Waterford's Cha O'Neill retires from charity Mayors' Ball role after decades of service
Cllr. Jason Murphy, Mayor, Waterford City & County, Cllr. Joe Kelly, Metropolitan Mayor, Ben O'Sullivan and James Eccleston representing Irish Red Cross. Photo: John Power
In a heartfelt display of community spirit and generosity, the annual Mayors’ Ball took place at the Tower Hotel, Waterford, on Saturday, May 17.
The event saw over €160,000 in funds raised for four local charities: The Red Cross: Waterford City and Portlaw; Autism Friendly Waterford; The West Waterford Rapid Response Vehicle; and The Little Sisters of the Poor.
Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Jason Murphy, and Mayor of the Metropolitan District of Waterford, Cllr. Joe Kelly, this week presented cheques to representatives from each of the charities in the Mayor’s Parlour, City Hall.
Deeply involved in the event for many years has been former Waterford councillor and Mayor, Cha O'Neill, who announced last week that he is stepping back.
Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Murphy expressed his gratitude to Cha and all involved, stating, "The Mayors’ Ball celebrates the giving spirit of Waterford.
"We are honoured to support these inspiring charities, which make a meaningful impact in the lives of many individuals."
“We are grateful for the dedication of Cha O’Neill, Megan Lynch, and Mandy Nolan Reade in organising the Mayors’ Ball.
"A special thank you to our main sponsor, The Sayvale Group, drinks and wine reception sponsors, J.P. O’Donohoe & Co., Heineken, and Blackwater Distillery, and the staff and management of the Tower Hotel, Waterford.”
Metropolitan Mayor, Cllr. Kelly added, "It's uplifting to see the community unite to support such meaningful causes. The tremendous success of this event is thanks to the wonderful dedication of the organisers and the generosity of our sponsors.”
This year’s Mayors’ Ball has again highlighted the dedication and collaborative spirit of the Waterford community in supporting vital local causes.
Speaking to WLR FM after the presentation, Cha reflected on his many years of invaluable charity work through the Ball.
“Please God someone else will now take over, because it's fantastic money that the people of Waterford give every year to support the ball.
"It's an opportunity for at least €40,000 (each) to be raised for charity."
Cllr Kelly added, "This town would not be what it is today without Cha O'Neill, from his GAA work to, indeed, his charity work. To be able to give over a cheque of over €40,000 again this year to very deserving charities is a wonderful thing and none of that would have happened without Cha."
