IRFU Charitable Trust 2026 Rugby Ball in association with Vodafone Foundation

The spirit of Irish rugby was alive and thriving on Friday, 27th February, as the IRFU Charitable Trust hosted the 2026 Rugby Ball in association with Vodafone Foundation in the magnificent The Round Room at the Mansion House. It was a night defined by community, generosity and heartfelt gratitude – a powerful reminder of what makes rugby so special.

At the heart of the evening were two extraordinary men, our seriously injured players Brendan Glynn and Tommie Kyne. Brendan was joined by his wife Deirdre, and Tommie by his wife Teresa – their presence a testament to the strength and resilience of the families at the core of our rugby community.

Guests listened in complete silence as Brendan shared his story in conversation with our exceptional MC, Miriam O’Callaghan. He spoke openly about his life-changing accident on the rugby pitch, about what the game means to him and his family, and about the unwavering support they have received from the rugby family and the Trust from the very beginning. There was not a person in the room untouched by his courage, honesty and gratitude.

From the moment guests arrived – welcomed with an electrifying performance by the Hit Machine Drummers – there was a sense that this would be a special evening. Our long-standing supporter and Corporate FRIEND Guinness generously sponsored the drinks reception, with beautiful pints of Guinness and refreshing Rockshore setting the tone for the night, alongside cocktails kindly sponsored by Masterlink.

The room itself was steeped in history. Four precious pieces of Irish rugby heritage – the final four flags ever to fly over the old Lansdowne Road before it made way for the Aviva Stadium – hung proudly from the balcony, generously donated by Joe Byrne, President of Cill Dara RFC. They stood as powerful symbols of legacy, pride and continuity within Irish rugby.

Another breathtaking centrepiece of the evening was a bespoke painting by renowned Irish artist Roy Lyndsay, created especially for the Ball. Featuring the iconic 1982 Ireland Triple Crown winning team, the piece captured a moment of sporting greatness and generosity in equal measure. We were honoured to welcome Roy and his family on the night, alongside three heroes of that historic team – Ollie Campbell, Michael Kiernan and Captain Ciarán Fitzgerald.

Miriam guided the evening with warmth and wit, joined on stage by the immensely impressive Eimear Corri-Fallon, who recently retired from international rugby to focus on her medical career while continuing to play with Blackrock RFC. They were joined by Leinster, Ireland and Lions legend Shane Byrne – fresh from an Ireland Legends victory over England which was part of a memorable weekend of Irish success – to run the always fun ‘Heads and Tails’ sponsored by Butlers. The Raffles and Silent Auction created huge excitement across the room, including a €2,000 Men’s 2027 Rugby World Cup travel voucher kindly donated by Killester Travel. With 30 outstanding Silent Auction lots and an incredible range of raffle prizes, the generosity of our guests was nothing short of inspiring.

Chair of the Trust, Michael Whelan, paid tribute to Vodafone and the Vodafone Foundation for their steadfast partnership and unwavering support, represented on the night by Liz Roche, Orla Nagle and Gerry Nixon. Sincere thanks were also extended to our Video Partner and Corporate FRIEND Get Broadcasting for producing a deeply moving film featuring Niall McCool and his family – a powerful reminder of why the Trust’s work matters so profoundly. Michael then introduced Linda Black, the Trust’s Head of Operations, who thanked the incredible number of people and businesses who contribute to the event. Along with those already mentioned above, Linda thanked the IRFU, Connacht and Leinster Rugby who were all represented in the room; as well as Bank of Ireland, Business Plus and DMG Media, Circle K, Keith Lowe and DNG, The K Club, Titan Experiences and Stellaer 212 – all of whom were also present in the room.

Following a superb dinner, guests were treated to an insightful and entertaining Q&A with Eimear Corri-Fallon and former Connacht, Leinster and Ireland legend, now a highly sought-after rugby analyst, Bernard Jackman, hosted by long-time supporter Nigel Osborne. Their reflections on the modern game – both women’s and men’s – were thoughtful, passionate and inspiring.

One of the most powerful moments of the night came when Brendan Glynn came to the stage to speak with Miriam. His words about family, resilience and the practical support provided by the Trust deeply resonated. In a spontaneous and heartening show of solidarity, several guests immediately offered their assistance in helping resolve a new travel challenge facing Brendan and his family. It was Irish rugby at its very best – action, not just applause.

The Live Auction, expertly led by Keith Lowe, was a celebration of generosity. From unforgettable matchday experiences and signed jerseys to once-in-a-lifetime sporting and entertainment packages, guests gave wholeheartedly, knowing that every euro raised goes directly towards supporting the 36 seriously injured players and their families in the Trust’s care. The live auction lots can be seen within the Table Card on this page; in summary:

Guinness for sponsoring the Dressing Room Tour and Ireland v Scotland Men’s Guinness Six Nations match tickets
The Simon Zebo Black Emerald Golf Experience in Fota Island during the “Irish Rugby 150^th Golf Cup” kindly sponsored by Black Emerald with very special thanks to Simon Zebo
Framed and signed 2025 URC Leinster Jersey
M6N’s Ireland Training Session kindly donated by the IRFU
The Ultimate Irish Open Jet-Set Experience with Titan and Stellaer 212 – very special thanks to Eoin Conroy of Titan and David Mahon of Stellaer 212 for their generosity
Lions Legends 1950-2025 signed jersey and stand very kindly donated by Ollie Campbell
Lahinch Golf Club and Vaughan Lodge for the Golfers Delight
Vodafone #TeamOfUs Experience – tickets to Ireland v South Africa in November along with tickets to the Ireland Captains Run in the Aviva the day before – with very special thanks to Vodafone
Bank of Ireland’s always popular and very generous ‘Leinster Mascot & Family’ Lot
Two sets of two tickets to the 2026 All-Ireland Football Final with overnight in the Merrion Hotel – with special thanks to Titan Experience and Keith Lowe of DNG
Four tickets to the Westlife Anniversary Tour at 3Arena kindly donated by DNG; along with an overnight stay for four people kindly donated by Anantara The Marker Dublin
And finally, guests had the opportunity to meet with Roy Lyndsay in person to view Roy’s remarkable new painting created especially for the Ball with any interested guests invited to place a bid on the painting. It is a stunning piece of work and our deepest thanks to Roy for this remarkably generous contribution to the Trust.

As dessert plates were cleared and Spring Break took to the stage, the dance floor quickly filled – a joyful finale to a night rooted in compassion, camaraderie and community.

To every guest who attended, every table purchased, every raffle ticket bought, every bid placed, and every sponsor and supporter who made the evening possible: thank you. Your kindness ensures that our seriously injured players and their families continue to receive the lifelong support they deserve.

The Irish rugby community is truly unique. Together, we stand by those who have given so much to the game we all love.

We look forward with gratitude and excitement to welcoming you all again in March next year for the 2027 Rugby Ball in association with Vodafone Foundation.