Galway Independent, 5th September 2007

This year's Galway GOAL Ball looks set to raise in excess of EUR45,000 for charity, topping last year's proceeds by a cool EUR15,000. That's according to GOAL West of Ireland Manger, Ronan Scully, who said the success of the evening depended on this year's auction.

The ball, which is sponsored by Oyster Homes Ltd this year, will take place on Friday 5 October in the Clayton Hotel. It will get underway with a champagne and jazz reception at 7.30pm, followed by dinner, an auction and a raffle. The night will then be given over to dancing and the music of Keith and the Showband Show.

"Last year, thanks to the generosity of the people of Galway and beyond, the Galway GOAL Ball raised in excess of EUR30,000, which we were thrilled with.
"We are delighted that we'll once again be welcoming RTE's Michael Lyster, who has kindly agreed to act as MC on the night, and we are doing all we can to make this year's ball the biggest and best to date as we celebrate 30 years of GOAL."

One item of note in this year's auction is an exact replica of the dress worn by Kirsten Dunst in the award-winning film Marie-Antoinette. The dress, using the original Ruben fabric and kindly donated by La Maison Chic, is valued at EUR4,500. It will be auctioned at a starting price of EUR1,500.

It is currently on display in Top Drawer, Briarhill Business Park.

A table for ten at the ball is priced at EUR900 and can be arranged through GOAL'S West of Ireland office. Individual tickets can also be purchased.