Ceann Sibeal to get financial dig-out from Ballybunion
Club presidents Donie O'Shea and Babs Kelliher with club captains Margaret Sheehan and Dan Nelligan who had their drive-in at Castleisland Golf Club on Sunday last.
IT was announced over the weekend that Ballybunion are set to run a fundraising Am-Am with all the proceeds going to Ceann Sibeal who are currently experiencing financial difficulties. The exact details of the event have yet to be arranged but the event will take place on Sunday May 30 where more than fifty teams will take part.
The North Kerry club will look after all the organisation and running of the event and a sizeable proportion of tee times will be reserved for members of Ceann Sibeal to come and play in support of their club.
"We are delighted to be able to do something to help to ease the pressure a little on Ceann Sibeal," Ballybunion Captain Jim McKenna told The Kerryman.
"In 1977 when Ballybunion was in serious trouble and in danger of losing the course through erosion, many Irish clubs came to the rescue with donations and fund-raising events and Ceann Sibeal was one of those, so it is nice to be able to return the favour," he added.
Ceann Sibeal, who are experiencing cash flow problems at present, are naturally delighted with Ballybunion's offer of help.
Captain Gearoid MacGerailt said: "We are absolutely thrilled with Ballybunion's generous gesture and would like to thank the Captain, Committee and the members.
"Almost eighty per cent of our membership live outside the area and come here at Easter, Christmas and in the summer months. They are all members of other clubs and have had to face increased subscriptions at their home clubs in the past year and we have lost over sixty members as a result. Whatever will be raised from the event in Ballybunion will be most welcome."
Apart from the Ballybunion fund-raiser, the West Kerry club have launched their own campaign which includes a huge raffle with a fabulous array of prizes including a Toyota Corrolla, € 10,000 worth of prize bonds, cash prizes and fourball vouchers at several top golf courses. Tickets, which cost just € 20, are on sale all over the county, so the golfing fraternity of Kerry can do their bit to support one of the most welcoming clubs in Ireland.
Details of the Am-Am in May will be announced at a later date at a press conference between Ceann Sibeal and Ballybunion.
- Ger Walsh
