7th December, 2013

IFGB Annual Winter Ball 2013

Silver Anniversary Winter Ball

On December 7th the Ireland Fund of Great Britain hosted its annual Winter Ball at The Landmark Hotel, Marylebone. The evening sparkled with glamour as supporters sipped Laurent Perrier champagne in the Indoor Gazebo before making their way to the Grand Ballroom for a delicious banquet, live and silent auction and live entertainment.

The silent auction included an impressive array of donated items including a Philip Treacy hat, a photo shoot with celebrity photographer Seamus Ryan and a garden consultation from Diarmuid Gavin.

The evening’s excitement culminated when Ambassador Dan Mulhall presented a Waterford Crystal lamp to honouree Brenda Fricker, Ireland’s only Oscar winning actress, for her Contribution to Irish Cultural Life. In his address, the Ambassador highlighted that Brenda has been involved in every iconic moment of Irish television, theatre and film since her career began from her performances in The Field and My Left Foot to her wonderful performances in The Abbey and Gate Theatres.

Showing their support on the night were our Patrons Peter Sutherland and Basil Geoghegan as well as long-term Ireland Fund supporters including Entrepreneur Sarah Newman from RTE’s Dragons’ Den, Irish actor Adrian Dunbar and designer Paul Costelloe who donated a sketch that was auctioned live on the night. Also auctioned live were live charity pledges for Console and Southwark Irish Pensioners Project.

Chairman Ruth McCarthy brought the IFGB’s Silver Anniversary to a close and celebrated all that has been achieved by the IFGB over the past 25 years.

Acknowledgments and grateful thanks to the evenings headline sponsor DSM Demolition, champagne reception sponsor Laurent Perrier and flower sponsor Kiely Brothers. The IFGB would also like to thank their wonderful goodie bag donors; CityJet, Broderick, Blank Canvas Cosmetics, Barry’s Tea, Tourism Ireland and Jacob’s Biscuits and to ÓGRA Skincare, Thomas Ferguson Irish Linen and Butler’s Chocolates.