Thank you to everyone who supported last year’s Christmas Lunch in Marco Pierre White Courtyard Restaurant. We had over 170 glamorous guests who enjoyed the style and fashion provided by Phoenix V & Ribbon Rouge Boutiques; the beauty advice by Triona McCarthy and the inspiring panel hosted by TV3’s Elaine Crowley. Your support and that of so many others who contributed both raffle prizes and items for our goody bags have ensured the success of our event and helped us raise in excess of  €20,000 after costs, to support our ongoing research and awareness programmes nationally. We are extremely grateful to you and look forward to seeing you all again on Friday December 7th, save the date ladies.

CELEBRITIES, SUPPORTERS AND SURVIVORS GRACE THE PINK CARPET AT BATTLE OF THE STARS

It was a glamorous and inspiring affair hosted by 2FM star, Eoghan McDermott as celebrities, breast cancer survivors and supporters battled it out in the Clayton Hotel, Burlington Road on Saturday, 14th April for Battle of the Stars proudly supported by Joe Duffy Group to raise funds to support Breast Cancer Ireland’s ongoing research and awareness efforts. Spin’s Georgie Crawford took the top prize in the dance competition with her partner Darragh Stokes for their technically brilliant and emotionally charged Cha Cha. TV3 Ireland AM’s Ciara Doherty and presenter Kamal Ibrahim led the winning lip-sync group with a fun-filled and energetic Grease routine.

RTE’s Blathnaid Ni Chofaigh and Dancing with the Stars backstage reporter James Patrice opened proceedings with a sultry salsa in front of a packed house of almost 500 guests. Holly Carpenter, BBC host and author Diana Bunici, FM104 Strawberry Alarm Clock’s Crossy, model Kerri Nicole Blanc and fashion presenter and blogger Rob Kenny danced and lip-synced their socks off along with survivors of breast cancer. The event also included employees from event sponsors, Joe Duffy Group and associate sponsors Cornmarket Financial and supporters of the charity.

Head judge on the night was Dancing with the Stars Julian Benson who expertly commentated on the participants and their performances was supported by an on-form Gerald Kean who entertained the audience alongside BCI Ambassador and TV3 presenter Elaine Crowley and presenter Lisa Cannon.

Dancing with the Stars winners Jake Carter and Karen Byrne preformed as the judges deliberated and other well known faces in the audience included magazine mogul, Norah Casey, Make Up Forever’s Annie Gribbin and TV3’s Alan Hughes.

Guests from the world of business, finance, arts, sports, media, fashion and entertainment enjoyed a So Prosecco reception followed by a four-course gala dinner and entertainment. Once the winners and prizes were announced everyone danced into the late hours to the retro sounds of The Sugar Cubes.

All funds raised support Breast Cancer Ireland’s pioneering research and awareness programmes around Ireland.