News & Events
2025 Munster Charity Golf Outing in aid of seriously injured rugby players
The craic was 90 and the winning score was a cracking 93! Seriously injured rugby player Danny Noonan, who joined us along with seriously injured player Brendan Glynn, was delighted with the winning score as it belonged to his own Rugby Club – Galbally RFC!
IRFU Charitable Trust “Irish Rugby 150th Golf Cup” & 2025 Leinster Charity Golf Outing
Wow was the theme of the day at The K Club’s stunning Palmer North Championship Course which hosted the inaugural IRFU Charitable Trust “Irish Rugby 150th Golf Cup”, coinciding with the 2025 Leinster Charity Golf Outing, kindly sponsored by Pinergy on Friday 6th June 2025
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.
Leinster Rugby Support the 2025 IRFU Charitable Trust Rugby Ball
Leinster Rugby this morning welcomed the IRFU Charitable Trust to UCD to highlight the upcoming IRFU Charitable Trust Rugby Ball, which takes place on Friday, 7th March
New book by paraplegic former rugby player explores advancements in spinal cord research
The launch of “Closer to Walking Again” celebrated the publication of the book which brings readers on the author’s journey following a rugby accident which left him paraplegic, and his involvement in RCSI research to shape the future of spinal cord injury advancements.
“From Rags to Riches”
Written by Feargal O’Rourke, “From Rags to Riches” captures 29 seasons and 316 test matches since the Irish men’s rugby team became professional. Over 600 pages and 700 photos including links to online footage of 250 matches. All profits from the sale of the book go to the IRFU Charitable Trust.
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
THREE-IN-A-ROW WORLD RECORD ACHIEVED!
On Saturday 28th September 2024, at Crossfit536, a team of rowers and former rugby players broke the World Rowing Record for the fastest 100 kilometres, by both ladies and men aged over 40
2024 Leinster Charity Golf Outing at The K Club
What a great day on a great golf course! The 10th IRFU Charitable Trust Leinster Charity Golf Outing, kindly sponsored by our Golf Partner Pinergy, took place for the first time on the stunning K Club Palmer South course
Irish researchers develop implant to power healing after spinal cord injury
Irish Medical Times: Irish-based researchers have developed a new implant that has the potential to use electronic signals to aid spinal cord injury.
Inaugural Connacht Charity Golf Outing in aid of seriously injured rugby players
The inaugural IRFU Charitable Trust Connacht Charity Golf Outing, kindly sponsored by Pinergy, took place at the beautiful Galway Bay Golf Resort, on Monday 29th July 2024 – coinciding with the start of the Galway Races.
Rugby greats to attempt 100km rowing world record for IRFU Charitable Trust
A team of former international rugby players and rowers will attempt to break the world record for rowing 100km in September, all in aid of the IRFU Charitable Trust and seriously injured rugby players.
2024 Munster Charity Golf Outing
Everyone was delighted to be back at Fota Island Golf Club for the IRFU Charitable Trust’s second Munster Golf Outing in aid of seriously injured rugby players, and we were also delighted to welcome back three of the seriously injured players from Munster: Brendan Glynn, Mick O’Connell and Danny Noonan.
IRFU Charitable Trust inaugural Ulster Charity Golf Outing
Thank you to everyone involved for making the inaugural IRFU Charitable Trust Ulster Golf Outing an incredible success. The event took place on Thursday 23rd May 2024 and all proceeds will be used to support seriously injured rugby players and their families.
IRFU Charitable Trust Connacht Charity Golf Outing Launch
The IRFU Charitable Trust, with the support of Pinergy, Connacht Rugby, the Galway Bay Golf Resort and Galway Bay FM, are delighted to announce the first ever IRFU Charitable Trust Connacht Golf Outing in aid of seriously injured rugby players and their families.
Leinster Rugby and IRFU Charitable Trust Launch Partnership
Leinster Rugby and the IRFU Charitable Trust have this morning announced a formal partnership that sees the Charitable Trust become Leinster’s official Rugby Charity Partner going forward.
IRFU Charitable Trust Rugby Ball 2024 in association with Vodafone Foundation
It’s always a great sign of a great night when the dance floor is full! From the very start, as the Drummers and the Fire Performers welcomed guests to the 2024 IRFU Charitable Trust Rugby Ball, there was a great energy in the air.
WIN Ireland v Scotland Tickets
Exclusive FRIENDS competition for a chance to WIN two tickets to see IRELAND v SCOTLAND on the final day of the Guinness Six Nations in the Aviva Stadium, Super Saturday 16th March!
