IRFU Charitable Trust 2026 Irish Rugby 150th Golf Cup & Munster Cork Charity Golf Outing
A Powerful Celebration of Rugby, Community and Support
The sun shone brightly over Fota Island Resort on Friday 19th June, but it was the warmth, generosity and spirit of the Munster and wider Irish rugby community that truly illuminated the IRFU Charitable Trust 2026 Munster Cork Charity Golf Outing.
Held in conjunction with the second year of the “Irish Rugby 150th Golf Cup”, the event brought together players, clubs, schools, supporters, sponsors and volunteers from across the rugby family for a memorable day that perfectly showcased one of rugby’s greatest strengths – its unwavering commitment to looking after its own.
At the heart of the day was a simple but powerful purpose: supporting seriously injured rugby players and their families. The IRFU Charitable Trust exists because rugby is more than a game; it is a lifelong community. When players suffer life-changing injuries while representing the sport they love, the rugby family continues to be beside them. The extraordinary turnout at Fota Island was yet another demonstration of that commitment in action.
Guests of honour included seriously injured players Brendan Glynn, accompanied by his wife Deirdre and daughter Grace, and Danny Noonan, joined by family members Michelle and Megan. Their presence served as a poignant reminder of why the Trust’s work is so important and why events such as this continue to attract such passionate support year after year.
Joining them were Munster Rugby stars Shane Daly, Laura Guest and Dan Kelly, Munster, Ireland and British & Irish Lions legend David Wallace, and Cork GAA icon Bríd Stack. Together, they helped create an occasion that blended sporting excellence, heartfelt storytelling and genuine community spirit.
From early morning, there was a palpable buzz around the magnificent Deerpark Championship Course. Golfers enjoyed a bacon bap and coffee before making their way to the first and ninth tees, where an incredible display of sponsorship and support was immediately evident. Tee signs from rugby clubs, schools, businesses and supporters lined the course, providing a visible reminder of how deeply embedded the Charitable Trust is within the rugby community across Munster and Ireland.
As players made their way around one of Ireland’s premier golf courses under glorious sunshine, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie, laughter and shared purpose. Every team returned to the clubhouse with smiles on their faces after enjoying the immaculate playing conditions. Special congratulations must go to Clodagh Stanley and the entire Fota Island grounds team, whose work ensured the course was presented in spectacular condition.
Following their rounds, golfers gathered for a post-golf drinks reception kindly sponsored by Diageo, enjoying a complimentary Guinness, Rockshore or Rockshore 0.0 while sharing stories from the day. Sincere thanks to Mark Dooley and the Diageo team for their continued and valued support of the Trust.
The celebrations continued with a gourmet BBQ enjoyed outdoors in the evening sunshine. The relaxed and vibrant atmosphere reflected the success of the day, with golfers, guests, volunteers and supporters coming together to celebrate not only the sport they love, but also the difference they are helping to make in the lives of seriously injured players and their families.
IRFU Charitable Trust Chair Michael Whelan welcomed attendees and paid particular tribute to Brendan, Danny and their families. Marc Sheridan, Head of Communications and Partnerships for the Trust, followed by thanking the volunteers, sponsors, prize donors, media partner the Irish Examiner, provincial partner Munster Rugby, and everyone whose support made the event possible, in particular the Trust Team made up of Brid Berkeley, Linda Black, Pat Collins, Mike Keane, Ed Kenny, Feargus O’Donoghue and Bertie Smith.
One of the highlights of the evening was a fascinating and deeply personal Q&A session led by Daire O’Brien, who has been involved with the Fota outing since its inception. Bríd Stack spoke openly about her remarkable sporting journey, including her move to Australia and her serious injury. Her story resonated strongly with everyone in attendance and reinforced the importance of the support network provided by sporting organisations such as the IRFU Charitable Trust.
David Wallace joined the discussion to reflect on his illustrious career with Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions, sharing insights on the current state of the game, next year’s Rugby World Cup and the injury that prematurely ended his own playing career ahead of the 2011 World Cup. The honesty and perspective shared by both Bríd and David captivated the audience and served as a powerful reminder that injury can affect even the very best athletes.
