Rugby Community Comes Together for a Memorable 2026 IRFU Charitable Trust Leinster Charity Golf Outing
The IRFU Charitable Trust’s 2026 Leinster Charity Golf Outing once again proved to be one of the highlights of the rugby community calendar, as golfers, supporters, sponsors, and friends of the Trust gathered at the magnificent Palmer South Course at The K Club on Friday, 29th May for a day filled with outstanding golf, great company, inspiring stories, and incredible generosity.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a fantastic sense of anticipation in the air. Sunshine greeted participants as The South Restaurant and Bar buzzed with conversation over breakfast baps and coffee, with teams catching up before heading to their designated tees for the 1.30pm shotgun start. The atmosphere throughout the day was exceptional, with golfers enjoying one of Ireland’s finest championship courses while supporting a cause that means so much to the rugby community.
Celebrating the Champions
Congratulations to this year’s winners, Foresthill Consultancy Services, captained by Ronnie Culliton alongside Sharon Culliton, Lúc Culliton and Simon O’Hare, who claimed first place with a superb score of 52.7.
Their victory was particularly special. Ronnie is the brother of Garrett Culliton, who sustained a catastrophic injury while playing rugby for Wanderers FC in 1992. The Culliton family’s ongoing support of the Trust was further reflected by another family team, Foresthill Financial Planning, captained by Garrett’s brother Brian, taking part in support of the vital work carried out by the Trust on behalf of seriously injured rugby players across the four provinces.
The first-place prizes, kindly sponsored by Intersport Elverys, were presented by IRFU Committee Vice-President Tony O’Beirne.
Long-time supporters Lansdowne FC secured second place, with Paul Kinney, Harry Colbert, Conor Lenihan and Adam Galbraith receiving their prizes, generously sponsored by Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort and presented by Linda Black of the IRFU Charitable Trust.
Third place went to the Business Plus team of Fintan Gavigan, Karl Tracer, DJ Corbett and Morgan Webster, who were presented with Irish Rugby 150th Match Jerseys by Robert Deacon of Leinster Rugby. The Trust also extends sincere thanks to Business Plus for their continued support as media partner for the event.
Last year’s winners, UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic, narrowly missed out on the podium in fourth place, while sponsor Intersport Elverys rounded out the top five.
Most importantly, the Trust would like to thank every team that participated. Your support, enthusiasm and generosity are what make events like this possible, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to The K Club’s Palmer North Course in 2027.
Fantastic Support from Sponsors and Partners
The day’s competitions added even more excitement to proceedings.
The Nearest the Pin prizes, kindly sponsored by Black Emerald Irish Whiskey, were won by Sean Brennan and Barry Ruane. Each received a bottle of 7 year old Black Emerald Irish Whiskey and a Black Emerald rugby jersey, both personally signed by Simon Zebo, one of the brand’s founders. Special thanks to Black Emerald Irish Whiskey for their wonderful support.
Newgate Motor Group sponsored the Best Drive competitions, with Moira Flahive claiming the ladies’ prize and Barry Ruane adding a second award to his day’s haul by winning the men’s competition. Pat Fitzgerald of the IRFU Charitable Trust presented the prizes on behalf of Newgate Motor Group. Many thanks again to Newgate Motor Group for the support again this year.
We are also very grateful for our photography partner for the event – Sportsfile; many thanks to our brilliant photographer Seb Daly and to Ray McManus of Sportsfile.
Many thanks as well to Marc Sheridan for hosting the prize giving.
The Trust is deeply grateful to all sponsors, prize contributors, tee sponsors and FRIENDS whose generosity helped make the event such a success.
Leinster Rugby’s Continued Commitment
As the Official Rugby Charity Partner of Leinster Rugby, the Trust was delighted to welcome a Leinster Rugby four-ball led by CEO Shane Nolan.
The Trust extends its sincere thanks to Leinster Rugby for its continued partnership, promotion of the event, and ongoing support of the work carried out on behalf of seriously injured players and their families.
An Evening to Remember
As golfers completed their rounds and returned to the clubhouse from shortly after 6pm, the atmosphere moved seamlessly from the fairways to the evening celebrations.
The always popular drinks reception, generously sponsored once again by long-term supporters Guinness, provided the perfect opportunity for teams to relax, reflect on the day’s golf and share stories from around the course while enjoying complimentary Guinness and Rockshore.
Guests then gathered for a superb gourmet BBQ as Michael Whelan of the IRFU Charitable Trust officially welcomed everyone and expressed heartfelt thanks to The K Club, whose support over the past three Leinster Charity Golf Outings has been truly outstanding.
The Trust extends special thanks to Celeste, the K Club Golf and Restaurant teams, and in particular Paul Heery and Michael Fetherston for their unwavering support and commitment to the event.
Linda Black followed by acknowledging the many teams, sponsors, Corporate FRIENDS, Club FRIENDS, prize contributors and tee sponsors whose support continues to make a real difference to the lives of seriously injured rugby players and their families.
Rugby Stories, Insights and Plenty of Laughter
One of the highlights of the evening was an entertaining and insightful Q&A session featuring Devin Toner, Jordi Murphy and Shane Byrne, expertly hosted by Nigel Osborne.
With Leinster Rugby’s season, Ireland Women’s Six Nations success, emerging provincial talent, the Rugby World Cup and the inaugural Nations Championship all on the agenda, the discussion provided fascinating insights and plenty of laughs for those in attendance.
The Trust extends its deepest gratitude to Nigel, Shane, Jordi and Devin for generously giving their time and helping create such a memorable experience for guests.
There was also another special guest present – the Triple Crown! Thank you to the IRFU for providing the Trust with the Triple Crown for the Charity Golf Outing, with many golfers and guests taking photos and selfies.
Generosity on Full Display
The celebrations continued with the raffle featuring more than twenty fantastic prizes, expertly and enthusiastically hosted by the ever-entertaining Shane Byrne.
The Trust would like to thank everyone who purchased raffle tickets and the many businesses and individuals who generously donated raffle prizes. Your support made a significant contribution to the success of the event.
Thank You from the IRFU Charitable Trust
Above all else, the 2026 Leinster Charity Golf Outing was a powerful reminder of the strength, generosity and spirit of the rugby community.
Every four-ball entered, every sponsorship secured, every raffle ticket purchased and every contribution made will directly support the 36 seriously injured rugby players and their families currently under the care of the IRFU Charitable Trust.
Without the continued support of our rugby family, this vital work would not be possible.
The Trust extends its heartfelt thanks to every golfer, sponsor, partner, volunteer, supporter and FRIEND who contributed to making this year’s event such an outstanding success. Your generosity enables us to continue providing lifelong support to seriously injured players across all four provinces of Ireland. Thank you to the Trust Team for bringing the event to life: Linda Black, Brid Berkeley, Robert Deacon, Michael Whelan and Marc Sheridan.
We are already looking forward to returning to The K Club’s renowned Palmer North Course for the 2027 Leinster Charity Golf Outing. Following the tremendous demand for the Palmer North outing in 2025, early booking is strongly advised hence please email linda.black@irfu.ie to book your four-ball for 2027.
Thank you once again for your incredible support. Together, we are all making a real difference.
