Pictured above: Mary Doolan and Teresa Weafer of the Spellman Centre.
The evening of Saturday November 15th was the big night if you were a NewsFour staffer, or had picked up your ticket for the Blacktie Bingo Night, held at the Clanna Gael Club, Ringsend.
This winter formal was a fundraiser on behalf of your local news organ, whose very pages you hold. NewsFour is approaching its 30th year and lives and breathes with the support and indulgence of the community it is part of.
It’s always nice to see people happy to give back, and for all to have a good time while doing it. A number of local businesses showed their support by offering up services and deals as prizes for the raffle: Clyne’s Butchers supplied a €100 meat hamper, Michael Grant Renault a Full Car Valet voucher, and Helen Walsh also donated two vouchers for a Personal Trainer session worth €80.
Lloyd’s Pharmacy contributed a gift pack of toiletries and self-pampering treats by La Roche Posay. Kennedy’s Foods also provided a hamper of goodies.
A B&B overnight stay was up for grabs, courtesy of the Sandymount Hotel, and the Artisan Food Parlour offered up a two-person Brunch voucher and a bottle of Prosecco to sweeten the deal. Last but not least of our generous supporters, the D4 Hair Studio offered a voucher for a free Wash and Blowdry.
Around 100 people were in attendance for the event, braving the downpour. The Clanna Gael was as tastefully attired as the guests who came trickling in, in twos and threes or in groups. Our MC and bingo caller for the night was, of course, the glamourous Shirley Temple Bar, who was on her (nearly) best behaviour so as to not scandalise the uninitiated. She even sidestepped a glaring opportunity for mischief when a voice from the crowd objected to her call of the number 88 as “two fat ladies.”
The NewsFour staff were on hand to serve and protect: Aimee MacLeod and Anita McPhilips along with Mary O’Toole of the NewsFour Committee handed out tickets, Steve Kingston supplied drinks and canapés, Rúairí Conneely and managing editor/head honcho Karen Keegan were darting between tables to collect winning booklets or deliver prizes, and Maria Shields, Ross Waldron and Craig Kinsella were on call should anyone want their photo taken, glad-rags and all.
The night included a few former NewsFour staffers, such as Jason McDonnell, Nessa Jennings and Karen Madsen and her entourage of friends and family. Some made a few wins to boot (quite by chance). As well as the Bingo and the raffle, an auction was held for the handsome table centrepieces, handmade for NewsFour by Charlie Byrne. This meant many walked away with something to show for the night. What more could you ask for?
Charlie saw his generosity come straight back at him when he was picked as best-dressed man for the night, winning a bottle of wine. Best Dressed Woman on the night was Karen Madsen, for her 80s retro ensemble.
The night was rounded off with music from Mojo, playing a selection of rock and roll classics and conjuring up an excuse for a bit of a post-bingo dance.
By Rúairí Conneely
Above: The staff of NewsFour also enjoyed the night!