A Day of Memorable Moments
Before the prize presentations began, the crowd celebrated a truly special achievement. On the Par 3 seventh hole, Stephen Daly, playing as part of the Alex Donnelly team, produced a sensational Hole-in-One. His remarkable shot earned enthusiastic applause and a fitting reward: a special bottle of Black Emerald Single Grain Irish Whiskey Aged 15 Years, signed by Munster and Ireland legend Simon Zebo, one of the co-founders of Black Emerald.
The prize-giving ceremony reflected both the competitive spirit and good humour that characterised the day. Wendy Keenan claimed the Ladies’ Best Drive, despite some light-hearted attempts from Munster’s Shane Daly to enter the competition himself, while Éanna McMahon of MCM Technology secured the Men’s Best Drive. Thanks once again to Johnson & Perrot and Jerry Crowley for their continued sponsorship and support.
The Nearest the Pin competition, generously sponsored by Black Emerald, was won by Ray Cosgrove and Daithí De Roiste, who each received signed Black Emerald prizes courtesy of Simon Zebo and the Black Emerald team. Special thanks to Eimear, Ernest and Simon for their exceptional support throughout the year.
As excitement built, attention turned to the team prizes.
Third place went to MCM Technology, represented by Éanna McMahon, Noel McMahon, Damien Craven and Declan Craven, who posted an impressive 87 points and secured their podium finish on countback; were presented with their prizes by Munster Trust Volunteer, Ed Kenny.
Runner-up honours went to UPMC Sports Surgery Clinic, the inaugural winners of the Irish Rugby 150th Golf Cup at The K Club in 2025. Fiachra O’Connor, Daithí De Roiste, Ray Cosgrove and Sean Brennan finished with a superb 88 points and received beautifully crafted prizes, presented by Trust Committee Member Berties Smith, kindly sponsored by long standing supporters Conscious Convert.
But the loudest cheers of the evening were reserved for the champions.
Retaining their title in remarkable fashion, Galbally RFC delivered an outstanding performance to finish on an incredible 100 points. The victorious quartet of Johnny Morrissey, Francis Fitzgerald, Paddy Ryan and Martin O’Connell were presented with their prizes by IRFU Junior Vice President Michael Collopy; with the beautiful Footjoy HydroLite Golf Rain Jackets prizes kindly sponsored by long term supporters to the Trust Intersport Elverys. Galbally RFC’s victory was made even more special given the club’s close connection to Danny Noonan, adding another emotional dimension to a memorable evening. The Galbally team were then presented with the “Irish Rugby 150th Golf Cup” and an invitation to next year’s 150th Golf Cup.
Rugby Looking After Rugby
The celebrations continued with a hugely successful raffle, hosted by Bertie Smith, featuring more than 20 prizes, including a Samsung 43″ QLED Smart TV generously donated by Fireblock, with special thanks to Pat Collins, a very generous €500 kindly donated by rugby great Aldi and a host of prizes from great supporters of the event – please take the time to read the Table Card on this page which shows not only the very generously donated Raffle Prizes, but the very generously donated gifts for the Goody Bags and Silent Auction Lots.
Laughter filled the room during the final Raffle Prize draw when IRFU representative Michael Collopy won a pair of IRFU shorts, prompting plenty of good-natured banter from those in attendance!
As the evening drew to a close, one message stood above all others.
The success of the IRFU Charitable Trust is built upon the extraordinary generosity of the rugby community. Across Munster and throughout Ireland, clubs, schools, businesses, volunteers and supporters continue to rally behind players and families facing the challenges that come with life-changing injuries sustained on the rugby field.
Events such as the Munster Cork Charity Golf Outing are about far more than golf. They are a celebration of rugby’s values: loyalty, friendship, resilience and community. They demonstrate that while a player’s career may end, the support of the rugby family does not.
To everyone who sponsored, donated, volunteered, attended or played, thank you. Your support helps ensure that seriously injured players and their families receive the assistance they need, when they need it most.
Together, the rugby community continues to make a genuine and lasting difference.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Plans are already underway for the 2027 Munster Cork Charity Golf Outing. Please keep an eye on the IRFU Charitable Trust events page for details or contact Linda Black at linda.black@irfu.ie to join the mailing list.
On behalf of all seriously injured players and their families, thank you for your continued support.
