70 golfers swing into action to raise €2,500 for Rosabel’s Rooms
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A CHARITY golf day in Brittas raised €2,500 for Rosabel’s Rooms last week, which will go to the charity’s Room to Heal Fund to help bereaved parents following the sudden loss of a child.
The golf day in Lisheen Springs Golf Club saw 70 golfers take to the course on Friday, despite the inclement weather conditions, to do their bit for the fundraiser.
John Hendrick, Dave Douglas, Ken Greene and Stephen O’Reilly
John Hendrick, the organiser of the event, told The Echo: “It was overwhelming to see golfers of a certain age who, no matter what was falling from the sky – hail, rain or even snow – were adamant to get out there and play for the charity.
“It was touch-and-go at the start, to be honest, as the rain was quite heavy, but thanks to Lisheen Springs Club professional Raymond Burns, the green light was given and off they went.
“The atmosphere from the very get-go was electric, with lads laughing and joking while they were putting on their wet gear to brave the elements.
“The course was in exceptional condition thanks to Richard Kavanagh and his green keepers, who work tirelessly around the clock.
“We had an on-course BBQ between the 9th hole and 10th tee box and, according to Linda Kavanagh and Noeleen Oglesby, who were cooking the burgers and sausages, the craic was hilarious as the teams came around.”
Linda Kavanagh and Noeleen Ogleby
Of course, the primary motivation for the golfers was to raise funds for Rosabel’s Rooms, as John is friends with the founders of the Galway-based charity, Suzanne and Gary Monroe, who set it up following the sudden and unexpected death of their sixteen-month-old daughter, Rosabel, in 2017.
Rosabel’s Rooms provide comfort and support, in partnership with the Irish Hospice Foundation, to the families of children who have passed away suddenly, by offering counselling and financial support and developing family-focused bereavement suites in hospitals all over Ireland.
John said the people who donated and took part in the golf day “can only be hailed, in my opinion, as true heroes, and it will be very much appreciated by Rosabel’s Rooms and The Irish Hospice Foundation, as charities are finding it extremely hard to hold events to raise money because of the pandemic.
“I personally would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of Rosabel’s Rooms and The Irish Hospice Foundation, to thank everybody who made this day happen and make it the success that it was.
“Raymond, Richard and Julie at Lisheen Springs Golf Club, Linda and Noeleen, Peter Kavanagh for taking the many photographs in the torrential weather, all the hole sponsors, and to all the players who played.
“Without all you people, days like this could not happen and charities could not survive. You are all amazing people and heroes in my estimation.”
The overall winning captain on the day was Stephen Dwyer, and his team hopes to return to defend their title next year.
John added: “I must express my sincere gratitude and praise for the way Lisheen Springs implemented the social distancing right through the day, which everybody involved adhered to with the highest respect.”
