Western Care have announced former politician Mary O’Rourke as the guest speaker for their upcoming Candlelight Ball which takes place on Saturday, February 9. Former celebrity guest speakers at the ball include An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, sports commentator Micheál O’Muircheartaigh and Mary Davis of the Special Olympics. The Candlelight Ball is a solid fixture in the Castlebar social calendar.
Mary O'Rourke is a former deputy leader of Fianna Fáil, who has held a number of senior Cabinet positions. She has also been leader of the Seanad and is a frequent guest on radio and television. Her bestselling political memoir, Just Mary was launched in late 2012 and has flown off the shelves ever since.
“We are absolutely delighted to confirm Mary O’Rourke as our guest speaker at the Candlelight Ball,” said Caroline Gordon, chairperson of Castlebar voluntary branch of Western Care. “This is a really significant fundraising event for Western Care and Mary O’Rourke is a popular personality who will attract many attendees. We look forward to an entertaining and no doubt very amusing speech from her.”
The 13th annual Candlelight Ball in aid of Western Care was launched last month by Brendan Henaghan, Mayor of Castlebar.
The Candlelight Ball takes place on Saturday, February 9 in Breaffy House Resort. The evening starts with a champagne reception followed by a five course gala dinner complete with matching wine. Entertainment during the evening includes a raffle, auction and mystery gamble with fantastic prizes, dancing the night away to Charade and much more.
Tickets are €50 each with a 10 per cent discount offered for table bookings of 10 people or more. The dress code is formal with the option of black tie for those who like a chance to dress up a little. Tickets are available from Western Care Association, John Moore Road, Castlebar, tel 094 902 9174 or by contacting Teresa Ward, Development Officer, tel 087 246 7857.
Western Care is a voluntary organisation set up 46 years ago by a group of parents and friends of children with learning disabilities in Mayo. The association provides a wide range of services to more than 1,000 children and adults through a network of group homes and training centres in the community throughout Mayo. The association relies on the generosity of the people of Mayo and Western Care’s friends throughout the country to raise funds to help sustain its services and supports.
