Emerald Ball 2003

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The 11th Emerald Ball, celebrating the 10th Anniversary of The Ireland Fund of Japan was held on March 7th at the Westin Hotel in Tokyo. Once again the evening was an outstanding success.

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This year's theme Portraits of Ireland was inspired by the beauty of Ireland, as represented by the 15th century Ross Castle which graced the cover of the Ball program and invitations. Ross Castle, built on the shores of Killarney's lower lake by O'Donoghue Mór was granted, during the Cromwellian uprisings, to the Brown family who eventually became Earls of Kenmare.

Mr. Naohiko Umewaka, a Noh Master whose grandfather was a major influence on the theatre of W.B. Yeats, was guest of honor together with his lovely wife Madeleine. Other guests included Australian Ambassador McCarthy with an Irish-Australian contingent.

Over 300 guests dined on a sumptuous menu of Wild Lough Corrib Salmon & Lobster Terrine with Caviar, Celeriac and Truffle Soup with Duck Foie Gras, Steamed Fillet of Ballycotton Sea Bream with Pastis flavored Clew Bay Shellfish Chowder, Marrow and Crepe crusted Fillet of Táin Bó Cuailgne Beef and Irish Fiddler's Dream with Flamed Morello Cherries and Fresh Cheese Yoghurt Ice Cream. Wines included a Maison Louis Latour 2000 and a Macon-Villages 2000.

The evening's entertainment included Irish music by Japanese group Orphan and traditional Japanese music - Shakuhachi and Koto - by noted musicians Sachio Suginuma and Mana Yoshinaga. The Big Bang, an 18 piece swing band in the tradition of Glen Miller - sponsored by Guinness - got guests on their feet with a stirring combination of Latin and salsa. They were followed by Blasta - a group new to the Emerald Ball, whose unique sound had the young folk rocking 'til the wee hours.

In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of The Ireland Fund of Japan we presented awards to some of our most loyal and valuable sponsors. Shigetada Nakanishi, president of Miki Tourist was responsible for creating the wonderful week in Ireland with accommodations at Dromoland and Ashford Castles - our annual grand prize since the first Emerald Ball. Guinness, also with us since the inception of the Emerald Ball, was honored as a consistent top supporter. Bank of Ireland Fsharp was recognized for its most valuable first time sponsorship.

The evening was made possible by the generousity of all our sponsors whose contributions ranged from Gallo and Maxxium wines and champagnes, to trips to Ireland and Hong Kong from Virgin Airways, Miki Tourist, Celtic Travel and JAL. Together with gifts from Waterford Wedgewood, Galway Crystal, Olympus, Chanel, Yonamine Pearls, Anysley Japan/Belleek, St. John, Nina Ricci, the Westin Hotel, Asian Tigers, Disney, Jonathan Richards, Carbery, Jimmy Hourihan, the Kasumizu Gallery and Interior Collection, they resulted in a 60 prize raffle. The Westin, the Imperial, the Four Seasons and the Merrion in Dublin were among our hotel donors. Skillman & Co (Dear Cards) contributed the printing of programs and publicity materials. The Embassy of Ireland and the Irish trade organizations IDA and Enterprise Ireland were, as always, among our most loyal supporters.

Mary Kilgarriff, chairperson of the Ball, was privileged to have the support of a wonderful group of committed volunteers to take on the time-consuming and selfless responsibility of creating yet another magical and memorable evening.

The economic climate in Japan, as well as in the rest of the world, made their work an even greater challenge this year yet they succeeded in matching the funds raised in earlier, less difficult years.

The evening was one to remember and The Ireland Fund of Japan looks forward to seeing our friends, old and new, at the 2004 Emerald Ball.

Photo Index 1 The 2003 Emerald Ball Committee: Left to right back row: Tara French, Therese Healy, Carey Rabbitte, Annette Hurley, Nobuko Hirai, Michael Shannon, Masashi Yonemoto. Left to Right seated: Barbara Wooley, Mary Kilgarriff, Jackie Nagai, Naomi Nakano 2 A Magnificent Cherry Blossom arrangement, courtesy of the Westin Hotel, greets arriving guests. 3 Left to right back row: Teru Okahashi, Eriko Itoh, Setsuko Takino, Peter Itoh, Sari Okahashi, Goldbarg Parstabar Left to right front row: Yutaka Aso,Patrick Lauer, Mrs. Patrick Lauer, Kazuko Aso, Erik Monsen 4 Declan Collins is thanked for his wonderful role as MC for 6 years running. 5 Lovely lady in blue dress enjoying the evening 6 & 7 Spring is definately on its way as seen in the beautiful Japanese kimonos and Chinese Chi Paos worn by these beautiful ladies. 8 Ambassador Murphy with Madeline Umewada and guests. 9 Two young volunteers assist at the Ball 10 Peter Cole of Guinness accepts his Sponsorship Award from Mary Kilgarrif of The Ireland Fund of Japan 11 Mary Kilgarriff presents Shigetada Nakanishi with his Sponsorship Award from the American Ireland Fund 12 Head Table:Left to Right standing: Dr. Seo, Kelly Dalling, Nick Massee, Naohiko Umewaka, Mary Kilgarriff, Neil Davy, Louise Davy Left to Right seated: Madeleine Umewaka, Abassador Padraig Murphy, Mrs. Seo 13 Vincent You of the Westin hotel and Ms. Wong 14 Committee members Naomi Nakano, Masashi Yonemoto, Nobuko Nakano and Therese Healy won some excellent wines 15 Roly Alden of Bank of Ireland FSharp accepts his award for valued new sponsor from Mary Kilgarriff 16 Josephine O'Hanlon from Australia and friend at the pre-dinner cocktail 17 & 17a Australian Ambassador McCarthy and friends enjoying the Ball 19 Shigetada Nakanishi, Pres. Miki Tourist & Louise Davy, General Manager of Virgin Atlantic, who sponsor the top raffle prize of a trip to Ireland.