Drogheda Independent

ABACAS BALL SUCCESS

GLITTERING NIGHT IN THE WESTCOURT HOTEL AS THE ANNUAL ABACAS BALL PROVES TO BE A GREAT SUCCESS

- By FIONA MAGENNIS

FANTASTIC NIGHT OF GLAMOUR AND FUN RAISED ALMOST €20K FOR SCHOOL

A fantastic night was had by all 230 guests who attended the ninth annual ABACAS Valentines Ball in the Westcourt Hotel.

This spectular event is always a hit with locals and sells out year after year.

In the past, celebrity guests have included Brian Ormond and Pippa O’Connor, Michelle Heaton, Mickey Harte, Lorraine Keane and Peter Devlin and Derry and Sallyanne Clarke.

The evening started with a champagne reception in the Earth and this included the chance to sample beers from Jack Codys and cider from Dan Kellys.

From there, the guests were brought to the function room for a delicious dinner from the chefs in the Westcourt Hotel.

Our MC was Gerry Kelly who kept the whole thing bowling along,’ said Jacinta Walsh from ABACAS. ‘ We had a fun pass the parcel game with prizes for each table which was great fun. We also had a raffle which was very generously supported. This was all followed by dancing to 2morrows Party and DJ.’

The party was such a success that the last of the revellers left the hotel at 4am!

And even more importantl­y a fantastic €18,300 was raised which will be split between Drogheda ABACAS Special School, Autism Louth and Meath Youth Clubs and the minibus fund to replace the current minibus which is used by the school and the youth clubs in the evenings and weekends.

‘Its amazing to get such fantastic support from friends, family and supporters who buy tickets and also the many local businesses and shops who donate sponsorshi­p and prizes prizes,’’ said Jacinta. ‘Also the Westcourt Hotel should be compliment­ed for both their customer service and the fabulous food. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff and management of the Westcourt and everyone compliment­ed the food.’

The Ball is both a fundraiser and an opportunit­y for groups of friends to meet up and have a brilliant night out. Its an opportunit­y for the School and the youth club to highlight some of the work they do for example the Occupation­al Therapy programme and new Social Drama and Capacity Building groups for teenagers and young adults with Autism or Asperger Syndrome.

 ??  ?? Paddy Comyn and Kristina Jelavica at the ABACAS Ball
Paddy Comyn and Kristina Jelavica at the ABACAS Ball
 ??  ?? Kevin and Lyndsey Hutchinson, Padraig and Laura Ruddy, Paul and Deirdre Murphy
Kevin and Lyndsey Hutchinson, Padraig and Laura Ruddy, Paul and Deirdre Murphy
 ??  ?? Aine Walsh, Ger Carr, Jane Kierans and Therese Quinn
Aine Walsh, Ger Carr, Jane Kierans and Therese Quinn
 ??  ?? Margaret, Gillian and Amanda Reilly at the ABACAS Ball in the Westcourt Hotel.. Left; Sean Meagher and Roisin Sheerin
Margaret, Gillian and Amanda Reilly at the ABACAS Ball in the Westcourt Hotel.. Left; Sean Meagher and Roisin Sheerin
 ??  ?? Michael O’Hanlon and Sharon Gilmartin
Michael O’Hanlon and Sharon Gilmartin
 ??  ?? Pauline Byrne, Mairead Duggan and Gillian Black
Pauline Byrne, Mairead Duggan and Gillian Black
 ??  ??

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