€545,000 was raised today for breast cancer research at the RCSI/AIB annual race day.

Over 650 guests were welcomed to the pink themed day by event compere, Mary Kennedy and entertained to the sound of the George Hunter Jazz Quartet. Guests were treated to exquisite goody bags containing, among many things, specially commissioned Andre Ties and cufflinks; Clarins goodies; Jolie Champagne; boxed Champagne Flutes and Paul Costelloe candles.

Among the guests on the day were former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and his wife Kathleen, Minister for Health and Children Mary Harney, Ann Smurfit, Rosaleen O'Kane; Charles O Reilly Hyland and his wife Barbara, along with AIB’s Eugene Sheehy and his wife Cora.

Michael Horgan, CEO of RCSI, said: “I was delighted to host such a worthwhile event and to raise such a phenomenal amount for our breast cancer research programme.”

Special thanks must to go to the events principal Sponsors, AIB Group and Vincent and Beatty Solicitors along with all those who sponsored supplies and auction/spot prizes; and indeed the superb efforts of the events organising committee who have outshone themselves once again. Thanks to Tanya Airey, Frederika Barrett, Pat Desmond, Camilla Fearon, Paul Gallagher; Sarah Heaney; Ann Heffernan; Carmel Horgan; Aisling Hurley, Brenda Hurley; Carol Mallon, Marie McGreal; Ann Smurfit; Louise Sherwin & Kathleen Reynolds.

Professor Arnold Hill remarked at the end of the evening that in addition to the fantastic amount raised from this single event, RCSI was also thrilled to announce the result of their recent nationwide raffle campaign, that concluded on Friday last, courtesy of Nissan Ireland, resulting in a combined staggering total amount of €1.1 million raised this weekend for breast cancer research.