Pakistani Golfers Ireland has raised €10,000 for Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Carrigallen National School in Co. Leitrim/
The donation, raised through its annual Pakistan Golf Cup held at Powerscourt Golf Club in July, will fund training and care for Vernon, the school’s new therapy dog.
It will also provide funding for a sensory room in its Early Intervention classroom, and private occupational therapy assessments for pupils.
Carrigallen National School caters for pupils from junior infants to sixth class and has five special classes for children with autism, including Leitrim’s first Early Intervention Autism class for preschoolers.
Vernon joined the school through My Canine Companion and has already become an integral part of daily life, offering comfort and promoting wellbeing, confidence, and emotional regulation.
Acting Principal Carmel Dockery said: “Every child deserves to feel comfortable, understood and supported in school. This generous contribution will help us develop practical supports that respond to the different needs of our pupils. Vernon has already brought so much warmth to our school.
“We are extremely grateful to Pakistani Golfers Ireland.”
This is the third year the Pakistan Golf Cup has included charitable fundraising, with previous beneficiaries including St Laurence’s National School in Baldoyle and Saplings Special School in Carlow.
Funds were raised through tee-box sponsorships and individual donations, with support from the Pakistani community in Ireland and the Pakistan Ireland Business Council.