Social Pictures: The inaugural Clonakilty Charity Ball

By Sarah Gill
25th Nov 2022

Anna Groniecka Photography

Social Pictures: The inaugural Clonakilty Charity Ball

Last weekend, guests lined the red carpet for the first ever Clonakilty Charity Ball in Dunmore House Hotel.

All proceeds from the event went towards the Clonakilty playground redevelopment.

When was it?

Saturday, 19 November.

Where was it?

Dunmore House Hotel, Muckross, Dunmore, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

Why were we there?

This fabulous fundraising evening was in aid of the new Clonakilty playground, and saw guests enjoy a sensational and unmissable new event in the West Cork diary.

Virgin Media news correspondent Richard Chambers entertained guests as he hosted the fun-filled evening. Speaking at the event he said; “It’s such an honour to be hosting at this year’s Clonakilty Charity Ball, and to help raise funds for such a worthy cause. Clonakilty is a wonderful and vibrant town and the fundraising achievements from the local community to build a new playground have been phenomenal.”

His partner, and renowned author Louise O’Neill, originally from Clonakilty added; “It’s been a fantastic evening. I’ve always been so proud to be from Clonakilty and this ball reminded me of all the reasons why. The community here are raising an incredible amount of money to build a much-needed new playground, and it’s this community spirit which makes Clonakilty such a special place.”

Ticket holders were wined and dined by Dunmore House Hotel and enjoyed a gin reception by Clonakilty Distillery, as well as participated in a thrilling auction and raffle with top prizes donated by local businesses including an original work of art by renowned West Cork artist Aidan O’Regan and a children’s playset worth over €2K from Hennessy Outdoor Group.

Setting the dance floor on fire was music from DJ legend and Cork’s Red FM radio presenter Stevie G and the fabulously talented The Conor Ocean Band.

Donations to The Clonakilty Playground can be made here.

Who was there?

Attendees of the evening got to rub shoulders with a dazzling lineup of special guests including journalist and author Richard Chambers, and his partner and best-selling author Louise O’Neill, leading personal trainer Karl Henry and wife Jean Henry and TD for Cork South West, Christopher O’Sullivan with fiancé Sarah Redmond.