The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Great night on the menu
FASHION Designer to the stars, Don O’Neill, will return to his culinary past for one night only this July for what promises to be an unforgettable fundraising event in memory of his beloved mother, Mim O’Neill.
The renowned designer, who trained as a chef before embarking on a stellar fashion career, has joined forces with cancer support charity Recovery Haven Kerry to host a spectacular dinner dance at Ballyroe Heights Hotel, Tralee on Friday, July 20.
The Ballyheigue designer, who lost his mother to cancer in 2012, will be joined by family, friends and loyal supporters to celebrate his beloved mother Mim on the eve of her sixth anniversary, where he will set a stunning four-course dinner menu of her favourite dishes.
A number of local businesses have also eagerly come on board to sponsor six remarkable spot prizes, which include a half day ‘For Ladies Only’ spa package for two at Nadur Spa at Ballygarry House Hotel, including a two-course lunch in the Brasserie and a table d’hote dinner in Restaurant 58; an exquisite pamper package from Expose Beauty; a stunning gold Fuschia (Mim’s favourite flower) pendant from Brian de Staic Jewellers; and a €200 holiday voucher courtesy of Noreen Lane Travel Counsellors.
In addition, there will be two amazing hotel getaways up for grabs, including an overnight stay and full Irish breakfast for two at the five-star Dromoland Castle, and two nights’ B&B for two people at Limerick’s four-star Absolute Hotel.
And while fashion will be off Don’s menu that evening, it should certainly be a top priority for the lady attendees, as the best dressed lady – chosen by Orla Diffilywill win a dream prize of a THEIA evening gown of her choice, kindly donated by Don.
The event will kick off with a champagne and cocktail reception at 6.30pm. Upon arrival, guests will have the opportunity to be photographed with Don and Pascal on the red carpet .
“Although my mom was not well enough to use Recovery Haven, as she had only three months from diagnosis to passing, the charity is a cause close to our hearts,” Don said. “My dad and my brother went there for counselling after my mom passed away and my cousin Jackie Crowe, to whom Pascal and I were very close, completely availed of their services and raved about them during her brave fight with cancer.
“Cancer affects way, way too many families and we are all blindsided by it, not knowing where to turn, what to do or how to even begin to cope. Thankfully we have Recovery Haven in Kerry to offer support, advice, counselling and many therapeutic treatments to comfort cancer patients who are undergoing treatment or are in recovery, as well as providing support to their families.”
Close friend of the couple and Recovery Haven PR & Marketing officer, Marisa Reidy, said the excitement surrounding the event is already incredible, adding that the charity is indebted to Don and Pascal and the extended O’Neill family for their amazing support.
“When Don and Pascal agreed to come on board with us to organise a fund-raiser we were absolutely over the moon, but when they came up with the idea of honouring Mim and making it so personal, we were truly humbled,” Marisa said.
“That Don, Pascal and the O’Neill family thought so highly of Recovery Haven to make this amazing gesture is an absolute privilege for us and we cannot wait for what promises to be a truly unforgettable night.”
Tickets for this unique event, priced at €75 each, are now available from Recovery Haven at 5 Haig’s Terrace, Tralee on 066 7192122 or via email at: marisa@recoveryhavenkerry.com