IRFU Charitable Trust. Gala Ball - The Shelbourne

Nothing I like more than putting on my tuxedo and heading to a charity ball. Especially one that is so close to my heart. I played rugby for 20 years and loved every minute of it firstly in Suttonians RFC then on to Belvedere and then back to Suttonians. A number of years ago I was asked to photograph a party being held in a marquee in the garden of a gentleman called Joe McGowan in Foxrock. Again it was a black tie event and it was in aid of the IRFU Charitable Trust (check out their website!). The marquee was full of International rugby players most notable for me was the legendary Ollie Campbell. So when I got asked to photograph the Ireland’s Call Six Nations Ball in the Shelbourne Hotel Dublin I was absolutely delighted. The Shelbourne itself looked fab and everyone was very excited as it was the Saturday before Ireland v England (Ireland lost 20-32). The event included some amazing prizes including some very generous ones from Derry Clarke of L’Ecrivan Restaurant in Dublin. The guest of honour was Ireland defence coach and future head coach Andy Farrell. Who I did not realise was Owen Farrell’s father (out-half for England). The interview was carried out by the very funny Mick Quinn who always flies close to the edge. After dinner there was a great panel of former International players…. Chris Henry, Luke McGrath, Denis Hickey and Peter Clohessy. A huge amount of money was raised at this ball which will go towards making the lives players injured on the rugby pitch more comfortable, in particular players with spinal and neck injuries. Thanks for a great night.