The Panel Sponsors basis.point Annual Spring Lunch 2026

Last Friday, The Panel was proud to sponsor and attend the basis.point Annual Spring Lunch, held in the Round Room at the Mansion House. The event brought together members of the Irish Funds community to celebrate the impact of basis.point’s work in supporting education, youth enterprise and social inclusion across Ireland and beyond.

Held on Friday, 1st May, the basis.point Annual Spring Lunch once again brought together partners and supporters from across the Irish Funds community for an afternoon focused on shared impact, collaboration and collective giving.

As long‑standing supporters of basis.point, The Panel was delighted to be involved on the day. Our colleagues Anne Keys, Sarah Kelly and Mal Convery were pleased to welcome guests and engage with attendees throughout the event, which continues to play an important role in supporting education, youth enterprise and social inclusion.

The afternoon began with opening remarks from Edel O’Malley, CEO of basis.point, who spoke about the importance of sustained partnership and community support in driving positive outcomes. She then introduced Eoin Fitzgerald, Director at basis.point, who shared an overview of key achievements delivered over the past twelve months.

One of the standout moments of the afternoon was a moving performance of “Courage to Change” by pupils from St Mary’s National School. Their performance earned a well‑deserved standing ovation.

The audience also heard from Katie Hobson‑Shaw and Eva Marie Whelan, the NFTE Young Entrepreneurs 2025, who delivered an insightful presentation on their entrepreneurial journey. Representing Ireland at the European Youth Start Awards in Albania, they were awarded Bronze for their business, Bee Lush, an impressive achievement and a testament to their innovation and determination.

A special presentation was made to Niall Cribben in recognition of his significant fundraising efforts in support of basis.point and Focus Ireland over a number of years. His contribution exemplifies the generosity and commitment that underpin the success of the initiative.

The event also acknowledged the “Tenacious 10”, who are currently preparing for their ambitious Mont Blanc – Climb for a Cause 2026, further demonstrating the collective drive to support impactful causes through challenge and collaboration.

Proceedings concluded with the annual auction, expertly moderated by the ever‑engaging Sean Buckley, bringing the afternoon to a close on a high note.

The Panel is proud to continue supporting basis.point and its mission to create meaningful, lasting impact through education and enterprise. Events such as the Annual Spring Lunch provide a valuable opportunity to reflect on what can be achieved when communities come together with a shared purpose. Congratulations to all the winners of our Wild Fern hampers, one for each table, and many thanks to Clodagh Rigby for her work in putting them together for us.

Official photographs
(Courtesy of basis.point)