Keen golfers joined people of all abilities for Cope Foundation’s 26th annual Golf Classic, sponsored by O’Flynn Exhams LLP, Solicitors. The event took place last Thursday 9th and Friday 10th of June at Lee Valley Golf Club. 

This fundraiser generates much-needed funds for Cope Foundation, one of the largest disability organisations in Ireland. The Cork-based charity works to enhance the lives of people with an intellectual disability and/or autism; working in partnership with them, their families and local communities to provide a broad range of person-centred services and supports. It currently supports over 2,800 people of every ability to live ‘Your Life, Your Way’.

A total of 56 teams, primarily from the Cork corporate community, teed off over the two days at Lee Valley Golf Club. Two teams of people supported by Cope Foundation took part in the tournament. The Irish Blind Golf Association also attended. 

The Overall Winner of the event and proud recipient of the Bord Gáis Perpetual Trophy was Woodland Print and Signage. In 2nd was The Irish Bling Golf Association, and 3rd prize went to EY. The winner of the Longest Drive competition, sponsored by First South Credit Union Ltd. was Conor Gleeson from Panda/Greenstar (men’s competition), and Jemma Barry from the Desmond Group (ladies competition). The winner of the Nearest The Pin competition, sponsored by Carbery Group, was Derry Coughlan, of East Cork Oil. Johnson & Perrott Motor Group sponsored the car for the Hole in One competition, but there were no winners. 

Terence McSweeney, Manager of Cope Foundation’s Activity and Sports Department said:

Once again, the inclusivity element was to the fore at this year’s Golf Classic. I’m delighted to see that the team from the Irish Blind Golf Society finished in second place. The annual event is a fantastic fundraiser but it also aims to show that there is a place in sport for everyone regardless of ability or disability.  Everyone has their own reason for playing a sport, but for most people it’s for fun and enjoying the company of others with a shared interest and that was especially clear to see over the two days of the Golf Classic.

Micheál Ó Mulláin, Partner at O’Flynn Exhams LLP Solicitors, thanked the Cork business community for their support:

We’re proud to be involved with the Golf Classic since its inception. This event is only a success thanks to the teams who return year-after-year and for many it is the highlight event of their summer. Those teams have helped us to raise more than €1.7 million euro over the last 25 years and allow Cope Foundation to continue its vital work in communities across Cork city and county.

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