DERMOT O’LEARY led the tributes to Ronan O’Gara as Irish stars, fans and supporters came out to celebrate the career of the rugby legend in London last night.
The former Munster star – who was capped 128 times for Ireland over 13 years – was ‘humbled’ by the 870 people who came out to his second testimonial bash held at the Hilton in Park Lane.
The night was peppered with personal testimonies from teammates who have featured in O’Gara’s long and illustrious career, but in an emotional tribute O’Leary, who acted as MC for the glitzy affair, captured the essence of ROG’s impact on the Irish in Britain.
“Don't for a second think that it was just 32 counties following you,” he said.
Munster rugby star Damian Varley played on the night“Because growing up over here and supporting you it felt there was 33. That's how it feels being second generation Irish.”
Former colleagues and fellow internationals were out in force to toast the father-of-four, who came in on the Eurostar from his Paris base with pregnant wife Jessica, especially for the occasion.
And while sports star Donncha O'Callaghan, Peter Stringer, Donal Lenihan and Peter Clohessy were among those holding the rugby side up; the event also brought a bevvy of other Irish stars to the fore.
Choreographer extraordinaire Michael Flatley, fashion designer Paul Costelloe and football favourite Paul Galvin were all enjoying the shindig.
Racing royals Ruby Walsh and Tony McCoy, former Irish footballer and current Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy and business mogul Peter Sutherland were also in town for the event.
Rugby and racing legends rubbed shoulders at the star-studded event. Left to right are David Wallace, Jonjo O'Neill, Tony McCoy, Michael Magnier and Alan QuinlanWhile friends due to play in the England v Ireland clash at Twickenham this weekend were locked away in their hotel rooms, specially recorded segments were played from Paul O’Connell, Brian O’Driscoll and Jonny Sexton during the four-course dinner.
Lots that went up for auction at the event included a signed U2 guitar, an ROG No 10 registration plate and Rory McIlroy’s signed tour bag
Almost 900 tickets were sold for the night, with prices ranging from £3,000 to £5,000 for a table of 10.
Proceeds from the event will go to the Ireland Fund of Great Britain.
Photos: Malcolm McNally.
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