Evening Herald 2.5.2008

THE registered charity, CROSS (CHY 389874) is an acronym for Cancer Research of the Oesophagus and Stomach at St James's Hospital.

Supported strongly by the rugby playing community, CROSS was set up in 2004 as a channel to provide funding for the advancement of cancer research in both Trinity College and St James's Hospital.

CROSS is significantly dependent on private donations and support and hosts a rugby-themed ball each year at the start of the rugby season.

Last year's patron was the then Ireland team manager Eddie O'Sullivan, and CROSS are delighted to announce that this year's rugby patron is the Leinster and Argentina fly-half/centre, Dr Felipe Contepomi. "It's a great pleasure and honour to be invited to help with such a good cause," said Contepomi.

"When approached by CROSS I didn't hesitate one minute to accept the invitation to be this year's patron at the annual Ball.

"Knowing how important cancer research programmes are, I hope that this years Ball can fundraise as much as possible and help Professor Reynolds and his team to continue the excellent work they've been doing throughout the years."

Leinster Rugby has also assisted CROSS in the promotion of this year's Ball. This year CROSS are aiming to raise in excess of €150,000 which will directly link as before with defined research projects targeting nutrition and cancer, and cancer prevention.

This year's Ball will once again be held in The Four Seasons Hotel in Dublin on September 6.

Contepomi has been very involved in assisting in the planning of the evening and is very kindly donating some of his personal World Cup 2007 memorabilia for the auction.

There will be many rugby-related auction lots and the theme of the evening will be influenced by the November International rugby match between Ireland and Argentina in Croke Park.