Get Broadcasting have filmed the stories of many of the Trust’s seriously injured players, giving them and their families a voice.  Each has spoken passionately about the incredible support they receive from the rugby community, and about how their love of rugby has remained a constant in their lives, despite their injuries.

As Brendan has said in his own video:  “Being involved in rugby, it’s almost like a family, a community thing, and that has been a key support to me – a key part of my life.”

Those words perfectly captured the spirit of the day in Limerick.

A great day from tee-off to prize-giving

Registration began at 10am, with golfers collecting their two Goody Bags, including one kindly sponsored by Lyons of Limerick.

Golfers also enjoyed a pre-golf meal from the fabulous restaurant team at Castletroy Golf Club, managed by Wasantha, before Young Munster RFC became the first team to tee off shortly after 11am.

Following their rounds, golfers were treated to a refreshing pint of Heineken – or Heineken 0.0 for those driving – before enjoying a beautiful three-course meal, with a delicious choice of options for every palate.  Thank you to Heineken for the support and to the superb restaurant and bar staff at Casteltroy Golf Club.

Michael Whelan from the IRFU Charitable Trust welcomed everyone, with a particular welcome to all our guests, Danny, Brendan and their families and friends, while also thanking Castletroy Golf Club for being our Course Partner.  Michael also paid special tribute to the Limerick Trust Team, led brilliantly by Munster refereeing legend Bertie Smith, alongside Peter Fitzgibbon, Ollie Hodges, Johnny Lacey, Andy Brace, Brid Berkeley and Orla Foley.  And when Michael said: “It is our first year holding a Charity Golf Outing in Limerick, but based on what has happened today, we will most certainly be back.” he was met with rapturous applause.

Linda Black from the Trust then took to the stage to thank the many sponsors and supporters, while acknowledging the extraordinary effort made by Danny Noonan in helping bring the event together.

Stories, memories and the power of the rugby community

MC Alan Quinlan, who also took part in the golf, then welcomed special guests Orla Foley and Andy Brace to the stage.

Orla spoke passionately about her brother Anthony and how she established Orla’s Wild Ways in memory of Axel.  The IRFU Charitable Trust is a beneficiary of Orla’s Wild Ways.

Alan also spoke emotionally about what Axel meant to him and his Munster teammates, and how his legacy continues to live on in so many ways.

Andy Brace shared his own rugby journey, including how, through his parents, he became an international rugby player for Belgium.

There was, naturally, a wry grin from Quinny when discussing the unique dynamic between rugby players and referees! The conversation also turned to the more serious issue of the very worrying and wholly unacceptable online abuse directed at referees in recent years – something that is thankfully being addressed by World Rugby and authorities globally.

Then it was Danny’s turn.

Invited to the stage to tell his story, Danny spoke about his remarkable charity skydive and, most importantly, about how maintaining his love for rugby has continued to fill his life with wonderful friends and memories.

He also spoke movingly about the support he has received from the IRFU Charitable Trust, including a home gym which has made a remarkable difference to his fitness, strength and mobility.

Danny also shared the story of how the Trust helped him travel to San Francisco to attend his friend Aidan O’Sullivan’s wedding – making Aidan’s contribution to the Charity Golf Outing all the more special.

It was a powerful reminder that the Trust is about far more than financial support.  It is about helping seriously injured players continue to live full lives, stay connected to their communities and remain part of the rugby family.

Congratulations to our winners

With the golf completed, it was time for the prizes, presented by Marc Sheridan from the Trust.

The Nearest the Cups prizes, sponsored by Eleven 14 Coffee, went to Ollie Hodges of the “Referees” team on the 11^th hole, while Jamie O’Mahony of the Cork Con team took the prize on the 14^th.

Dara Finn, representing the MAR team, produced an incredible drive on the 18^th to win the Ladies Best Drive, while Keith Hoare of the Calibration Technologies team picked up the Men’s Best Drive on the 16^th.

Many thanks again to Fontenoy Engineering and Eleven 14 Coffee for sponsoring these competitions, and to Danny Noonan for presenting the prizes.

The 3^rd placed team, with a score of 55.2, saw Ollie Hodges return to the stage to collect the 3^rd Prize, kindly sponsored by Castletroy Golf Club, alongside his “Referees” teammates Johnny Lacey, Andrew Jones and Cian O’Brien.

Just 0.1 behind them, the Fireblock team of Charlie O’Neill, Kevin Hayes, Sean McLoughlin and Gerry Murray took 2nd place with a score of 55.1.  Their prize was a bottle of Black Emerald Single Grain Irish Whiskey, aged seven years, for each team member, all signed by Simon Zebo, one of the founders of Black Emerald.  Thank you to Pat Collins of Fireblock for supporting this event, as well as the Cork Charity Golf Outing in Fota.

And then came the moment that will forever have a place in the history of the Limerick Charity Golf Outing.

Having been the first team to tee off, Young Munster RFC remained at the top of the leader board to become the first-ever winners of the Limerick Charity Golf Outing!  Congratulations to Mark Connolly, Des Devane, Liam Lenihane and James Quilligan, who carded an impressive 52.6.  Each received a €200 voucher from Keanes Jewellers Limerick, kindly presented by Aidan Lyddy.