New York Event

The New York City Friends of Munster Fundraising Dinner takes place annually at the New York Athletic Club with the 2026 event being held on Wednesday, September 9th.

This year, the New York Friends of Munster are delighted to honour Michael J. Dowling, CEO Emeritus of Northwell Health. A proud Limerick native and Irishman, he has built an exceptional career in healthcare leadership, and we look forward to hearing from him and celebrating his remarkable success and contribution.

The annual New York Friends of Munster Dinner raises vital funds to support community rugby throughout the province of Munster, with a particular focus on increasing participation among young people and strengthening grassroots rugby development.

Since its inception in 2018, the event has provided significant support for a range of initiatives, including:

• Club Community Rugby Officers (CCROs), who work with clubs, schools, and communities to grow participation in rugby.

• School blitzes and tournaments and coach education workshops across Munster, providing children with opportunities to learn and develop rugby skills in a fun, safe, and inclusive environment.

• Equipment grants for clubs, including jerseys, training gear, and essential rugby equipment.

The support generated through the New York Friends of Munster Dinner has helped thousands of children across the province access rugby.

It has enabled emerging and isolated clubs to establish themselves through grants for kit and equipment and has brought coaching programmes to schools and regions that previously had limited or no rugby development resources.

The New York Friends of Munster Committee is also committed to supporting communities in New York City. In partnership with Play Rugby USA, the organisation provides young players and coaches with the opportunity to travel to Ireland, experience Irish culture, and participate in Munster Rugby development programmes.

In 2024, Christian Urquia and Mario Salomon travelled to Ireland for eight days alongside coach Yohendy Martinez, attending the Munster Rugby Summer Camp at Rockwell College, County Tipperary.

In 2025, Mariama Haja Jalloh and Kamora Marie Cooley travelled to Ireland with coach Brianna Thomas to take part in the Munster Rugby School of Excellence programme at Bandon Grammar School, County Cork.

We are also looking forward to welcoming Coach North, Alvin Jerez Mendoza, and Angelo Garcia to Rockwell College this summer to participate in our rugby camp and experience Irish culture as part of this ongoing exchange programme.

Each year, the New York Friends of Munster Dinner brings together the very best of Munster and New York for a special evening celebrating Irish heritage, rugby, community, and philanthropy.

Welcoming more than 250 guests annually, the event provides a unique opportunity for business leaders, alumni, supporters, and friends of Munster Rugby to connect, strengthen relationships, and support the next generation of rugby players across the province.

For enquiries or to make a booking, please contact:

Aoife Finn

Email: aoifefinn@munsterrugby.ie

Phone: +353 (0) 87 614 0377