The Co-operation Ireland Gala Ball

Join the party at this year's annual Gala Ball, held in the prestigious venue of the Dorchester Hotel in London's Park Lane. Details including the Sponsorship Packages and Booking Form can be downloaded below.

Last year's event saw over 350 guests attend helping to raise funds for the work of Co-operation Ireland. Guests included the Irish Ambassador Bobby McDonagh, who in his speech recalled the tremendous success achieved at the London Olympics by both British and Irish athletes and who were rightly cheered on by supporters from both Britain and Ireland. Perhaps the Irish Ambassador was inspired by the Double 100m and 200m Gold Medal Winner at the London 2012 Paralympics, legend Jason Smyth who was also in attendance.

Amid the fun, the real purpose of the evening, to raise funds for the work of Co-operation Ireland, was made clear by a moving speech from Mairaid, a 17 year old girl from Lurgan. She spoke candidly of overcoming drug and alcohol problems which were driving her towards a life of crime and potential paramilitary involvement. Mairaid overcome some of her issues through her participation in Co-operation Ireland's Youth Leadership Programme, the aim of which is to intervene and support young people with leadership potential but who are at risk of engaging in anti-social behaviour. This programme has been well received at both community and political levels and is being rolled out in into new areas including Shantallow, and Fountain Estate areas of L’derry, Belfast and Limerick.

The 2012 Gala Ball was also well supported by many corporates and entrepreneurs based in London with Tourism Ireland and Galliard Homes under Don O’Sullivan, as the two key sponsors. John O’ Connell who chaired the event,spoke of the strong links between Co-operation Ireland and Tourism Ireland, and both organisations will be involved in ‘The Gathering’ in 2013.

The amount raised was just shy of £100,000. This is a marvellous achievement, particularly in these uncertain economic times and Co-operation Ireland is very grateful to everyone who supported the event and continues to support the charity. Our thanks also to Geraldine McGrory and the Gala Ball Organising Committee who work extremely hard to make the Gala Ball such as success.

Please join us at The Dorchester Hotel on Thursday 7 November and help support Co-operation Ireland in 2013.

For full details please contact Janet Brennan by email jbrennan@cooperationireland.org or by telephone +44 (0) 28 9089 1017.