The Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby Ball took place at the Five AA Red Star K Club on the eve of one of Europe's most iconic horse races, the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby which was run the following day at the Curragh Racecourse.
The black tie bal, on Friday, was in aid of the Jack & Jill Children's Foundation and was attended by over 270 guests from the worlds of business, horse racing and the media. The MC was Tracy Piggott who interviewed Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman, and CEO, Colm McLoughlin as well as Jack & Jill boss, Jonathan Irwin.
The evening had a Celtic, heroes and legends theme and entertainment included Celtic warrior drummers, ‘Queen Maeve’ and ‘Cú Chulainn’ who walked two Irish Wolfhounds through the hotel much to the delight and surprise of the guests. Next behind the king and queen, came drumming warriors and dancers who portrayed the children of Lir dressed as swans, complete with elaborate wings. Guests enjoyed a champagne reception in the hotel and then were led through The K Club's magnificent gardens by the various mythical characters to the Smurfit Clubhouse where they enjoyed dinner.
Guests, hosted by Colm McLoughlin and his wife Breeda, included HE Pat Hennessy, Irish Ambassador to the UAE, just retired Dubai Duty Free President, George Horan, Vice President Marketing, Sinead El Sibai and her husband Jihad, Curragh Racecourse CEO, Derek McGrath, Curragh Chairman, Padraig McManus, media personality, Eddie Hobbs and Sharon Smurfit, Director of Golf at The K Club.
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