Clonakilty Charity Ball raises almost €30,000 for exciting public space

THE Dunmore House Hotel in West Cork last Saturday provided a spectacular backdrop to this year’s Clonakilty Charity Ball, which raised almost €30,000.

All proceeds from the event, which was held for the first time in 2022, will go towards a new children’s amenity in Clonakilty after last year’s ball delivered a state-of-the-art playground for the town.

More than 200 guests helped raise vital funds towards an impressive new children’s outdoor performance theatre space, with picnic garden and magical pathways to create an inspiring, go-to-destination for families and children in Clonakilty.

The evening began with a drinks reception and guests joined well-known faces on the red carpet including TV’s Operation Transformation fitness expert and leading personal trainer Karl Henry and wife Jean Henry, Cork South West Fianna Fail TD Christopher O’Sullivan and his wife Sarah Redmond, as well as the hilarious host for the evening, comedian Bernard Casey.

The comedian introduced guests to the charity project and a thrilling auction and raffle ensued for prizes including an original work of art by celebrated West Cork artist Aidan O’Regan, private personal training sessions with fitness guru Karl Henry, a personal styling session with Michelle Coughlin, shopping vouchers, and a private chef dining experience with renowned chef Gillian Hegarty.

Other prizes included tickets to the Six Nations Ireland V’s Italy, American football at the Aviva Stadium, a corporate box to see Jimmy Carr at the Cork Opera House, and tickets to see a show of your choice at Dublin's 3 Arena.

Music on the night was performed by West Cork’s famed all-female band, The Kates, and legendary DJ and Cork’s Red FM presenter Stevie G.

Christopher O’Sullivan, said: “The Clonakilty Charity Ball is one of the best nights of the year with proceeds going towards this terrific project to create a new outdoor public performance space in Clonakilty.

“After the huge success from last year’s ball and the community’s tireless support to create the amazing new playground, the new garden and ampitheatre will no doubt become something very special for the town of Clonakilty.” 

You can donate towards the project at www.gofundme.com/f/amphitheater-clonakilty, and more information and updates are available at @Clonakiltycharityball and @Clonakilty_playground on Instagram.