4 November 2026
By Bryan McCarthy
bryan@TheCork.ie
Derval O’Rourke.
Picture Denis Minihane.
Dust off your dancing shoes and get ready for a night of fun, friendship and fundraising as the annual
Kenya Ball returns to Cork on Saturday, November 28, in support of Irish charity Brighter Communities
Worldwide.
Taking place at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Little Island, the event will bring people together for an evening of
celebration and entertainment while raising vital funds for the charity’s work alongside communities in
Kenya.
Brighter Communities Worldwide works in partnership with communities to deliver locally led programmes
in health, education and resilience. Its work aims to improve quality of life and create brighter, more
equitable futures, with a particular focus on supporting girls, women, young people and people with
disabilities.
This year’s special guest for the Kenya Ball is Irish Olympian and former European 100m hurdles
champion Derval O’Rourke, who will share her experience of visiting Kenya earlier this year as a guest of
the Irish Embassy, when she first met Maria Kidney and Martin Ballantyne from Brighter Communities
Worldwide and learned about the charity’s work.
Cobh native Maria Kidney, who is the co-founder of Brighter Communities Worldwide, will also address
guests, sharing updates of the organisation’s work on the ground in Kenya, and the importance of working
in partnership with communities to build healthier, more resilient futures.
Maria Kidney explains: “The Kenya Ball is a wonderful opportunity to bring people together in Cork to
celebrate the impact of our work and help us continue supporting communities in Kenya. Every
contribution helps us work alongside local people to create lasting change through health, education and
economic empowerment.
“The impact of our work is visible in every healthy child, every girl who stays in school, and every family
with clean water. But the journey is not over. Climate change, inequality, lack of services, and economic
uncertainty demand bold and sustained action. Building resilience, including preparing for the El Niño
rains forecast for late 2026, is central to our response. Brighter Communities Worldwide remains
committed to walking alongside communities as they lead the way, strengthening local systems, investing
in community solutions, and amplifying the voices of those often left behind.”
Commenting on her involvement, Derval O’Rourke said: “Visiting Kenya was a hugely meaningful
experience, giving me a greater appreciation of the difference that locally led community development can
make. I’m delighted to be part of the Kenya Ball and to have the opportunity to share my experience with
guests. It promises to be a great night, bringing people together for a very worthwhile cause.”
Guests can look forward to a drinks reception, a delicious three-course meal with wine, and live
entertainment from The Stars Band, followed by late-night dancing. Tickets are priced at €100 per person,
and people are encouraged to book early and gather family, friends and work colleagues for a memorable
night on November 28.
Tickets are available from https://www.brightercommunities.org