Stronger Together: A standing Ovation for Hope, Courage and Opportunity!

The basis.point Annual Spring Lunch once again proved why it is one of the most anticipated gatherings in the industry calendar.  It brings together a community united not just by professional connection, but by a shared commitment to creating opportunity through education.

Pictured L-R Eoin Fitzgerald, Niamh Geraghty, Edel O’Malley and Ronnie Griffin

Eoin Fitzgerald, opened the event by expressing gratitude to the organisations and individuals who have pledged annual contributions, volunteered their time and talents and who are the lifeblood of the charity. This year the Annual Spring Lunch celebrated this collective effort that drives our work forward.

Eoin also took the opportunity to thank two founding Directors, Eimear Cowhey and Colm Clifford for their exceptional contribution to basis.point and to welcome Niamh Geraghty, Deloitte and Ronnie Griffin, Spirebay who have stepped up and bring experience and fresh perspectives to our board.

The progress we continue to make, supporting thousands of young people to realise their potential, is only possible because of our community. And it is this spirit of “stronger together” that defines everything we do. Through financial support, time, advocacy and belief, our community creates meaningful and lasting change.

Students from St Mary’s National School singing Sia’s “Courage to Change” using Irish sign language.

The most powerful moments of the day came from the young people whose experiences bring our mission to life.

A highlight was the performance of Sia’s ‘Courage to Change’ by eight primary school children from St. Mary’s National School, Dublin 22. Both poignant and uplifting, their vulnerability, paired with a strong sense of optimism, filled the room with hope.

In a truly moving moment, the 500 adults in attendance were spontaneously brought to their feet in a standing ovation, an expression of appreciation for the young students and a belief in what is possible when we have the courage to stand up and be counted.

Katie Hobson-Shaw and Eva Marie Whelan, Foróige NFTE Young Entrepreneurs of the Year 2025

Offering a masterclass in engaging an audience, award‑winning young students from Kilkenny, Katie Hobson‑Shaw and Eva Marie Whelan shared how the Foróige, Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE) programme has helped shape their futures and inspired them to develop their organic beauty business, Bee Lush.

With confidence, ambition and humour they delivered a captivating presentation, their story demonstrating the impact of equipping young people with the skills, mindset and opportunities to succeed.

This year’s event was made possible by the generosity of lead sponsors TMF, The Panel Search and Selection, and Northern Trust. We also extend special gratitude to auctioneer Sean Buckley, to those who donated experiences and unique items for auction, and to the volunteers from PwC, Maples, and KPMG, who worked tirelessly to ensure the event’s success.

Niall Cribben, Kroll Ireland is congratulated by Eve Finn, basis.point Director, for his extraordinary feat with Climb for a Cause.

Acknowledging exceptional feats that go above and beyond in support of our mission, this year we took the opportunity to recognise Niall Cribben, Managing Director Kroll Ireland, for his extraordinary attempt to climb Peak Lenin, raising over €50,000 split between basis.point and Focus Ireland.

Undeterred by the challenges along the way, Niall has gone on to inspire nine other tenacious industry colleagues, to join him this summer in taking on Mont Blanc, with the goal of collectively raising €100,000 for the two charities.

His leadership and resilience are a powerful reminder of what we can achieve together and  reflects the spirit that drives our community.

As the event drew to a close, there was a clear sense of momentum. The impact we are achieving together continues to grow. Every story shared and every young voice heard reinforces our mission. Together, we are helping to create a future defined by opportunity, resilience and possibility.

If you felt inspired by the event to give more, please consider becoming and individual patron or supporter, or consider upgrading your corporate patronage to a higher level.  You can explore how to help here. And don’t forget to book early for next year!

Full picture gallery with table photos below. Photo credits: Gareth Chaney and Sara Hanley.