In pictures: North West Breast Cancer Charity Ball 'another unforgettable success'

The 2025 North West Breast Cancer Charity Ball was another unforgettable success, filled with fun, glamour, craic, and deep respect for everyone whose lives have been touched by cancer. Please click on the arrows to go through the gallery

“As a committee, we were overwhelmed by the generosity, warmth, and community spirit that filled the Silver Tassie Hotel,” organisers said.

“Now in its 16th year, the event has welcomed almost 5,000 guests since its inception—and this year, with over 350 attendees, the room was alive with hope, purpose, and togetherness. We are truly grateful to everyone who joined us, supported us, sponsored us, and helped make this night possible.

“Our special guest, Shay Given, received a heartfelt Donegal welcome. A proud Lifford man, Shay spoke with honesty and emotion about losing his mum and brother to cancer, and about his stepmother Margaret’s care in Letterkenny.

“His words reminded us all of the importance of early detection, and he paid a powerful tribute to the nurses, doctors, and specialists who face cancer every day. His message was simple but vital: ‘If you are worried about anything, please go and get checked.’

“We were also deeply honoured to welcome Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who described the ball as ‘a celebration of life’ and praised the exceptional standards of excellence at the Breast Centre North West. Her reaffirmed commitment to investment and growth in Donegal healthcare gives all of us hope for the future.

“On a night that celebrates courage and community, we were proud to highlight the truly world-class work taking place in Letterkenny University Hospital. Consultant Breast and General Surgeon Mr Michael Sugrue shared remarkable data, including the Breast Centre’s lowest excision rate in Ireland, meaning the highest clearance of breast cancer nationwide. His update on the new surgical hub and the positive momentum within LUH gave us all a sense of pride in “Team Donegal.”

“Over the years, funds raised by the Breast Centre North West Research and Development Fund have supported vital research and innovation. With a current balance of €200,000, the next significant step is the purchase of Ireland’s first automated ultrasound machine with AI, enabling even greater accuracy in breast imaging.

“We hope that the auction and raffle, supported so generously by sponsors and guests, will help make this milestone possible. A night made possible by our incredible sponsors and guests To every sponsor, donor, supporter, auction contributor, and attendee: Thank you.

“A special thank you to Mary Dillon and Annette Sweeney for capturing the magic of the evening so beautifully. Their photographs tell the story of a night filled with joy, solidarity, laughter, and love. From all of us on the North West Breast Cancer Ball Committee, thank you for being part of something powerful, something meaningful, and something deeply hopeful.. Here’s to continuing this important work - together.”