Breen’s Golf Society, based in Gorey recently organised a Captain’s Classic event at Ballymoney Golf club, asking locals to take on the course for charity.
Locals turned out in droves, as 50 teams of players were created to take part on the day, taking on the course at Ballymoney for some friendly competition in aid of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.
Organised by Chris O’Brien of Breen’s Golf Society, competitors and supporters continued celebrations into the night at Breen’s Bar in Gorey for an official afterparty, where prizes were presented to the winning teams, with live music from Fusion Live Band, alongside a raffle on the night which included a €500 first prize.
Breens Bar Golf Society afterparty in aid of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. Pictured is Chris and Lisa O Brien. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench
In total, Breen’s Golf Society raised €10,012.50 for Aoibheann’s Pink Tie, which Chris said he was astounded by. “I was over the moon. We were absolutely over the astounded by the figure we raised.
“We never thought in a million years that we would get anywhere near €10,000, when we did our final count, we couldn’t believe it – it was absolutely magic,” he added.
After a long day at the golf course, the winning team consisted of Damien Mooney, Mick Smith, Chris Merrigan and Tom Storey, who took home the crown with a score of 57.5 and an HCP of 6.5.
Following close behind in second place with a score of 57.6 was the team consisting of John O Byrne, Bernard Byrne, John O Toole and Tony Fleming with a 5.4 HCP.
After working with the charity before, Chris was delighted to welcome Jimmy Norman, father of Aoibheann to Breen’s Bar for the afterparty. “It was great for the people that were there to listen to the story behind Aoibheann’s Pink Tie.”
Breens Bar Golf Society afterparty in aid of Aoibheann’s Pink Tie. Pictured is Flynn, Ciara Gilligan, Tanya O Connor, Jamie Gilligan and Declan O Connor. PHOTO: Sabrina Ffrench
Aoibheann’s Pink Tie was set up in 2010 by Mick Rochford and Jimmy Normon following the tragic passing of Jimmy’s daughter Aoibheann from a rare type of cancer.
Aoibheann’s Pink Tie provide financial and emotional support to children undergoing cancer treatment in Ireland and also provide support to their families.
With a lot of organisation and endless hours, Chris said the team will evaluate and decide whether to run the event next year. “If so, how bigger are we going to go because you can’t do it to the same level as what we did this year. We have to make it bigger,” he said.
Breen’s Golf Society thanked everybody for their support with the fundraiser.