Golfers pitch in to raise €35k in memory of Donal

The memory of an inspirational teenager lured golfers to sun-splashed fairways in Killarney, Co Kerry, yesterday.

One of the country’s biggest golfing fundraisers, the Donal Walsh Memor-ial Kerry Corporate Golf Tournament, netted at least €35,000 for Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital.

First run 23 years ago as the Kerry Group Corporate Golf Classic, the event will henceforth bear the name of the recently deceased Donal Walsh who, though only 16, was responsible for raising €50,000 for the Dublin hospital.

Forty-six teams of four took part in the €400-a-team tournament on Killarney Golf Club’s Mahony’s Point course.

Among the players were former Cork and Kerry footballers Denny Long and Mikey Sheehy and supermarket chain owner Tomás Garvey.

They played for the Donal Walsh Cup, a replica of the famed Ryder Cup, presented by the main sponsors, Kerry Group plc.

One of the chief organisers, Fred Garvey, said Donal, from Tralee, had inspired people of all ages before succumbing to cancer after a four-year battle with the disease.

“He always wanted to help others, despite his own serious illness, and especially wanted to improve facilities in Our Lady’s Hospital where had been a patient,’’ he said.

The money raised will go towards research and ward improvements.

“People have been very generous in supporting this tournament over the years and about 90% of the teams have been with us from the start,’’ said Mr Garvey.

Donal’s mother and father, Fionnbar and Elma, attended the prizegiving last night and pledged to continue their son’s campaigns.

“He gave us two messages to get across. One was about preventing suicide among young people, particularly, and the other to improve conditions in St John’s Ward in Our Lady’s,’’ said Mr Walsh.

“He’s left us both a legacy and a challenge that has to be honoured. He’s left us a lot of work.’’