On Monday, 15 December 2025, Ballsbridge Lions Club proudly hosted its much-loved Senior Citizens Christmas Dinner at the Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge. With over 120 guests filling the John Prior Hall to capacity, the room was buzzing with laughter, conversation and festive cheer.
By all accounts, it was a great day in a great venue — delicious food, tasty wine, wonderful performers, music and dancing, an entertaining quiz, attractive raffle prizes and, above all, great company.
In short: good craic, great spirit, and a real sense of community.
Club President Farrell O’Boy opened the afternoon with a warm welcome, reminding everyone: “Today is all about you.”
He thanked guests for coming — especially those who joined through local parish outreach in Ringsend, Sandymount and Ballsbridge — and expressed sincere appreciation to sponsors, volunteers and the excellent Clayton Hotel team for their support.
Before the meal, Fr. Fachtna McCarthy, well known to many through his work in local parishes, led a short Grace. It was a simple, reflective moment that felt fitting and familiar, inviting everyone to pause and give thanks before the afternoon unfolded.
Guests then tucked into a delicious Christmas dinner, served in a festive atmosphere, with lively chat flowing from table to table. Throughout the meal, Matthew Lalor provided elegant piano music, adding a touch of class and creating a lovely backdrop in the fine surroundings of the Clayton Hotel.
Music flowed throughout the afternoon, setting the tone and lifting spirits. The performers included:
- Damien McElligott – vocals and MC
- Stefano Bonvini – violin
- Matthew Lalor – piano
- Ken Tuohy – accordion
As Master of Ceremonies, Damien McElligott was outstanding — keeping everything running smoothly, entertaining the room and gently coaxing people out of their seats and onto the dance floor. Judging by the enthusiasm, many would happily have danced well into the evening.
After dinner, tea and coffee were served, followed by one of the afternoon’s most charming surprises: Santa Claus appearing to play Christmas carols on the violin. Santa was joined by Ken Tuohy on accordion — a nod to the old dance-hall days and a genuinely magical moment that delighted the room.
Guests then took part in a lively table quiz, with plenty of laughter, friendly rivalry and applause when the winning team was announced. The dance floor reopened afterwards, and the afternoon rolled on with more music, movement and good humour.
The celebration concluded with the much-anticipated raffle draw, featuring generous prizes donated by local businesses. Cheers and applause filled the hall — a fitting high point to end a wonderful day.
The club was also delighted to hear that Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge would be very happy to welcome our senior guests back again next year — terrific news all round.
Our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to this special day:
- Lean Bean Café
- Tesco
- Butlers
- Beauty One Ballsbridge
- Ballsbridge One Bar & Restaurant
- Bloom Brasserie
- Langkawi
- Meaghers Pharmacy
- Milanos
- Gingko Florists
- Running The World Now
- GREIA
- Burke’s Pharmacy Ranelagh
- Searsons Pub
The club would like to extend special thanks to Paddy Cribben, whose printing company continues to support us with consistently fast, high-quality service, always delivered at short notice and very much appreciated.
A special thank you to our main sponsor, Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge, for its invaluable support in making this possible. They sponsored the room and an afternoon tea, with a special discount per meal for our guests.
About Ballsbridge Lions Club
Ballsbridge Lions Club is proud to be part of Lions Clubs International, the world’s largest service organisation. With 1.4 million members in over 200 countries, we support initiatives that uplift health, wellbeing and dignity, both locally and globally.
Our mission is simple and powerful:
We Serve.
Event Gallery
All photography by Paul McGovern, who captured the smiles, music and unforgettable energy of the afternoon.
