Great night at the Valentine’s Ball

An unforgettable night took place in the Templemore Arms last Saturday in aid of Research Motor Neurone and the Leahy family.

At 6.30pm the doors opened to a Prosecco reception and the wonderful sounds of the Midland String Quartet. As the large crowd arrived, there was a real sense of being part of something wonderful, such was the smile on everyone's face. The chatter was so loud that the ringing of the dinner bell was barely audible. As we moved into the ballroom, the sheer number of tables and chairs reflected the size of the event.

A four-course dinner was served with impeccable service by the staff of the Templemore Arms and the food was exceptional. On every table, there was a four-page list of all sponsors, contributors and donors as well as a list of the incredible raffle prizes including seven weekends away. The winner of a two-night stay in Kilkenny ensured one of the loudest laughs of the night when it was won by Tipperary's biggest GAA fan Martin Bourke. Martin was so shocked at the prospect of spending a few days in rival Kilkenny that he exclaimed, “I'll swap it for a large bottle of Guinness.” Suffice it to say he was inundated with offers.

After the meal, Noreen Leahy supported by her incredible family of Sean, Marie, James and Shane, gave a speech that was so moving you could hear a pin drop in the ballroom and everyone listened with huge respect and admiration. What followed then was four hours of non-stop dancing through every genre of music possible. And to no-one's surprise, Noreen and her family were ever-present on that dance floor, as was everyone else.

They travelled from all corners of the country to share and to be part of this memorable night and it didn't disappoint. The room was full of love, laughter and chatter, and everyone understood that this night was so special because it was about our community standing up and showing up for one of their own. Thank you to everyone who made this night possible.