As 2024 draws to a close, we can say with confidence that the highlight of our year was our 50th anniversary gala celebration at Dublin's Shelbourne Hotel on Friday, 20 September. The event began at 6.30pm when over 300 current and former staff members and their guests arrived at the hotel for a pre-dinner drinks reception, which provided a perfect opportunity to mingle with old friends and colleagues, form new acquaintances and admire the general splendour of our surroundings before the bell sounded for dinner.
The air was fizzing with excitement as we walked into the Shelbourne’s Great Room, beautifully decorated to mark the occasion. All eyes were drawn to the screens on each wall, where a presentation of images from a special commemorative book marking our 50th anniversary played. The book featured interviews with many of the people who helped shape ROD over the past 50 years and stories of long-serving staff members, whose memories form part of the fabric of the company, and whose role in delivering our projects, big and small, will always be recognised. Our founders, the late Derry Roughan and Joe O’Donovan, featured prominently in the book, as their hard work and dedication laid the foundation for who we are today. Our special guests on the night, Angela Roughan and Helen O’Donovan, were delighted to see photos of a young Derry playing rugby for Leinster and of Joe presenting prizes at an ROD golf event in Royal Dublin Golf Club in 2005.
Our master of ceremonies was Bryan Hoey, who expertly summoned our attention, formally welcoming us to the event and inviting us to enjoy all that lay ahead, including a wonderful four-course dinner, after-dinner entertainment provided by comedian Colm O’Regan, and music provided by the ever-popular band, The Prickly Pears. Bryan then gave the floor to Jim Thorpe, our managing director, who spoke about the significance of the occasion before reflecting on where we have come from as a company and paying tribute to those who struggled through challenging times to ensure our survival.
Next up was our comedian, Colm, who was more than up to the task. Colm had clearly done his homework before the event and knew exactly what buttons to press – ever so gently – to elicit laughter and cheers from everyone in the room. From questioning the team’s environmental credentials in terms of their cars and dinner choices to exhorting our younger staff members to have a wild night (while never forgetting that they were being watched by their managers), he gave a five-star performance.
When the Prickly Pears took to the stage, it was time for the dancing, and the 80s hits – from ABBA to Queen – filled the dancefloor within minutes. Before the night was over, the more musical members of our team had taken to the stage to belt out a few numbers, much to the delight of those still dancing. We were all sorry when it was time to go home. No one wants a great party to end. But it was a perfect night and a fitting way to celebrate our first 50 years as Roughan & O’Donovan. We look forward to many more!
