Everything’s Coming Up Roses for Marymount Hospice Ball

19th October 2012

Fancy a magnificent Cartier watch? Or a night at the Royal Ballet with exclusive use of the Rolex Box at Covent Garden? What about a weekend away at the Heineken Cup Final? Or maybe tennis is your game and a serving at the famous French Open at Roland Garros would tickle your fancy?

These are just some of the fantastic auction items that will be up for grabs at this year’s glittering Marymount Hospice Ball courtesy of Keanes Jewellers and Heineken Ireland when Kiwi rugby pundit Brent Pope will officiate. And it doesn’t matter what auction item you’ve got your eye on you had better be quick - over half of the 400 available ball tickets have already been snapped up, said organisers at the official launch in The Kiln, Heineken Ireland last night. (Thursday, 18 October 2012).

The 5 star gala fundraising dinner will be held once again in the wonderful surrounds of the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island which has proven to be a perfect venue for the ball with over 400 guests attending in previous years. This year’s ball, which is the highlight of Cork’s social calendar, will take place on Friday, 7 December 2012 and is co-sponsored by Bord Gáis Energy, BAM Contractors, Keanes Jewellers and Musgraves.

This is the sixth year of the Marymount Hospice Ball and over €400,000 has been raised, every cent of which has contributed towards the state of the art facility in Curraheen. The monumental move to the new site was made last year however funds are needed as much as ever to continue the enhanced provision of services to the people of Cork and surrounding areas.

Pat O’Flynn, Chairperson of the Marymount Hospice Ball Committee said: “We are really looking forward to this year’s ball, we have some great things planned for the evening’s entertainment and as usual our fabulous auction items have got everybody talking. It’s very encouraging to see that over half the tickets have already sold before tonight’s launch. I have no doubt this year’s ball will be another great success!”

Kevin O’Dwyer, Chief Executive Officer of Marymount Hospice said: “We moved into our superb new hospice last year and the realisation of that dream was down to the fantastic generosity of the people of Cork. But the support can’t end there, as we need to raise €1.5 million per annum to maintain our services and to repay loans. The Ball is one of our key fund-raising activities during the year, and once again we thank people in advance for their support.”

The Ball is seen as the first Christmas event and is sure to be a sell-out. Already it has developed a strong tradition of being supported by business and has also proven to be very popular for friends and family get-togethers around the holiday period.

To support this very worthy cause and to enjoy a night of great style with lots of fun, book your tickets by emailing annecahill@marymounthospiceball.com or log on to www.marymounthospiceball.com for further details. Tables of ten cost €1,500 or individual tickets may be bought at €150 each.

Also present at the launch in The Kiln last night were Cork Senior hurling star Tom Kenny, Munster Rugby legends Ronan O’Gara and Donnacha O’Callaghan and Cork Ladies Footballers Briege Corkery and Orlagh Farmer.

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