Limerick broadcaster to host Cliona's Foundation Christmas Gala

CLIONA’S Foundation has announced that television presenter and Dooradoyle native Muireann O’Connell will host its 2026 Christmas Gala.

The gala will bring together supporters, business leaders and friends of the charity for an evening of celebration, entertainment and fundraising in aid of families caring for children with life-limiting or complex medical conditions.

Metis Ireland is continuing its support of Cliona’s Foundation, helping the charity raise vital funds to provide direct financial assistance to families across Ireland.

The gala is a key fundraising event in the charity’s calendar, with the aim of raising €100,000 to help families facing the additional financial pressures associated with caring for a seriously ill child.

The evening will begin with a prosecco reception in the glamourous surroundings of The Shelbourne Hotel, followed by a three-course meal with wine.

After dinner there will be a special live performance by acclaimed Irish singer Brian Kennedy. Comedian Barry Murphy will bring his trademark humour to proceedings as he hosts the charity auction, helping to generate vital funds for the foundation’s work.

Cliona’s Foundation is a national charity that provides financial assistance directly to parents of children with life-limiting conditions or chronic complex care needs.

The support helps families meet the non-medical costs associated with their child’s care, including travel, accommodation, household bills and other essential expenses that can quickly become overwhelming.

The foundation was established in 2008 by Brendan and Terry Ring following the death of their daughter Cliona, who died from an inoperable brain tumour in 2006 at the age of 15.

During Cliona’s treatment, her parents witnessed first-hand the considerable financial strain placed on families caring for seriously ill children. They established the foundation in her memory to ensure that other families would have access to practical financial support during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

Speaking ahead of the 2026 Christmas Gala, Cliona’s Foundation co-founder and voluntary CEO Brendan Ring said: “Fundraising events like our Christmas Gala are incredibly important to Cliona’s Foundation. Families caring for a child with a life-limiting or complex medical condition face enormous emotional and financial challenges, and the additional non-medical costs can place them under significant pressure at an already difficult time.

“We are extremely grateful to Metis Ireland for their continued support, and to Muireann O’Connell, Paddy Andrews, Brian Kennedy and Barry Murphy for helping make this year’s gala so special. Every euro raised will help us provide practical assistance to families when they need it most.”

Carl Widger, managing director of Metis Ireland, said: “Metis Ireland is proud to continue supporting the outstanding work of Cliona’s Foundation. The charity provides essential assistance to families throughout Ireland who are dealing with circumstances no family should have to face alone.

“The Christmas Gala is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together for a memorable evening while raising funds for a cause that makes a tangible difference to people’s lives. We are delighted to support the 2026 event and encourage others to get involved in helping Cliona’s Foundation continue its vital work.”

Paddy Andrews of Metis Ireland, who was on hand to help Ireland AM host Muireann O’Connell launch the 2026 gala, added: “It is a privilege to be involved with Cliona’s Foundation and to help launch this year’s Christmas Gala. The work the foundation does for families across Ireland is hugely important, and the funds raised through events like this provide real, practical support when families need it most. I am looking forward to seeing everyone come together again this year to support such a worthy cause.”

The need for this support remains significant. Cliona’s Foundation’s research highlights the additional financial pressures faced by families caring for seriously ill children.

Its 2026 Impact Report found that in 82% of families supported by the foundation in 2025 one partner had to reduce their working hours or give up their job entirely to help care for their sick child.

Research also highlights that families can face between €10,000 and €15,000 in additional non-medical costs annually while caring for a seriously ill child.

These expenses can include travel to and from hospitals, accommodation, childcare, heating, household bills and other everyday costs that continue even when a parent has to reduce their working hours or leave employment to care for their child.

Cliona’s Foundation has seen an increase in demand for its services (up 25% on 2025) and relies on the generosity of corporate partners, individual donors and fundraising events to ensure families receive assistance when they need it.

The 2026 Christmas Gala at The Shelbourne Hotel on Thursday, November 19 promises to be a special evening, combining a prosecco reception, three course meal with wine, entertainment, a lively charity auction and the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to families across Ireland.

The event is almost sold out, if you would like to enquire about purchasing a table or tickets please contact [email protected]

To learn more about Cliona’s Foundation, its work and how to support the charity, visit www.clionas.ie.

The foundation’s two-part documentary, Ireland’s Forgotten Families, is also available to watch on its website.