2024 Provincial Charity Golf Outings
From the four proud provinces of Ireland – the IRFU Charitable Trust, in partnership with Connacht Rugby, Leinster Rugby, Munster Rugby, and Ulster Rugby, will have four Provincial Charity Golf Outings in 2024 …
Thank you for supporting seriously injured rugby players
The fifth Ireland’s Call Six Nations Ball took place at the luxurious five-star Shelbourne Hotel on Friday 26th January 2024. As rugby fans …
WIN a Fallon & Byrne Christmas Hamper
WIN a Fallon & Byrne Christmas Hamper – exclusive to FRIENDS
45th Anniversary Rugby Lunch
A very special day. Just over twenty of our 35 seriously injured rugby players, with their family and friends, joined a sold out Aon Lunch in the InterContinental Hotel on Friday 17th November 2023; marking the IRFU Charitable Trust’s 45th Anniversary.
Club FRIENDS Wanderers FC and Dungannon RFC
Wanderers FC very kindly hosted a Charity Lunch in aid of seriously injured rugby players on Saturday 4th November 2023 when Wanderers FC took on Dungannon RFC at the Aviva Stadium. Many, many thanks to Wanderers FC
Charity Cycle and Walk – RWC France 2023
Thank you to all our Cyclists and Walkers – you know who you are – for making the Rugby World Cup France 2023 Charity Cycle and Walk such a memorable and wonderful experience for all. And on behalf of all our seriously injured players and their families, thank you again for your incredible support!
Carton House, Fairmont Prize Winner!
Congratulations to Veroncia O’Callaghan – the winner of the Carton House, Fairmont FRIENDS competition. Enjoy your amazing prize Veronica! Thank you to Carton House, Fairmont for their wonderful and very generous prize.
WIN a two-night stay plus dinner and golf for two people at Carton House, Fairmont
Thanks to Carton House, Fairmont, we are delighted to offer all our FRIENDS the chance to win an incredible two nights stay for two people, plus dinner and golf in Carton House
Inaugural Munster Golf Outing in aid of seriously injured rugby players
What an amazing day! The IRFU Charitable Trust’s first Munster Golf Outing, kindly sponsored by our Golf Partner Pinergy , in aid of seriously injured rugby players, was a brilliant success.
IRFU Charitable Trust 2023 Leinster Golf Outing
The annual Leinster Charitable Trust Golf Outing, kindly sponsored by Pinergy, took place on Friday 19th May 2023 on the East Course in Powerscourt Golf Club – all in aid of seriously injured rugby players and their families.
Partnering With IRFU Charitable Trust A Great Way For Businesses To Be Associated With Irish Rugby
U20s Grand Slam winning coach Richie Murphy was joined by U20s captain Gus McCarthy and team mate Diarmuid Mangan; as well as the Guinness Six Nations Trophy and Triple Crown.
IRFU Charitable Trust 2023 Rugby Ball in association with Vodafone Ireland Foundation
Despite a room with over 400 people, everyone in attendance was rapt by Brendan’s story, with his wife Deirdre, their daughters Maeve and Grace, his wider family and members from Brendan’s club, Mallow RFC.
We have a winner!
Liam chose Ian McKinley to take to the match given Ian’s “courage, spirit, tenacity and determination” in not letting his injury stop him from achieving his dream.
Ireland’s Call Six Nations Ball 2023 – supporting the IRFU Charitable Trust
The Ireland’s Call Six Nations Ball Committee had a single mission – to give back to the game we love by supporting those who have been seriously injured playing rugby, with a record amount raised this year for the IRFU Charitable Trust
WIN IRELAND v FRANCE Tickets
For your chance to WIN two tickets to see IRELAND v FRANCE for the Guinness Six Nations match at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday 11th February …
Thank you Fallon & Byrne
We are delighted to announce that Fallon & Byrne have very kindly and generously sponsored the Christmas Hampers for all our seriously injured players this year!
IRFU Charitable Trust Aon Lunch 2022
It was a special but poignant day for someone very dear to the Charitable Trust – John Callaghan. It was John’s final event as the IRFU Charitable Trust Chairperson after 11 years of dedication.
We have another FRIENDS Winner!
Barry Fitzsimons from Kildare is the winner of our November Internationals competition – congrats Barry and enjoy the games!
IRFU Charitable Trust inaugural Curragh Race Day
The IRFU Charitable Trust inaugural Curragh Race Day took place on Saturday 8th October 2022, at the Curragh Racecourse in Kildare.
Win 2 Tickets to all 3 November Internationals
Win 2 Tickets to all 3 November Internationals – if you are already a FRIEND to the Trust, you can enter now. If you are not a FRIEND to the IRFU Charitable Trust, you must first become a FRIEND before entering the competition.
