Organisers of the event have said that this year’s donations stand as the most raised in one night in the more than 20-year history of the ball.

The directors state that revenues during the year increased “as all restrictions were lifted” in a reference to the Covid-19 impact on the business."

Zoological Society of Ireland (ZSI) enjoyed record numbers and returned to profit as gate income at the entity which operates the Zoo and Fota Wildlife Park in Cork almost doubled