The President of Ireland Michael D Higgins, his wife Sabina, 15 Ambassadors, a few Chargés d’Affaires, the odd Honorary Consul and CEO, a famous film director and at least one Senator were among the 280 guests who packed the magical Royal Hospital Kilmainham on Saturday, May 11th 2013 for the International Charity Bazaar second annual Diplomatic Ball.
A string quartet of fine young musicians from the Royal Irish Academy of Music, sparkling bubbles from Boodles Champagne Bar and the glamorous attire and buzz of our excited guests, all added to the fairy tale atmosphere of the reception rooms.
In the Great Hall, against a splendid backdrop of embassy flags, the President spoke eloquently about the importance of the contribution made by the Diplomatic Corps to the local community in Ireland through the ICB’s fundraising activities. Here is the link to the transcript of his speech.
Benefiting Charities
Jane Chilcott (ICB Executive Director) then announced the five charities that will receive support this year, all of which were represented at the Ball:
- All Ireland Institute of Hospices & Palliative Care
- Cork Association for Autism
- Festina Lente
- Spraoi agus Sport
- St John of God Development Company Burton Hall Project
Excellent food, great wine, fabulous Raffle prizes
[click on the picture to enlarge it]
A Brambles feast fit for a President was brought to the elegantly decorated tables, with majestic wines from the generous cellars of Glen Dimplex, and Leonidas chocolates to savour with tea & coffee as the raffle of amazing prizes from a host of generous sponsors took place.
Dancing in the Baroque Chapel with its royal icing ceiling and stained glass windows, to the fabulously cool Johnnie Be Goode band, meant many Cinderellas only dragged themselves reluctantly away to their carriages at well past 1am….a lucky 5 winners to their chauffeur driven BMWs. It was a night to dream about. Until next year!
5 lucky BMW Mini Raffle winners arrived and departed in style courtesy of Frank Keane BMW
P.S.
More pictures from the night are uploaded to the Diplomatic Ball picture gallery . We have also posted the link to the photographer so you can order the prints directly from him.
This delightful book, published in 2012, is a collection of recipes from around the world donated by members of the international community living in Ireland. Proceeds from the sale of all copies go to support ICB's chosen charities.