Cops and gardaí play the fairway for children with cancer

FOTA Golf Club witnessed a prelude to the Ryder Cup yesterday as Americans and Irish fought it out on the course. The teams did contain a few bigs names, but they were from the world of policing.

Around €10,000 will be raised from the two-day event, in aid of the Children’s Leukaemia Association at the Mercy Hospital, Cork.

The American team was captained by Kathleen O’Toole, former Boston Police Commissioner, appointed earlier this year as head of the Garda Inspectorate. The Irish team was captained by Assistant Commissioner Catherine Clancy.

Ms O’Toole has been involved for the past five years in Cops For Kids With Cancer, a joint Irish-American initiative. Tournaments are organised on alternate years on either side of the Atlantic and the money is given to local charities.

“This is my fourth year playing and so far we have raised a considerable amount of money. Great camaraderie has been built up between the two teams, but the most important thing is that children with cancer benefit,” Ms O’Toole said.

Garda Pat Hanlon, the event organiser, said the money being raised would go to ease the financial burden placed on families with sick children.

“I am also hoping to organise a Christmas party for the leukaemia unit,” Gda Hanlon said.

The second round of the tournament will be played at the Lee Valley Golf Club today and the winning team will be presented with their prize at a special function held in the club tonight.