Mark your calendars!
By Ellen O'Brien
Details of one of the must-go-to events on Cork’s social calendar have been revealed.
The Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy has announced the plans for his upcoming Black Tie Charity Spring Ball with three charities set to benefit, the Rainbow Club, Mercy University Hospital Foundation and Cork Mental Health Charity
Guest in attendance at the ball, in the Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday 12 April, will enjoy a drinks reception, a four-course meal, live music and may also be in for a surprise or two along the way.
Shane Casey of ‘The Young Offenders’ will be the MC for the evening and post dinner entertainment will be provided by the Roaring 40s. There will also be a raffle on the night with prizes donated by the city’s business community.
Speaking at the launch of the ball, the Lord Mayor of Cork Cllr Kieran McCarthy said: “Building Communities Together has been one of key priorities of my office. My charity ball is a key community awareness initiative for me which has togetherness at its heart.”
He added that he hopes to “raise as much money as possible to help very worthwhile charities whilst also having dinner, music and fun.”
The lord mayor also stated that he is delighted to be joined by “some fantastic guests on the night, who will no doubt make this a very memorable night for all”.
Micheál Sheridan, CEO, Mercy University Hospital Foundation said: "We are honoured to have been chosen as a beneficiary of the Lord Mayor's Ball. It's fitting as the Mercy University Hospital has a longstanding connection with the Lord Mayor of Cork, as the hospital was once the site of the old Mansion House for the Mayor of Cork, built in 1767.”
He also outlined how the support will help: “Funds raised through this new partnership will support ongoing projects at the Mercy University Hospital that will benefit cancer patients and their families long into the future, including the new Mercy Cancer Care Centre that will open its doors to patients in March, offering psychological support and workshops to those going through a cancer journey at the hospital.”
Brendan McCarthy, CEO of Cork Mental Health Charity, expressed gratitude at being chosen: “We would like to thank the Lord Mayor for choosing Cork Mental health as one of the charities to benefit from the funds raised and we will use those funds to support our work throughout the City such as Joy in the Park and The Next Step.”
Guests are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Tickets can be purchased through corkcity.ie and are €120 each.