Lord Mayor's Charity Ball raises over €170,000 for Irish charities
The Lord Mayor’s Charity Ball raised over €170,000 for three Irish charities this year.
Held on Saturday, April 18 in the Mansion House, this annual gala took place in the historic Round Room and proudly supported ChildVision, Down Syndrome Ireland, and FirstLight. This a black-tie event has a long history, being first held on St Stephen’s night in 1716.
A total of €170,480.58 was raised during the ball sponsored by EHL Experiences and the Office of the Lord Mayor. Thanks to this sponsorship, all money raised through ticket sales on the night went directly to the charities.
“ The Lord Mayor’s Charity Ball shows what Dublin can do when we come together with generosity, purpose and heart. I am proud that this year’s Ball raised €170,480.58 for three exceptional charities: ChildVision, Down Syndrome Ireland and FirstLight,” Lord Mayor Ray McAdam said.
“Their work supports families, changes lives and reminds us that a great city is judged not only by its ambition, but by its compassion. That is what Celebrating Dublin is all about. A city of inclusion. A city of opportunity. A city of dignity.
“A city where every child, every family and every community matters. I want to thank everyone who supported the Ball, everyone who gave so generously, and EHL Experiences for their sponsorship, which ensured that every euro raised went directly to these three remarkable charities. Together, we have shown the very best of Dublin.”
Speaking during the ball’s announcement, Lord Mayor McAdam said was proud to have chosen ChildVision and Down Syndrome Ireland as his charity partners for 2026 as they “reflect the very best of what it means to celebrate Dublin - a city that is strongest when we put inclusion, opportunity and dignity at the heart of civic life.”
“ChildVision supports children with vision impairment and complex needs, helping them to learn, communicate, build confidence and live as independently as possible. Down Syndrome Ireland works every day to support people with Down syndrome and their families, advocating for education, employment, participation and full equality in our communities,” he said.
He also highlighted FristLight for “provides crucial early intervention and therapeutic support for babies, young children and families when it’s needed most.”
EHL Experiences CEO Padraic O’Kean said they are privileged to support an event that “makes such a meaningful difference”. With FirstLight as their nominated charity he said they are honoured to “play a small part in supporting the vital services they provide to families throughout Ireland”.
Attending the cheque handover was Lord Mayor Councillor Ray McAdam, Padraic O’Kane and Nora Murrin representing sponsors EHL Experiences, Barry Sheridan and Aisling Shanley of ChildVision, Mark Doyle from Down Syndrome Ireland and Andrew Mernagh from FirstLight.
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