More than 350 older residents and community groups came together for a night of Showband-era nostalgia as RCSI and Dublin City Council staged the 11th annual Ballroom of Romance at St Stephen's Green.

Held on Thursday, 16 July 2026, at RCSI's St Stephen's Green campus, the celebration welcomed south-east inner-city neighbours alongside active retirement and community organisations for an evening of music, memories and dancing.

The entertainment began with Forro Ireland before a headline set by the Ronan Collins and Stories showband – featuring Ronan Collins, Karen Black and Eugene McCarthy – which had guests reliving the heyday of Ireland's Showband phenomenon.

The event is organised by RCSI Engage in partnership with Dublin City Council's South East Area Community Development team. The Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron said: "The Ballroom of Romance is a valued annual event that reflects the strong community spirit of Dublin's inner city. It is encouraging to see so many people coming together to enjoy an evening of entertainment and celebration. I would like to thank RCSI Engage, Dublin City Council staff and the community groups whose continued commitment has made this event such an enduring success."

Maria Kelly, Head of RCSI Engage, said: "We were really proud to host the 11th annual Ballroom of Romance at RCSI, in partnership with Dublin City Council SE Area Team. This event is a wonderful opportunity for us to open the door of our campus to our local community. It also a wonderful reminder of how music connects us all - across ages, backgrounds and time - as well as the importance of gathering and friendship for our wellbeing as we get older."

RCSI Engage is the university's community, public and patient engagement strategy, working with local and national partners to enhance health and education. Its programmes include the REACH RCSI programme, access and widening participation, community-engaged learning and research, and student volunteering.