b'greAT BriTAin ArOunD THe WOrLD 1 2 3 45 6 7 8The Annual Winter Ball 1 Ambassador Dan Mulhall andDeCemBer,2013 The Ireland Fund of Great Britain hosted its annual Winter Ball at The Landmark Hotel, Brenda Frickermarylebone. The evening sparkled with glamour as supporters sipped Laurent perrier champagne in the Indoor Gazebo2 Brenda Fricker3 Emer Hunt and Basil Geoghegan before making their way to the Grand Ballroom for dinner, live and silent auctions and live entertainment. The silent 4 Kiely Brothers and guestsauction included an impressive array of donated items including a philip Treacy hat, a photo shoot with celebrity 5 Helen Breen and Michael Walsh6 Paul Costelloe, Peter Sutherland,photographer seamus ryan and a garden consultation from Diarmuid gavin. The evenings excitement culminatedZachary Webbwhen Irish Ambassador to Britain Dan mulhall presented a Waterford Crystallamp to honouree Brenda Fricker, Irelands7 Ruth McCarthy8 Sarah Newman, Sheila Bailey,only Oscar-winning actress, for her Contribution to Irish Cultural Life. In his address, the Ambassador said that BrendaAdrian Dunbarhas 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 sup-porters including entrepreneur sarah newman from RTEs Dragons Den, Irish actor Adrian Dunbar and designer paulCostelloe whodonatedasketchthatwasauctionedliveonthenight.Alsoauctionedlivewerelive charity pledges for Console and southwark irish pensioners project. Chairman ruth mcCarthy brought the IFGBs Silver Anniversary to a close and celebrated all that has been achieved by the IFGB over the past 25 years. Gratefulthanks to the evenings headline sponsor Dsm Demolition, champagne reception sponsor Laurent perrier and flowersponsor Kiely Brothers. Thanks also to goodie bag donors: CityJet, Broderick, Blank Canvas Cosmetics, Barrys Tea,Tourism ireland and Jacobs Biscuits and to grA skincare, Thomas Ferguson irish Linen and Butlers Chocolates.connect2014 | 97'