Portumna Golf Club tees up a perfect day in support of seriously injured rugby players
The rugby community in Connacht came out in force once again to support seriously injured rugby players and their families at the annual IRFU Charitable Trust Connacht Charity Golf Outing. Held for the first time at the stunning Portumna Golf Club on Wednesday 7th October, the event enjoyed glorious sunshine, a spectacular course and an incredible show of community spirit.
Recognised as Connacht’s No. 1 Parkland Course, Portumna Golf Club provided the perfect setting for a day celebrating rugby, friendship and giving back to those who need it most.
A sincere thank you to the Portumna Golf Club committee, General Manager Justin O’Byrne, President James O’Meara and all the staff, including Joy in the Pro Shop, for their wonderful support. Click here to hear why the event struck such a chord with the club.
The Connacht rugby family comes together
At the heart of this event is the strength of the rugby community. Every year, clubs, players, businesses and supporters come together to help the IRFU Charitable Trust provide vital, ongoing support to players whose lives have been changed by serious injuries sustained playing rugby, and to their families.
Connacht Rugby, the Trust’s Provincial Partner, led the way once again. Alongside hosting the media launch in September, Connacht Rugby fielded a team, donated a superb Silent Auction prize and brought the evening to life with a brilliant Q&A. Many thanks to Stephen Long for his tremendous support – click here to hear Stephen speak about the importance of community.
Stephen was joined by Connacht Rugby players Will Connors, Ben Murphy and Harry West for an engaging discussion about the season ahead, the squad’s exceptional team spirit and the impact of emerging academy talent. Their enthusiasm was infectious. Many thanks to all three for giving their time, and best wishes to them and their teammates for the season ahead.
Connacht clubs have been steadfast supporters of the outing, with previous participants including Buccaneers RFC, Carrick-on-Shannon RFC, Castlebar RFC, Claremorris Colts RFC, Corrib RFC, Galwegians RFC, Gort RFC, Sligo RFC and Tuam RFC. Many are also FRIENDS of the IRFU Charitable Trust.
This year, we were delighted to welcome University of Galway Rugby Club and Ballina RFC for the first time. Ballina captain Mick Moylett spoke passionately about the importance of rugby clubs supporting those who have suffered life-changing injuries on the field of play. Click here to hear Mick’s message.
Mick also highlighted the tremendous work of Pat O’Connor, IRFU Charitable Trust Trustee, in rallying support for the event. Huge thanks to Pat and the entire Connacht Trust Team of Sarah Best, Paul Casserly, Yvonne Comer, Gordon Fahy and Padraig Moran; alongside Bríd Berkeley, Linda Black, Marc Sheridan and Michael Whelan, as well as Hilary Sheridan who volunteered on the day. Their dedication makes events like this possible.
Outstanding support from Connacht businesses
The generosity of the corporate rugby community was especially evident this year, with businesses contributing teams, sponsorship, prizes and invaluable support.
Aerogen returned for the third consecutive year, fielding a fourball and sponsoring the Nearest the Pins competition. Team captain Colin Gannon explained how the company’s core value, “We Care”, aligns with supporting the Trust’s work. Click here to hear Colin’s message.
Coca-Cola HBC Ireland once again supported the event as Drinks Sponsor, providing refreshments for the Goody Bags, dinner and drinks reception, as well as products for the Charity Raffle. Sincere thanks to Robert Lahiff and the team for their continued generosity.
Intersport Elverys supported all the Trust’s Provincial Charity Golf Outings this year, culminating in sponsorship of Portumna’s First Team Prize. Thanks to Philip Staunton and everyone at Intersport Elverys for their ongoing commitment. Click here to hear Pat Killeen explain why the company is proud to support the Trust.
Another loyal supporter, Avita Communications, fielded two teams for the third year running and sponsored the Ladies Best Drive for the first time, thanks to Gordon Fahy. Karol Curran Plant Hire kindly sponsored the Men’s Best Drive for the first time, with thanks to Karol Curran and Padraig Moran for securing the sponsorship.
We were delighted to welcome Xi’an Street Food as a new supporter, sponsoring the Second Team Prize. Many thanks to Mervin Fahy for making this possible. The Third Team Prize was once again sponsored by Oliver Carty & family, who have supported the event for three years. Special thanks to Ted Carty for his continued commitment and for fielding a team. Click here to hear Justin Lennon speak about their support.
Raising awareness through media partnerships
Ensuring rugby supporters across Connacht and all four provinces understand the Trust’s work is essential to sustaining support for seriously injured players and their families.
Business Plus and DMG Media, the Trust’s National Media Partner, help raise awareness through its media platforms. We are especially grateful to Wini Moore, Fintan Gavigan and Paul Henderson for their ongoing commitment.
