Golf memorabilia from Irish stars up for auction at Kerry fundraiser

Signed memorabilia by Rory McIlroy, Pádraig Harrington, Paul McGinley, Tom Watson and Shane Lowry will be among the items auctioned at Kerry’s fundraiser for their centre of excellence in New York tomorrow week.

The gala takes place in the city’s Plaza Hotel on May 28 where American businessmen and artists will join Kerry craftsmen and companies in supporting the development, which is due for completion by autumn 2016.

Along with other events in Boston, Chicago and London, next week’s event will bring the fundraising effort to approximately €5.1 million, just €900,000 short of the goal required to cover the cost of the facility development and construction.

Last year, 350 business people and supporters paid $1,000 (€900) a seat to attend the gala where they met Kerry Gaelic football legends.

The night raised close to $500,000 (€448,000) and more is anticipated this year where 400 are expected to attend.

The auction will also feature high-end works of art and craft from Kerry-based and New York artists, plus items from local luxury goods producers. Some of the unique Kerry donations created specifically for the event include a portrait of Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh by renowned painter Liam O’Neill, and a four-foot-high urn by potter Louis Mulcahy depicting Saint Brendan sailing to America and the Statue of Liberty.

Lowry has provided a pitching wedge for the auction while McIlroy has signed mounted flags.

A Ryder Cup flag signed by last year’s Ryder Cup captains McGinley and Watson is also on offer.

The centre of excellence extends to IT Tralee as well as a training facility at Currans. It will feature six playing fields and work began last autumn on the first three sand-based pitches in Currans. Kerry chairman Patrick O’Sullivan anticipates the clubhouse will be completed early next summer.