Pro-am to benefit Barnardos charity

BARNARDOS, Ireland’s leading children’s charity, is set to benefit from Wednesday’s Irish Open pro-am day.

Adult spectators eager to see Ireland’s four Major Champions in action will be invited to make a donation of €5 which will provide a flying start to the week’s fundraising activities for Barnardos, the tournament’s official charity.

Interest in the pre-tournament Pro-Am, featuring three-time Major winner Pádraig Harrington; 2010 US Open Champion Graeme McDowell; 2011 US Open Champion Rory McIlroy and last week’s Open Champion Darren Clarke is expected to be enormous.

Tournament officials are confident golf fans will support an organisation such as Barnardos, who work with over 5,900 children and their families, providing direct services, advice and support through more than 40 centres in some of the most disadvantaged communities in Ireland.

Barnardos chief executive, Fergus Finlay(inset), said: “This is a fantastic bonus to Barnardos’ fundraising efforts at the Irish Open and will kick-start an exciting week. We are very grateful to all at The European Tour for their generous support. All of the funds raised on the Pro-Am day and throughout the Irish Open will go directly to support our work.”

Under-16s and senior citizens will be admitted free.