TV3 Xposé presenter and CMRF Crumlin ambassador Karen Koster today joined forces with Kyle Moloney (7 years, Sandyford), and Meaghan Dunne, (6 years, Ashtown) to launch the third year of the Savills ‘Dublin’s Got Talent’ and ‘Cork’s Got Talent’ shows. The talent show fundraiser, which has a similar format to the reality TV show, Britain’s Got Talent, aims to raise significant funds for CMRF Crumlin, the fundraising body for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital and The National Children’s Research Centre.

In excess of 1,000 people are expected to attend the Clarion Hotel, Cork on the 13th October and the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin on the 27th October to watch an array of talent perform for a celebrity filled judging panel, soon to be announced. Mum of two Karen will MC the Dublin event this year and is looking forward to seeing the talent on the night.

Karen commented at the launch:

"As a CMRF ambassador but also a huge fan of talent shows, I’m thrilled to be invited to host this year’s ‘Dublin’s Got Talent show. I’m looking forward to watching all the participants on the night and seeing the amazing talent out there. As a live TV presenter I’m hoping to be able to help with any nerves on the night and ensure everyone has a great time. It’s fantastic to have such a great event that is all in aid of CMRF Crumlin."

Savills is calling on anyone who would like to take part or attend the event to visit www.savills.ie to register. Since its inception in 2014, the ‘Got Talent’ initiative has raised more than €100,000 for a number of charities including Focus Ireland and the Childhood Cancer Foundation.

The National Children’s Research Centre (NCRC) – which is entirely supported by donations from CMRF Crumlin – is the centre of paediatric research in Ireland and is part of a global network of research tackling childhood diseases.

The work of some outstanding scientists and clinicians at the NCRC along with their colleagues from around the world, has, in recent years, led to life-changing advances in the earlier diagnosis, and better treatment of childhood diseases, such as paediatric cancer, cystic fibrosis, cardiac and dermatological conditions.

Angus Potterton, Managing Director of Savills commented:

“Of all the fundraising initiatives Savills has engaged over the years, Dublin and Cork’s Got Talent have been the most rewarding in terms of the money we have been able to secure for a number of very worth charities. This year, we are delighted to partner with CMRF Crumlin. The brilliant work they do to improve the treatment of childhood illnesses cannot be overstated, and we are delighted to support them by providing them with all proceeds generated from these events.”

Sarah Ó’Suilleabháin, Head of Corporate Partnerships at CMRF Crumlin commented:

“We are delighted and honoured to be the chosen charity of Savills for ‘Dublin’s Got Talent’ and ‘Cork’s Got Talent’, two fantastic occasions which are growing in popularity each year. The support of Savills for CMRF Crumlin comes at an extremely important time as there are several areas of research at the NCRC that need urgent support as well as a host of large capital projects at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital. Ultimately their generosity will help deliver the best possible care for Ireland’s sickest children”

For booking information, see http://www.savills.ie/about-savills/corporate-responsibility/irelands-got-talent-2016.aspx