Lucky 24 get chance to tee up with stars at Adare

IT’S still May, but it feels like Christmas for 24 lucky golfers who will tee it up with the biggest names in the game at the JP McManus Invitational pro-am in a few weeks.

Eight groups of three players will be joined in a fourball by a big name professional at Adare Manor on July 5th and 6th.

And with an open draw for professional partners on the eve of the two day extravaganza, that could mean an afternoon’s golf with Tiger Woods or one of the 54 global superstars playing in the charity event.

The rush to sign up for JP from the world’s top golfers underlines the esteem in which the Irish businessman is held and the admiration for the tournament bearing his name.

And that enthusiasm was multiplied by the amateur hopefuls bidding for a slot on the first tee.

The leading eight teams at a grand qualifier for the Pro Am were revealed early yesterday. Ninety one teams representing local charities from all over Ireland took part in the two day qualifiers.

The aim of the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am is to support mid-western charities and groups in their work with the underprivileged and disadvantaged.

All proceeds are donated in their entirety towards the development of these services.

A record number of overseas and Irish visitors are expected to come to Limerick to enjoy the golf and atmosphere.

Spectators can choose from one of eight different coloured “two-day entrance caps” representing Ireland, Munster Rugby and each of the Munster counties.

At a cost of €50 for two days entry, they can be purchased from the website on www.jpmcmanusproam.com or at selected retail outlets.

JP McManus Grand Qualifiers — St. Joseph’s Foundation (Evan Talty, Portlaoise; Eric Murrihy, Woodstock; Michael Talty, Woodstock); Lourdes Invalid Trust (Bernard Hackett, Nenagh; Padraig Hackett, Nenagh; Ray Hackett, Nenagh); Moore Haven (Joe O’Dwyer, Tipperary; Nicky Cummins, Tipperary; Joe Franklin, Tipperary); Lourdes Invalid Trust No.2 (Gary Neville, Adare; Neal Whelan, Rathbane; Cian Foley, Dooks); Brothers of Charity (Michael Hanley, Adare; Bernard Duggan, Adare Manor; Dan Duggan, Adare Manor); Adare Community Complex (Barry Leddin, Ballykisteen; Donal Byrnes, Adare Manor; James Quinn, Charleville); Pieta House (Liam O’Sullivan, Newcastlewest; Brendan Broderick, Newcastlewest; Shane Gallagher, Newcastlewest); St. Gabriel’s (Kevin O’Hora, Ballykisteen; Mike Casey, Dromoland; Tim Crowe, Dromoland).