David Egan Obituary
We are all deeply saddened to hear of the passing of David Egan. May you rest in peace David.
The Longest Try – from the Aviva to Thomond Park in aid of seriously injured rugby players
4 rugby friends, 3 boats, 10 rugby clubs, 6 counties, 260 km in 11 days – all in support of those who have been seriously injured playing the game they love.
What a day! Our 7th annual Golf Outing – kindly supported by Pinergy
Following great golf and a gourmet BBQ, which most of our golfers attended, our special guests Richie Murphy and Greg McWilliams were joined by some very special guests … Bill McLaren, Matt Williams and Brent Pope!
The IRFU Charitable Trust Vodafone Rugby Ball 2022
We were all delighted to be able to enjoy the IRFU Charitable Trust Vodafone Rugby Ball this year, twenty four months on from the last Rugby Ball! Thank you to everyone for a wonderful night …
We have a winner!
David Ross is the winner of the Charitable Trust’s FRIENDS competition, kindly supported by Vodafone, to win four tickets to see Ireland play Wales on the opening day of the 2022 Guinness Six Nations
WIN match tickets to IRELAND v WALES for YOU and three FRIENDS – COMPETITION NOW CLOSED
WIN match tickets for you and three friends to the opening Guinness Six Nations match between IRELAND and WALES on Saturday 5th February 2022 at the Aviva Stadium – kindly supported by Vodafone.
Thank you Peter Searson
Thank you to Peter Searson who raised €1,100 for two charities close to his heart – the Irish Cancer Society and the IRFU Charitable Trust by shaving his head.
IRFU Charitable Trust Aon Lunch 2021
“It has been too long” were the words spoken by the Trust’s chairman John Callaghan to our sold out Aon Lunch, reflecting the fact that the last Aon Lunch took place in November 2019 and to have our first event a sellout since the pandemic hit our shores …
IRFU Charitable Trust “A Question of Rugby” in aid of those who have been seriously injured playing the game we love
Watch Paul O’Connell, Will Connors and Team Captain Mick Galwey go head-to-head against Jenny Murphy, Luke Fitzgerald and Team Captain Shane Byrne, with Quiz Master Liam Toland in the IRFU Charitable Trust “A Question of Rugby”
Pinergy sponsor our second Golf Outing of 2021
On a sunny but very blustery day, the IRFU Charitable Trust Golf Outing on Friday 1st October took place on the West Course in Powerscourt Golf Club – a nice change of scenery from our East Course Outing in June.
24 Hour Row World Record Broken in aid of Friends of CROSS & the IRFU Charitable Trust
40 rowers including former Irish rugby internationals have broken the 24 Hour Row World Record! Raising over €22,000 (and counting!) for Friends of CROSS Cancer Research and the IRFU Charitable Trust.
The IRFU Charitable Trust June Golf Outing – kindly supported by Pinergy
During these difficult times, the support we received from everyone involved with our June Golf Outing was incredible and all funds raised go towards helping all our seriously injured rugby players.
COVID Diaries by Bernard Healy
During the pandemic, one of our seriously injured rugby players – Bernard Healy, has been keeping a diary.
Thank you to our FRIENDS Ambassador, Tadhg Furlong
Tadhg took the time to have a Zoom call with the winner of the recent FRIENDS competition: Ed Kenny, his family and friends.
We have a WINNER!
Congratulations to Ed Kenny for becoming a FRIEND to the IRFU Charitable Trust and winning the Zoom Call with Tadhg Furlong.
St Mary’s College RFC U20s are going to run 1000km in 7 days in aid of the IRFU Charitable Trust
Starting on 17th Jan and ending 23rd Jan – the 20s players will run individually each day a combined total of 1000km in 7 days
Face Masks – The New Norm
Great to see our injured players and committee members staying safe and wearing the IRFU Charitable Trust face masks.
A thank you message from Bríd and Linda.
Bríd and Linda completed 10km a day for 10 days and raised over €2,000 for our seriously injured players – thank you to everyone who donated!
Jamie Graham’s Family Road Trip in Ireland
It’s strange to think it took a pandemic to encourage me to take a summer holiday in my own country, but to my shame it did! At the end of August, along with my wife Natalie and nearly 3 year-old son Judah, we …
The IRFU Charitable Trust Vodafone Rugby Ball 2020
The Annual I.R.F.U. Charitable Trust Ball was held on Friday 6th March 2020 in the Round Room at the Mansion House. The IRFU Charitable Trust is delighted to have Vodafone …
Chartered Accountants Ireland – Leinster Rugby Lunch
The home of Irish rugby was also home to the Chartered Accountants Leinster Society on Friday afternoon for our annual rugby lunch, sponsored by Bank of Ireland.
