The 10th Annual Pioneer National Ball took place on Saturday. 25th March 2006, in the Hotel Kilmore, Co.Cavan. Members of the Ulster Youth Committee and Ulster Activities Committee hosted the event.

The Pioneer National Ball was first introduced to the Pioneer calendar on 8th February 1997, by a group of young pioneers from Limerick. Their vision, was to create a national event where Pioneers and non-pioneers of all ages could get together in a social setting, without the need for competitions. The event was a great success, and it soon became an annual one. Over the past nine years, the 'Ball' has grown from strength to strength, attracting people form all over Ireland, attracting upwards of 300 people in later years.

As 2006 was to mark the 10th National Ball, the organizing committee decided to make the night one to remember, and aimed to have 500 attending. With three weeks to go, it was announced that all tickets were sold out, and people were being added to a waiting list in case of cancellations.

At about 7.00pm, people began to file into St. Bridget's Church, Killygarry for the 7.30 opening mass. In no time, all seats were occupied and many were forced to remain standing. Those present were joined by the special guest speaker for the night, Mr. John Hume, his wife Pat, Pioneer President Shane Kitson and his wife Marian. The ceremony was celebrated by Fr. Bernard McGuckian, Pioneer Central Spiritual Director. Fr. Andrew Tully, Ulster Provincial Spiritual Director, delivered the homily, which encompassed the feast of the Annunciation, the National Ball, and leg waxing! The local children's choir, along with Ciaran Coll provided the music and hymns.

At 8.40pm, the doors were opened and those waiting in the hotel reception area began to enter the function room. The hotel staff assisted everyone to their seats and at 9.10pm Su-Zann Scott, National Youth Chairperson welcomed all present. In total, almost 500 attended with over 20% of these were under the age of 16. After dinner, Su-Zann returned to the podium and invited Shane Kitson to address those in attendance. Shane has recently been elected as President of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, and is a native of Ballyjamesduff, Co. Cavan. He spoke about the Pioneer Association and it's necessity in today's society. He also thanked Mr. Hume, on behalf of the entire association, for his life's achievements.

Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Mr. John Hume then took the stage. John captured everyone's attention, as he delivered a wonderful speech. He spoke about an article from the previous day's local newspaper, which highlighted the problems with alcohol abuse in today's society. He also explained the basis of the peace process and how we should deal with differences of opinion, which can lead to pain and suffering. As he finished his speech, our appreciation for his words of wisdom, lifetime achievement and presence were made known by an enormous round of applause.

Su-Zann then returned to the podium for their third time and thanked both gentlemen for their attendance. Gary O'Callaghan, Ulster Activities Chairperson then presented John Hume with a piece of specially engraved Abbey Crystal, as a token of the committee's appreciation for his presence. Eugene Hill, Ulster Youth Chairperson then presented Shane Kitson with a similar piece. Both Pat Hume and Marian Kitson were then presented with a bouquet of flowers. Finally, Eugene made a presentation of a third bouquet to Su-Zann Scott, for her work as his predecessor as Ulster Youth Chairperson, and her recent election to National Youth Chairperson of the PTAA. As the hotel staff then cleared the dance floor crowds gathered to get a photograph taken with John Hume.

Immediately after the stage was cleared, and the instruments were set up, the band began to play. Within minutes of the first song starting, the dance floor was full, and the hotel requested to clear more dance space. 'Odd Times' are a family band from near Kells, and entertained the crowd with song and dance to suit all age groups present. Throughout their entire session, the floor was full of pioneers and their friends, of all ages. Before John and Pat Hume retired for the night, John requested to sing a song along with the band. All on the dance floor stopped dancing to listen to John sing a number of songs, a treat we were all delighted to receive. Odd Times finished playing at about 2am, when Max Mobile Disco took over and played well into the morning.

We would like to thank all who attended, supported or promoted the Pioneer National Ball.