The Event Media Partner Galway Bay FM, has been instrumental in spreading the word since the very first Connacht Charity Golf Outing. Its support helps rugby fans understand how they can get involved and make a difference. Special thanks to Yvonne Kelly, Dylan Connolly for creating the fantastic event videos, Ronan Lardner, Ollie Turner and the entire team. Click here to hear why Galway Bay FM are so invested in this charity event.
Ronan broadcast live from Portumna Golf Club, even inspiring listeners to make their way to the clubhouse to show their support! Galway Bay FM also hosted a media launch at Dexcom Stadium, helping bring three additional teams on board. Click here to hear Ollie and Ronan chatting at the first tee – although Ollie may rue his words at the end of his round!
A fantastic day on the course
Huge thanks to every team that took part, including Al Hayes Motors, DCZ.HP, Michael Glynn PVC Products, Team Citco, Patrick McEntee, Tom Meehan and Alrí Construction.
Alrí Construction, supporters every year and winners of the inaugural 2024 outing, were also back on the course – click here to hear Alan and Gerry King explain why they are proud to support the event. And happy birthday once again, Gerry!
We are equally grateful to everyone who donated to the Goody Bags, Charity Raffle and Silent Auction. Special thanks to Aldi for a generous €500 voucher, Dubarry of Ireland for its Silent Auction donation, The Lodge at Ashford Castle for a raffle prize, and Hunter Plant Hire and Portwest for their fantastic raffle prizes and Tee Box sponsorships.
Thanks also to all our Tee Box Sponsors, particularly Fireblock (who has supported three outings), Logstrup, RBK, Sherry FitzGerald Hanley, The Ardilaun and Will Bros. Every contribution helped make the day such a success.
Celebrating the winners
Following a wonderful day on the course, teams returned to the clubhouse for a hearty meal prepared by Cathal and his team, alongside the drinks reception sponsored by Coca-Cola HBC. Many thanks to Cathal, Maura and all the Portumna Golf Club staff for their excellent hospitality.
Michael Whelan, Chair of the IRFU Charitable Trust Committee, welcomed everyone and thanked Portumna Golf Club, all participating teams, sponsors, prize donors and supporters. He highlighted the importance of their generosity in helping the Trust continue its vital work with seriously injured rugby players and their families. The Q&A, as mentioned, was up next.
The prize-giving followed, hosted by Marc Sheridan of the IRFU Charitable Trust, celebrated some excellent performances:
- Ladies Best Drive: Sandra Fahy of Connacht Rugby, sponsored by Avita Communications.
- Men’s Best Drive: Brian Moylett of Ballina RFC, sponsored by Karol Curran Plant Hire.
- Nearest the Pins: David Egan on the front nine and Kevin Barry on the back nine, both representing Team Citco, sponsored by Aerogen.
Congratulations to all our winners!
The team competition was exceptionally close:
- Third place – Team Citco (62.6 points, countback): Kevin Barry, David Egan, Conor Walsh and William Daunt won meat hampers generously provided by Oliver Carty and family. Thanks to Ben Carty for presenting the prizes.
- Second place – DCZ.HP (62.4 points): Congratulations to captain Dermot Fahy, Christopher McClemond, David Burke and John Burke. In a memorable family moment, Trust volunteer Gordon Fahy presented the prizes to his brother Dermot, with the prizes sponsored by their brother Mervin Fahy of Xi’an Street Food – a special moment that seemed written in the stars!
- First place – Galway Bay FM (62 points): Congratulations to Ollie Turner, Sean Byrnes, Mattie Kenny and Greg Kennedy, who took the top prize sponsored by Intersport Elverys. Pat Killeen presented the prizes. In a fitting twist, Ollie was already halfway home when a phone call alerted him suggesting he return!
As winners, Galway Bay FM also secured an invitation to the 2027 IRFU Charitable Trust “Irish Rugby 150th Golf Cup” at Lisburn Golf Club on Thursday 9th September.
Stephen Long then led the Charity Raffle, assisted by Linda Black and Hilary Sheridan, before the Silent Auction reached its exciting conclusion. Thanks to everyone who donated prizes, placed bids and helped make both fundraising activities such a success.
We’ll be back!
The first IRFU Charitable Trust Connacht Charity Golf Outing at Portumna Golf Club was a tremendous success, raising valuable funds and, just as importantly, awareness of the support available to seriously injured rugby players and their families.
The event demonstrated what makes the Connacht rugby community so special: clubs supporting clubs, businesses giving back to the game, and people giving generously, including their time, to help those facing life-changing circumstances.
Every team, every sponsorship, every donation and every act of support makes a difference. Together, the rugby community helps ensure that players who have given so much to the game, and the families beside them, are not left to face their challenges alone.
On behalf of the IRFU Charitable Trust and the players and families it supports, thank you to everyone who made this day possible.
We look forward to returning to Portumna Golf Club in 2027 and welcoming familiar faces, along with plenty of new ones, for another fantastic day of golf, friendship and giving.