Banbridge Rugby Club set to host Rory Best Homecoming Festival
Rory’s chosen charities, the IRFU Charitable Trust and the Cancer Fund for Children, will also benefit from the events which include a cross community family festival
Ireland’s Call 6 Nations Gala Ball 2020 in aid of the IRFU Charitable Trust
On Saturday 25th January we welcomed our many supporters to the third Ireland’s Call Ball in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. Following on from the success of the previous
Thank you to everyone at Vodafone
Vodafone employees and the Vodafone Ireland Foundation very generously raised much needed funds for the IRFU Charitable Trust to help support the 36 seriously injured rugby players across Ireland.
IRFU Charitable Trust – AON Lunch 2019
We were delighted to welcome Katie Mullan, Ireland’s Women’s Hockey Captain to be interviewed by Niall Rynne and we wish her and the team the best of luck in the Tokyo Olympics! Niall Rynne also spoke with Michelle Claffey and Sean Cronin …
The IRFU Charitable Trust Walk & Cycle in Japan during the 2019 Rugby World Cup
It all began in Dublin on the 28th of July in 2009 when the IRB announced Japan would host the 2015 Rugby World Cup: the seed was sown for a Charity Walk & Cycle in Japan to help raise funds for our seriously injured players …
Charlie’s Camino Experience
No fifteen-year-old was ever happier to see a Cathedral than me, Charlie Quinn, as I dragged my weary body into Santiago de Compostela …
IRFU Charitable Trust 4th Annual Corporate Patrons Golf Day
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Corporate Patrons Golf Day in Powerscourt on Friday 27th September 2019. And a very special thank you to our generous prize sponsors: Aer Lingus …
Winner of the trip to Japan!
Congratulations to Jonathan Beatty – the winner of the trip to Japan …
Win a trip for two to Japan!
For your chance to win a trip of lifetime for two people to Japan, from 17th to 23rd October, on a tour with Mick Galwey …
Brightwater Rugby & Wine Evening in aid of seriously injured players
The Brightwater Group, Ireland’s leading recruitment specialists, were delighted to host an evening of Rugby & Wine for their clients in advance of the Rugby World Cup in Japan this September. Former Irish players Gordon D’Arcy …
Bernard Healy and his Diary – Tall Ship Weymouth to Cork 15th – 21st May 2019
Curious dolphins popped above the waves but most of us were on the ropes and a fleeting glance was all we could afford them at the time. We were the 8 pm to 12 midnight watch and the beautiful sunset did not disappoint. Next came the full moon and the sky illuminated. We look at this on land so often but at sea it was magical. Hats off to all those ancient mariners!
IRFU Charitable Trust Corporate Patrons – Business Networking Breakfast
The 4th annual Business Networking Breakfast event for the IRFU Charitable Trust Corporate Patrons took place on Friday 12th April. Special guests included David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director and Ireland Under 20s Grand Slam Winning Coach, Noel McNamara and Captain, Charlie Ryan – interviewed brilliantly by Oisin Langan.
Breaking a World Record in aid of Crumlin Children’s Hospital and the IRFU Charitable Trust
The Rugby Rebels successfully attempted and broke the World Record for a team of over 40’s in the 100 kilometre event on a rowing machine on Saturday the 9th of March.
The IRFU Charitable Trust Vodafone Rugby Ball
The Annual IRFU Charitable Trust Ball was held on Friday 1st March 19 at the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin. Commemorating 40 years of the IRFU Charitable Trust, the Trust was delighted […]
Ireland’s Call 6 Nations Gala Ball 2019 in aid of the IRFU Charitable Trust
On Saturday 26th January we once again welcomed our many supporters to our annual Ireland’s Call Ball in the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin. Following on from the success of last year’s event the challenge was set to host a larger event, to raise more valuable funds and to ensure all our guests enjoyed their night.
IRFU Charitable Trust AON Lunch
The IRFU Charitable Trust AON Lunch was held at the Ballsbridge Hotel on 24th November 2017. Many thanks to all who supported the event in helping us raise much needed funds for the ongoing support of our seriously injured players.
IRFU Charitable Trust Corporate Patrons Golf Outing in Powerscourt Golf Club
Thank you to all the teams who competed on the day including special guest Luke Fitzgerald as well as ex-Leinster and Ireland team mate Isaac Boss in helping support our seriously injured players.
IRFU Charitable Trust Aviva Stadium Filming & Photography
Thank you to all those who volunteered their time to join us at the Aviva Stadium on Wednesday 19th and Wednesday 26th of July for our initial Filming and Photography days…
