Paul McGrath Launches Charity Golf Classic in aid of Cystic Fibrosis

Paul McGrath Launches Charity Golf Classic in aid of Cystic Fibrosis

18 June 2010

Soccer legend Paul McGrath has officially launched his Annual Charity Golf Classic, which takes place on Friday 16th July on the beautiful links course at Arklow Golf Club, Co. Wicklow, in aid of the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland (CFAI). All proceeds, from what promises to be a star studded event, go towards vital medical equipment needed for the Cystic Fibrosis unit in Children's University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin.

A number of celebrity golfers have already pledged their support for this worthy cause, and will compete, including soccer greats Norman Whiteside and Ronnie Whelan; boxer Bernard Dunne; snooker legend Ken Doherty; comedian Des Bishop and other famous faces such as Brian Ormonde, Mick O'Dwyer, Simon Delaney and Jason Sherlock.

Recently Paul McGrath was announced as a patron of CFAI, and speaking at the launch of his Golf Classic, Paul said "I've chosen to support CFAI as I've witnessed firsthand, through a friend, the reality of living with CF in Ireland, and why the proper facilities are so vital. If I can help in any small way to improve the quality of life for people living with CF in Ireland I'll try my best to do so. The support for this event so far has been incredible and it promises to be a great day for all involved." CF is Ireland's most common life threatening inherited disease.  Ireland has the highest prevalence of CF in the world, with 1 in 19 carrying the CF gene.  Ireland also has the most severe strain of the CF gene in the developed world.  Despite this, facilities for CF patients in our hospitals are below European standards. Today, people with CF can expect to live a near normal, full and productive life, provided that the correct facilities are in place, particularly isolation facilities in hospitals.

The Paul McGrath Charity Golf Classic has the full support of CFAI; and Martin Cahill, Fundraising Manager, CFAI said "As the national organisation responsible for providing services to the CF community in Ireland, and being totally dependent on voluntary donations and fundraising to do so, we are delighted that Paul has selected CFAI as the beneficiary of this golf classic." The format for the Golf Classic is a four ball scramble with mixed teams, with great prizes for the top three teams. As well as that, there will be prizes for nearest to the pin and longest drive. At the 7th hold there will be a chance to win a car for the charity of your choice... all you need to do is get a hole in one! The evening will be rounded off with a fabulous four course meal in the Arklow Golf Club clubhouse, followed by a charity auction and a brilliant night's entertainment by Frances Black, Don Baker, Brian Kennedy and a host of other Irish greats.

Entry to the Paul McGrath Charity Golf Classis is €1,000 for a team of four including dinner. There are also a number of sponsorship opportunities available for the event. 

Further information on the event can be found on www.paulmcgrathcharitygolf.com or by calling John Doyle on (087) 1343077 or Juanita Cahill on (087) 6181458. For further information on Cystic Fibrosis visit www.cfireland.ie.