The inaugural CROSS Cancer Action Rugby Ball took place recently in the Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin. Raising funds for CROSS (Cancer Research of the Oesophagus and Stomach), a charity led by Professor John Reynolds of Trinity College and St James Hospital, the Rugby Ball saw over 380 people out en force to support the rugby themed event.
On arrival, guests enjoyed Mickey Finns Appletinis before making their way into the rugby themed room. Elvery Sports created suitably themed centre pieces with the green, gold and white of Ireland in a mix of rugby balls while Risteard Cooper from Apres Match entertained the crowd with his litany of impressions.
After enjoying a menu of treats specially designed by the team at the Four Seasons, David Agar took to the stage to oversee the auction. In keeping with the theme, the lots under the gavel proved popular as many were ‘must-have’ items for any rugby fanatic. From private training with Irish coach Eddie O’Sullivan to signed and framed Irish and Munster jerseys, all inclusive trips to the Ireland v France game at the 2007 Rugby World Cup to a St Michael’s SCT winners jersey, as well as a host of other items, the auction was a fiercely fought out by the many rugby fans at the event and raised over €150,000 for the worthwhile charity.
After the auction, guests hit the dance floor led by The VIPs and the partying went on until the wee hours. Among the guests attending included designer Helen Cody, Paul Shearan, RHA Artist Laura Cronin, ex Irish rugby player Paul Wallace, Conor and Marie Headon, Ronan and Michelle Murphy, Sonny and Sheila Knowles, Barry Connolly from Richmond Marketing, Mark Wilson from Babco, Michael O’Boyle from Absolute Rugby, Kate Gleeson from Diffusion Boutique and Nikki Creedon from Havana Boutique.
