Wee County reign in Spain as Legends event raises €75,000

LOUTH won the three-day GAA Legends All-Ireland golf charity event at La Cala Resort in Spain.

The competition involved teams from the 32 counties, comprised of former star hurlers and footballers. Each team raised funds for a chosen charity and the event is expected to generate €75,000 for a range of worthy causes.

Louth, Kildare and Kerry all finished on the same score after the three days, with the Wee County taking the title on a count back. Kerry, Kildare, Roscommon and Monaghan claimed their provincial titles.

All the competitors raised significant sums of money to attend the event with the winners receiving €25,000, which will help fund cancer research at the Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda.

GAA President Christy Cooney said: “This is now a permanent fixture in the GAA calendar with the money raised benefiting those who need it most in our communities. It is appropriate it is now an official charity of the GAA. Everything went extremely well. The resort has been great with the course, staff and hospitality all first class. This competition gives former players the opportunity to meet again and to be competitive for their chosen charities.”

Chairman of the organising committee, Bernard Flynn, noted a great bond between GAA players when they retire, especially on the golf course.

“It has been an important factor in cementing many of those friendships, thus leading to this unique event,” he said. “It is nice as a group to give something back.”

La Cala Resort is owned by the Irish company, FBD Insurance. It is the largest golf resort in Spain with three 18-hole courses and a par 3 course amongst a wide range of facilities.