Pictured at the launch of the annual Cope Foundation Golf Classic, sponsored by O’Flynn Exhams Solicitors, at Monkstown Golf Club are Micheal O’Mullain, Partner at O’Flynn Exhams Solicitors, Sean Abbott, Chief Executive at Cope Foundation and Stephen Archer, Munster Rugby prop.
Pic Darragh Kane
Cope Foundation recently launched their annual Golf Classic, which returns to Monkstown Golf Club later this year. After spending almost two decades in Rathsallagh, the classic returned to Cork in 2015 when Monkstown hosted the first event when it came back to Cork. After successful events in Douglas and Cork, the popular classic now returns to Monkstown for the 2018 staging. The event is in its 22nd year, and it raises much needed funds for people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism and their families. Last year’s Golf Classic raised over €40,000, bringing the total funds raised to date to over €1.6 million. This year’s tournament, which will feature 60 teams, will take place at Monkstown Golf Club on the 28th and 29th of June. To register for the event, visit www.cope-foundation.ie/GolfRegistration. Money raised from the annual event has made a significant contribution towards the essential services Cope Foundation provides to people with intellectual disabilities and/or autism across Cork city and county. Last year golfers were treated to a great day out in Cork Golf Club. Fine weather added to the event and there were full time sheets for each of the three scrambles. The perpetual trophy, given to the leading team from all Continue reading
John Murphy gave himself an early birthday present today when he won the St Andrew’s Links Trophy, and there was a little bit of a surprise too as he drained a 25 foot putt on first play-off hole to claim his first major title outside of Ireland. Murphy shot 66 on the Old Course yesterday to hold the 36 hole lead. A 71 this morning had him tied for the lead with one more round on the Old Course to come. John started well, birdies on the 3rd and 4th saw him jump into a two shot lead. He held that lead at the turn but when he dropped a shot on the 13th there was a three way tie for the lead. East of Ireland winner Christo Lamprecht was leading but a on the road hole took him out of contention. Germany’s Jannik de Bruyn shot a 68 to finish on -9. Murphy parred 14 to 17 and he 
Eoghan Long claimed his first scratch cup win on Sunday when he won the 36 hole Douglas Senior Scratch Cup. The Monkstown man posted the best score of the afternoon when he signed for a two under par 70. Added to his level par 72 from the morning, his total of 142 for the 36 holes was enough to win the title by one shot. Long had two challengers, both Peter O’Keeffe and Eric Rumley had shot 70’s in the first round, but they both finished with 73’s in the afternoon.
A Golf for All programme was launched this week, with the hope that it can attract more people to take up the sport. Cork Sports Partnership have teamed up with Cork City Council, Confederation of Golf in Ireland, Prince Clinic and Mahon Golf Course to offer adults with a disability the opportunity to get involved in a four week Golf For All programme. The weekly sessions are suitable for beginners or anyone who has been away from the golf course for some time. The weekly sessions will be delivered by Irish Amateur Open Champion Peter O’Keeffe. Golf For All will began on Tuesday May 22nd for four weeks and continues each Tuesday from 6pm – 7pm at Mahon Golf Club. Pádraig Healy is the Sports Inclusion Disability Officer with Cork Sports Partnership and he has been the driving force behind the programme. “We are really excited to offer adults with a disability the opportunity to play golf for the first time or support players return to the game with this four week Golf For All programme” said Healy. “The programme is open to adults with Intellectual, physical and sensory disabilities.”
