Irish rugby stars take part in fundraiser for Daisy Lodge Mayo project
More than 600 people attended Beyond The Try – An Evening With Irish Rugby Legends at the Tullamore Court Hotel, Co Offaly, raising €50,000 for Cancer Fund for Children and helping support the completion of Daisy Lodge in Cong.
The hugely successful evening brought together an outstanding line-up of Irish rugby talent, with Jamison Gibson-Park, Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, James Ryan and Garry Ringrose taking to the stage to share stories and insights from their careers with Ireland, Leinster, and the British and Irish Lions.
Hosted by former Ireland and Leinster player Bernard Jackman, the evening combined rugby, music, entertainment and fundraising, creating a fantastic atmosphere for the packed audience.
The five rugby stars gave guests a unique insight into life at the highest level of the game, reflecting on the highs, lows, challenges and memorable moments of their careers. An entertaining and engaging question-and-answer session also gave the audience the opportunity to put their own questions to the players, resulting in plenty of laughs, interesting stories and a fascinating look behind the scenes of professional rugby.
The event also marked an important milestone in a fundraising journey for organiser Nigel Reams of Lumcloon Energy, who has committed to taking part in Rory Best’s Miles to Mayo challenge. Following a long-standing relationship with Cancer Fund for Children, a passing conversation about Nigel’s love of hillwalking ultimately led to the challenge of walking nine marathons in nine days, starting in Derry and finishing at Daisy Lodge in Cong.
The Miles to Mayo challenge will begin on September 12, 2026, with more than 20 people taking part, each committing to raise €50,000 for the charity.
Daisy Lodge is a therapeutic centre providing short breaks and specialist support for children and families living with cancer. Located near Cong and overlooking the scenic shores of Lough Corrib, the centre aims to provide families with a place of peace, support and respite at an incredibly difficult time.
Speaking about the event, Nigel Reams said: “The success of Beyond The Try belongs to everyone who came through the doors, bought a ticket, donated, sponsored the event, gave a prize or gave their time. We are incredibly grateful to every single person who has supported us. Robbie Henshaw, James Lowe, Garry Ringrose, James Ryan, Jamison Gibson-Park and Bernard Jackman were outstanding, they were so generous with their time and really made the evening such a memorable occasion.”
The evening got off to a lively start with Druher, who provided live music and helped raise the energy in the room as guests arrived.
Following the rugby panel, guests were treated to another special musical performance, with Robbie Henshaw’s family providing traditional Irish music and adding a uniquely Irish touch to the evening.
The raffle also proved hugely popular, with prizes including tickets for Ireland’s games against Fiji, South Africa, Argentina and England, alongside a host of other prizes. A signed rugby jersey also went under the hammer, raising an impressive €1,200, with Ivan O’Sullivan placing the winning bid.
Nigel paid tribute to the many people who helped make Beyond The Try possible, including the five rugby stars, MC Bernard Jackman, Druher, photographer James Crombie, sponsors, volunteers and the team at the Tullamore Court Hotel.
Special thanks were extended to Áine and Jack Reams, who organised the event. Further thanks were given to Stacked, who provided the audio-visual equipment, Paddy Galvin and Tullamore Rugby Club, and the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes to ensure the evening ran smoothly.
The Beyond The Try event is the latest fundraising effort in support of the Miles to Mayo challenge, with the next major challenge taking place on September 12, when the challenge begins in Derry.
To support Nigel’s Miles to Mayo fundraising campaign, donations can be made here.