Fore a great cause

Cope Foundation’s annual Golf Classic fundraiser is set to swing into action again this summer for what will be its 25th year running.

This year's tournament will tee off in August at Monkstown Golf Club and will be the organisation’s first physical fundraising event of the year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

The annual event raises much needed funds for the organisation which now supports 2,800 people with an intellectual disability and/or autism in Cork.

The event, which is sponsored by O’Flynn Exhams Solicitors, has raised almost €2 million over the past 25 years with last year’s fundraiser bringing in €57,000.

Teams of four people are invited to participate in the tournament with each golfer in with a chance of winning an electric Opel Mokka in the Hole in One competition, sponsored by Johnson & Perrott Motor Group.

There will also be a Nearest the Pin competition sponsored by Carbery Group, a Longest Drive competition sponsored by First South Credit Union Ltd, as well as goodie bags provided by Lidl.

Cope Foundation Chief Executive, Sean Abbott said the annual Golf Classic is one of the highlights of the organisation’s year and would not be possible without its sponsors, corporate supporters and donors.

He said: “It is a wonderful fundraiser but it’s also an opportunity to open an important conversation around rights and equality for people with an intellectual disability and/or autism.

“Golf is an inclusive sport and there is no reason why it shouldn’t be enjoyed by all. Once again, we are proud to have people we support competing, and this year, we are also delighted to welcome the Northern Ireland Blind Golf Association to the event.”

Also commenting was Micheál Ó Mulláin of O’Flynn Exhams Solicitors, who said: “We are proud to be part of Cope Foundation’s annual Golf Classic fundraiser since it began 25 years ago. Last year’s event was a huge success despite the Covid-19 pandemic and that is testament to all those who took part.

“The Golf Classic is always a great day out and we would encourage the business community in Cork to register teams and support this very worthy cause.”

Teams of four can now book a place at this year’s Cope Foundation’s Golf Classic which is taking place at Monkstown Golf Club on 19 and 20 August.

For bookings visit cope-foundation.ie/Golf-Classic or get in touch with Cope Foundation’s Communications and Fundraising Team on 086-7912540 or email murphye2@cope-foundation.ie.