December 5^th 2019: The December 5^th event in the Shelbourne Hotel, sponsored by Newstalk, drew in more than 300 guests with celebrities, patient ambassadors and members of the public coming together to support the work of the Marie Keating Foundation.

The Christmas lunch, which has been a staple of the Christmas calendar for seven years, was hosted by broadcaster and journalist Shane Coleman, who kept the event on track as guests enjoyed a M&S champagne reception followed by a delicious Christmas themed four-course lunch. Lunch was accompanied by wine, kindly sponsored by Marks & Spencer Ireland.

A host of well-known faces attended the festive affair, including RTE’s soccer correspondent Tony O’Donoghue, TV presenter Anna Daly, designer Joanne Hynes, businesswoman Norah Casey and Senator Neale Richmond, alongside many other well-known faces, to show their support and soak up the Christmas atmosphere at this festive event. Entertainment for the afternoon was provided by singer Keira Dignam, daughter of the legendary Christy Dignam.

The funds raised from the lunch go towards the Foundation’s services, which support families at every step of their cancer journey in communities across Ireland.

Linda Keating, Director of Fundraising, Marie Keating Foundation said “The Marie Keating Foundation is totally reliant on the generosity of people, companies and organisations to keep our cancer services going. That’s why we are so grateful for the continued support of Newstalk who sponsor this amazing lunch each year. We also want to say a big thank you to all the people who came to today’s event. Together with Newstalk, you are helping us to keep our nurses on the road nationwide, to keep our Ask the Nurse service going and to support our Comfort Fund, which helps families who are in a financial crisis because of cancer.”

The afternoon will also include a Harvey Norman raffle, auction and goody bags for all attendees.

Newstalk Breakfast presenter and returning MC Shane Coleman said “this event is always a great start to the Christmas season for everyone at Newstalk, made even better because we are helping a charity that does great work to support men and women who are affected by cancer. We always expect to have a fun and festive time at the lunch and we hope that everyone who came out today enjoyed it.”