The IRFU Charitable Trust ‘Vodafone Rugby Ball’ 2016 – Honouring Legend Gordon D’Arcy
The Annual I.R.F.U. Charitable Trust Ball was held on the eve of the Ireland v Italy game on 11th March 16 at the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin. The IRFU Charitable Trust was delighted to welcome Vodafone as title sponsor for this their biggest fundraiser of the year. The very successful charity event was a gathering of over 470 people from the worlds of rugby, entertainment and business. Many prominent figures were in attendance including Isaac Boss and Ronnie Delaney. The event was honoured with the presence of the Italian Ambassador in Ireland H.E. Giovanni Adorni Braccesi.
John Callaghan, Chairman of the Charitable Trust, gave an empassioned overview of the work of the trust in supporting seriously injured players and the bravery of the injured players. A significant amount of money was raised on the night and this will go a long way in supporting the 33 seriously injured Rugby players.
On arrival guests were treated to a drinks reception sponsored by Diageo. There was entertainment by the Illusionist Shane Black before the delicious meal of Irish Hereford Beef followed by a ‘Ballsbridge Assiettte’ of desserts. A photo booth was available for people to take fun photos to keep as a memento of the evening. Ollie Campbell got the guests in good spirits as he hosted a Heads and Tails game with the audience, the lucky winner was delighted to receive a voucher for Powerscourt Hotel.
Risteard Cooper, comedian, had guests thoroughly entertained with his banter with Gordon D’Arcy who was honoury guest and was presented with an award for his outstanding contribution to Rugby.
The main fundraising was sourced through an auction, silent auction and raffle. The auction lots included coaching sessions with Jonathan Sexton and Ian Madigan accompanied by signed rugby jerseys and fantastic trips to Chicago and Dubai and many more.
After dinner the guests hit the dance floor to the superb band the Juke Box Kings late into the night. All agreed it was a fantastic event, it was both a memorable and enjoyable evening for a most worthy cause and people have already put the date in their diaries for next year.
