An idea born in a sitting room in Stradbally prior to last Christmas led to a fundraising event that has raised €11,000 for two worthy charities.
This was all done in memory of a beloved partner, dad and friend, Fergal Donaghy.
The late Fergal passed away peacefully after a short illness in September 2023 – leaving a huge void in the lives of all who knew him.
Michael Kelly, Anne Kelly, Robert Kelly, Danny Kelly, Paul McEvoy, Mary Downey and Denis O’Riordan came together to remember their very good and close friend, Fergal, in a way that they all enjoyed with him, on the fairways of Portlaoise Golf Club.
The committee got together at the turn of the year and set the wheels in motion for what turned out to be a fantastic couple of days, enjoyed by over 200 golfers.
On May 10 and 11, Portlaoise Golf Club welcomed over 60 teams of members and visitors in two of the finest days of 2024 to that point.
The idea was simple, to remember Fergal and to raise some money two of the charities that helped Fergal and his family, The Cara Curley Fund and St Patrick’s Acute Ward, Acute Stroke Unit/ ICU Beaumont Hospital.
The format that was chosen by the committee was a favourite of Fergal’s, a straight scramble, the best ball all the way to the hole.
There was a nearest the pin on the 18th hole for both men and ladies, with light refreshments served as player came in off the course.
Originally set for just the Saturday, the interest gathered in the event was such that the committee had to open the event up on Friday evening. The golf was good, and the early leaders came in.
All players came to the 18th green with the hopes of getting the closest to the pin.
Closer and closer they got to the flagstick, until club member, Susan Delaney, hit her tee shot and gave the club a twirl.
It was tracking through the air, and when her ball landed on the green, it ran towards the hole, taking all of the greens contours without deflection.
Those in the clubhouse stood watching, and with the cheer of the crowd, the ball hit the bottom of the cup. Susan later said with some emotion, that she will never forget the day that she had her first hole in one.
With the buzz of the hole in one on the Friday night filtering through the club on Saturday morning, there was a great atmosphere for the day on Saturday.
Teams were steadily making their way through the course from 8am all throughout the day.
As the scores came in and the leaderboard changed numerous times, there was a great feeling around the golfers.
One of the committee members, Denis Riordan was leading the men’s closest to the pin competition for a large portion of the weekend, until club president, Michael Fletcher, stood onto the 18th tee.
Aiming to his right he faded his tee shot to perfection. A couple of bounces on the green, and a short roll was followed by the clink of the ball hitting the bottom of the hole.
For the second day in a row, an ace was recorded on the 18th hole. The odds on the happening are 32,000/1.
The golf continued throughout the day and the final group came in around 8.30pm, it was then time for the presentation of prizes.
The organising committee thanked Ger McEvoy, and Portlaoise Golf Club for the use of their fabulous facilities.
A special word of appreciation was given to the greenkeeping staff who had the course in impeccable condition, and to the bar staff that worked so diligently over the two days and in the lead up to it.
Bosco’s Catering and their staff were also thanked for suppling and serving the hot food that was given just after the speeches.
A thought was spared for the Bar Manager, Damien, and he was wished a speedy recovery.
After the prizes were given out for the golf – attention turned to the draw that was offering 2025 membership to the lucky winner.
The lucky winner was a person that played golf most weekends with Fergal, Richard Gorman.
At the conclusion of the presentation of prizes, Fergal’s partner, Cathy Hewitt stood up to a round of applause and spoke of Fergal and how he was loved by anyone he met.
She spoke of the fantastic work that was done with Fergal from paramedics to surgeons and hospital staff.
Cathy was delighted with the money raised and is hopeful that it could help with hospital equipment that will save lives.
Cathy also spoke of the Cara Curley Fund and how it helps family members in their darkest hour.
Cathy also explained why the fund was set up and told the members and visitors how the charity helps family members.
Following Cathy’s heartfelt speech, Fergal’s sister Maoliosa spoke of her pride for Fergal’s family and her pride of the community that the members of the golf club has created.
Maoliosa and her family were made feel so welcome from the time they came into the clubhouse, and she said that she was delighted and proud that Fergal was a part of this fantastic community.
A special word of thanks to Laura Kelly, Margaret Maher and Mary Dunne who were helping with scoring and food throughout the day.
On Friday August, 9, representatives of the Cara Curley Fund, and St Patrick’s Acute Ward, Acute Stroke Unit, Beaumont Hospital, were presented with cheques for €5,500 each.
Check out some great pictures from the event both above and below:
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