Following on from the fund-raising event that featured performances and chat with Ed Sheeran, Dermot O’Leary and a host of Irish talent at the London Irish Centre (LIC), the amount raised has been announced.
£250,000 was the grand total from the night and the proceeds raised will help support the development of the LIC’s charitable services and reimagining of the London Irish Centre’s historic premises. The event was part of the LICC’s wider fundraising campaign to help further develop its charitable services and refurbish its historic Camden-based building. O’Donovan Waste were a headline sponsor of the event demonstrating their ongoing commitment to support the Irish community in London.
The night itself was a fantastic success and was enjoyed by all and garnered interest from all the Irish Media including RTE and the Irish press in London. O’Donovan Waste held a prize draw for two tickets amongst their clients and the luck winner was Neil Sheehan from Rochford Construction.
Neil said “It was an amazing once in a lifetime opportunity to see the biggest act in the music business today in a truly unique setting. My wife and I had a fantastic evening. O’Donovan have chosen a great charity to support, one that really helps any Irish men and women struggling to cope with the pressures of living in London. Thanks to all at O’Donovan Waste for the opportunity to see Ed Sheeran.”
Jacqueline O’Donovan said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that we have been a big part of this unique event. We are extremely proud of our Irish heritage and the London Irish Centre is a wonderful charity that we have a long association with. Supporting our Irish community here in London has never been more important.”
Other guest on the night included the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, Laura Whitmore, Alan Carr and Courtney Cox. The full line-up of supporting artists included Annie Mac, Lisa Hannigan, Sara Cox and Stephen James Smith.
Ed Sheeran said, “My Irish heritage is something I’ve always been proud of, so this concert felt like a natural fit. I love what the London Irish Centre Charity do in terms of being at the heart of championing Irish culture and community in London, and their plans for the future are really exciting. I’m hoping that people like Dermot O’Leary, myself and others can help them get their voice heard.”
Dermot O’Leary said, “It’s a big honour for me to be patron of the London Irish Centre Charity. I’m very proud of my Irish heritage; my parents were part of the post war generation of immigrants who came to London to find a new life, so the London Irish community is one that is very close to my heart. I’m looking forward to helping the London Irish Centre both promote Irish culture and support vulnerable people by hosting more events like this one in the future.”
The event was also generously supported by other sponsors including Saville AV, Disposal and Tourism Ireland with support from Culture Ireland and the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
