Stars line up to pay tribute to legend O’Gara

Ronan O’Gara’s testimonial dinner in Cork next month is the hottest ticket in town — and that’s official.

The glittering Oct 24 soiree at City Hall for one of Cork’s favourite sporting sons sold all 600 seats at up to €350 a head without promotion. Organisers are now considering rethinking the capacity for the event.

The demand for tickets underlines the remarkably high esteem in which the Munster, Ireland, and Lions legend is held, said organising committee chair Michael O’Flynn.

“This emphatic statement of support for Ronan speaks for itself,” said Mr O’Flynn. “It is truly reflective of the dedication and loyalty he has shown to Munster and Irish rugby over his career.”

City Hall tables were priced at €3,500 for a table of 12, but the sell-out left the organising committee with a welcome problem.

Mr O’Flynn confirmed that it has been decided to increase capacity for the night to 840 by using the Millennium Hall, adjacent to the main hall.

“The concept of hosting events using both halls is not new,” Mr O’Flynn said. “The Cork Chamber annual dinner uses the venue in this format with great success.”

The Millennium Hall, with video linkage, will accommodate a further 20 tables at a reduced price of €3,000 per table of 12, or €300 per single ticket.

Two worthy causes will benefit from the testimonial for the Paris-based star. A joint initiative between Cork University Hospital and Crumlin Medical and Research Foundation is one of the beneficiaries, while a portion of the proceeds will also go to Donal Walsh’s LiveLife Foundation.

The CUH charity was established in 2012 with the aim of fundraising to provide a wide range of life changing and life-saving equipment and services for patients attending the hospital. The Crumlin Medical and Research Foundation’s mission is simple — helping children and their families.

O’Gara and his former Munster rugby teammates developed a tight bond with Tralee teenager Donal Walsh before his death earlier this year. The LiveLife Foundation was set up by Donal’s family to advance his aim of providing age-appropriate teenage facilities in hospital and hospice centres, as well as promoting his anti-suicide message.

One of the social highlights of the year will see an array of leading personalities from the world of sport, business, and entertainment in attendance — including former international colleagues Brian O’Driscoll and Paul O’Connell. Mario Rosenstock will be one of the guest artists on the night.

A key element to the success of the testimonial is a breathtaking selection of once-off auction items on the evening. Organisers have amassed a treasure trove of special attractions, but the remaining seven weeks will see it escalate efforts to bring in the ultimate auction prize.

The public can help the drive for charity too, by coming up with any interesting items they would like to include. They can contact the designated email — [e-mail] — in relation to this. Also, the public can participate in the online auction in advance of the night once it goes live.

O’Gara will also host a testimonial dinner in Londonon Feb 20, 2014, two days before England host Ireland in the Six Nations Championship at Twickenham.