Jillian hosts Longford's CF Valentine's Ball as it lights up the night sky
Cystic Fibrosis campaigner Jillian McNulty celebrated on Saturday night with joyous revelry at her annual Valentine’s Ball in Lough Rynn
Having recently undergone a successful transplant surgery the 2017 Longford Person of the Year, Jillian McNulty hosted the charity ball to raise funds for the CF Ward at St Vincent's hospital and the St Damien’s Ward and Beaumont Hospital.
Jillian took to Twitter to thank those who made Saturday night possible: “My first ball not in kidney failure and not leaving my hospital bed, I owe my precious donor so much,” she said.
Up until September of last year the Longford town lady was on kidney dialysis three times a week, having been on a waiting list for a transplant for three years. When she received a life-changing call from Beaumont Hospital requesting her to travel to Dublin without delay after a donor became available she was overjoyed. She has defied the odds all her life since her initial diagnosis while battling CF, asthma, diabetes and suffering kidney failure. In recent years she has been an active fundraiser for CF Ireland and St Vincent's Hospital.
Jillian’s main event is the highly successful Valentine’s Ball in Lough Rynn Castle, Mohill, Leitrim.
On Saturday night she took to the dance floor accompanied by Jessica Thompson and councillor Uruemu Adejinmi to recreate their 2021 “Longford’s Jerusalema Challenge”.
The guests flocked to the floor to join in the viral sensation dance.
Before the gathering enjoyed the culinary delights provided by the venue the host spoke about her journey since the life saving operation. She thanked those who offered to be her “live donors” and underwent screening to find a transplant match.
An emotional Jillian also thanked the Gardaí who escorted her to her surgery, ensuring she made it to Dublin on time.
The charity ball was a great success crowned by delightful music and an impressive fireworks display.