Pictured at the Tower Hotel attending the Mayor’s Charity Ball were Cathy Nolan, president St. Vincent De Paul and Cllr. John Halligan, Mayor.                    | John Power Photography

Pictured at the Tower Hotel attending the Mayor’s Charity Ball were Cathy Nolan, president St. Vincent De Paul and Cllr. John Halligan, Mayor. | John Power Photography

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A very large attendance of 400 attended last Saturday’s Mayor’s Ball in the Tower Hotel. Mayor John Halligan had been working hard getting the numbers up despite the difficult financial year in Waterford.
Over €11,000 was raised in the auction and more in the draw. The vast bulk of the ‘€110 a plate’ draw went to charity. The biggest selling item in the auction was a Henry Shefflin Kilkenny shirt which went for over €1,100.
Over €40,000 may eventually go to the two nominated charities, St Vincent de Paul and Children’s Group Link. Other major sponsors were Caulfields Supervalu, John Sullivan of Sully’s Snooker, Noel Frisby Construction and Heineken who sponsored the pre-ball reception. Brass and Co provided the entertainment.
Mayor Halligan spoke of the great work done by the Vincent de Paul organisation where there were many needs at present due to the recession. The Society was finding many new clients, not just from working people but also professional people who had hit hard times as well as self employed who may not have social welfare entitlements. Some of their funds also goes towards assisting a graduate scholarship. Kathy Nolan spoke of their work and how all members are volunteers
The Mayor paid tribute to the giving nature of Waterford people and gave an instance of the Haiti situation where, in a few hours, over €10,000 was collected.
Another charity that the Mayor supported was Children’s Group Link where his family has had long connections. Brendan Halligan, chief executive of Children’s Group Link, spoke about the origins of the organisation in 1979, helping out disadvantaged youth. There are 120 members now compared to the original 12. Joe Gough of Waterford Youth Committee was thanked as were the people of Waterford for their support over the years. Over €2.5m was spent on the centre on Military Road but only €300,000 came from central funds. That money was welcome but it showed how much the people of Waterford have contributed.
Mr Halligan praised his brother for his support and the freshness brought to the Mayor’s office with his open approach. He also acknowledged the support of previous Mayors. Nicola Beresford was the very competent Master of ceremonies and referred to Mayor Halligan as the ‘People’s Mayor’. Auctioneer John Rohan handled the auction where a number of strong bids were made.
It turned out to be a very successful event despite the difficult year. As the Mayor said, many had saved up to come to the event and to support the two charities.