Heineken Cup tickets up for grabs at hospice auction

They’re going to have to win their places at the final the hard way — but all you’ll have to do is don a tux and bid for them.

Ireland and Munster rugby stars Ronan O’Gara and Donncha O’Callaghan lined out last night to promote one of Cork’s biggest charity events, which will feature an auction with Heineken Cup final tickets up for grabs. The tickets are among an impressive array of items for sale at the Marymount Hospice Ball, details of which were announced last night.

The event will be at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, on Dec 7.

Other items up for auction include tickets to next year’s French Open, a Cartier watch, and tickets for a private box at a Covent Garden ballet.

This will be sixth year of the ball, which has raised over €400,000 for the construction of a new hospice in Curraheen.

Marymount Hospice chief executive Kevin O’Dwyer said the move was the realisation of a dream thanks to Cork people’s generosity. “But the support can’t end there as we need to raise €1.5m per annum to maintain our services and to repay loans. The ball is one of our key fundraising activities during the year, and once again we thank people in advance for their support.”

* Tables of 10 cost €1,500 or individual tickets are €150 each.

Email [e-mail] or for more, go to www.marymounthospiceball.com