, even more so following their serious injury. And importantly how much the game of rugby still means to them and their families with Brendan commenting how both his daughters, Maeve and Grace, played rugby as well. David Ross took his passion for rugby to another level becoming a Wheelchair Rugby Paralympian at the recent 2024 Paris Paralympics. Both men were very thankful for everyone who supports them, thanking the people in the room in particular for their ongoing commitment and kindness. Everyone in the room also listened to
We would also like to thank our very special guests, 2013 Grand Slam winner Larissa Muldoon, now a highly recognised coach, and Olympian, Ireland Rugby 7s captain, Harry McNulty. A big thank you to Larissa Muldoon for stepping in for Erin King who unfortunately could not make the lunch as she was training in Malaga! The very best of luck with season ahead Erin and thank you again to both Larissa and Harry for giving us a great insight in to your rugby and personal lives.
The afternoon kicked off with a drinks reception, very kindly sponsored by Guinness and Bacchus Vinos. Before commencing our meal, Andy Dunne invited Harry McNulty to the stage to conduct the very popular and fun “Heads or Tails” with the eventual winner: Shane Nolan from Leinster Rugby. Thank you to Robert Deacon for donating the Teeling Whiskey Hamper which Shane won. IRFU Charitable Trust Chair, Michael Whelan then welcomed everyone, inviting Peter Brady from Aon to say a few words – thank you Peter; and also thank you to IRFU President Declan Madden for his words as well; which were particularly important given Irish Rugby’s celebration of 150 years this season. Everyone was then treated to a delightful three course meal with complimentary wine. Thank you to Eilish, Nicky and in particular their team in the InterContinental for not only a very scrumptious meal but for the outstanding service both on the day and leading up to the event.
Speaking of outstanding, Keith Lowe from DNG hosted the Live Auction late in the afternoon with some brilliant Lots up for grabs, in particular Lots 3 and 5. Lot 3, very kindly sponsored by Ballyfin Demesne, was a crowd favourite with many bidding on the Lot. Lot 5, very kindly sponsored by Stellaer 212, created the biggest surprise of the night with a certain table securing not just 2 seats on a Private Jet experience to see Ireland play Wales in Cardiff, but securing 6 seats i.e. the entire Private Jet! Thank you to everyone who bid on all Live Auction Lots, a list of which you can see within the table card graphics on this page, in addition to everyone who sponsored the Lots including our long term supporter and Primary Partner Bank of Ireland. Thank you again to Keith for brilliantly hosting the Live Auction and special thanks to Ciara Hanley from Ballyfin Demesne and David Mahon from Stellaer 212, who both attended the lunch.
Both seriously injured players Brendan and David spoke passionately about the support from the rugby community. This support is vital to ensuring continuity of care for all 36 seriously injured rugby players and their families. This support, and the immense appreciation for this support, was further captured by Tommie Kyne, whose video was shown to all in attendance. Although over 5minutes long, there was utter silence as everyone listed to Tommie’s heartfelt story. Thank you to our Video Partner Get Broadcasting for creating the video, which can be viewed on this page. The generosity shown by all again at this year’s Rugby Lunch was incredibly humbling and exceptionally generous. Thank you to everyone who purchased a Table, who so kindly contributed prizes and gifts, who participated in the Charity Raffle, and bid on the Silent Auction and Live Auction Lots; and to those who volunteered their time on the day. Your support, as always, is greatly, greatly appreciated. We are already looking forward to next year’s Rugby Lunch!
Our deepest thanks once again to Aon for their ongoing support. Without the commitment and compassion of Aon and our other sponsors, the Rugby Lunch would not be possible noting the Lunch is a key calendar occasion for the Charitable Trust in raising funds to support the 36 seriously injured rugby players and their families across the four provinces of Ireland. Special thanks as well to our media partner Business Plus, in particular to Fintan, Mairead, Wini and the DMG Media team who attended the lunch, for promoting the event (including the article and ad placed in the Business Plus magazine shown on this page). In addition, thank you to our other sponsors and Corporate FRIENDS who joined us on the day, including Slattery’s of Beggars Bush for sponsoring the afternoon’s entertainment, Cleaning Contractors, Davy, Pinergy, Securelinx, The K Club; as well as our Club FRIENDS City of Armagh RFC, Skerries RFC and Wanderers FC.
Thank you again to one and all for your ongoing support of our seriously injured rugby players and their families; and we look forward to seeing you all again at the 2025 Rugby Lunch!
