Offaly hurling hero urges support for big GAA golf classic

OFFALY'S most decorated hurler has urged supporters to back a big fundraising GAA golf classic next month.

Brian Whelahan, the only modern hurler selected on the 2000 team of the millennium, will be among the competitors in the classic at Palmerstown House Estate, Naas on September 5 and 6.

The classic is organised by the Offaly Association in Dublin and all proceeds go to the Offaly GAA County Board. It has been organised by them in recent years and is one of their major annual undertakings.

Former and current Offaly hurlers and footballers have competed in it each year and will be at the renowned Kildare venue once again. Former Offaly stars who played in the golf classic over the past three years include Sean Lowry, Seamus Darby, Richie Connor, Aidan Fogarty, Ger Coughlan and Brian Whelehan, to name just a few.

Birr man Whelahan played with his former Birr and Offaly club mate Joe Erritty and former Offaly footballers, Colm Quinn (Ballycumber) and Ciaran McManus (Tubber) in last year's classic and he is playing with them again this year.

A brilliant wing back in the 1990s, Whelahan had a fantastic day out last year, enjoying the fun and conversations and the social side of it was as important as the golf. He smiled: “It was great listening to Ciaran talking. He is still so enthusiastic. He was going back training in Tubber that evening. Isn't that what the GAA is all about, keeping going for the love of the game. Ciaran was leading the way last year, out driving us and he was as competitive as ever.”

While not playing as much golf as he once did, Whelahan looks forward to this event each year and the opportunity to renew acquaintances with so many he played with. He also loves meeting footballers that he grew up watching and admiring, legends such as Sean Lowry, Richie Connor and many others.

“We don't often get the chance to meet and it is great when we do,” he said, adding: “I am looking forward to another great day. It is always very well supported.”

He praised the Offaly Association in Dublin for the way they have backed Offaly GAA and its teams over the years. “They are a huge part of our organisation. The support they give the GAA is fantastic. They kept the whole thing going when things were not as well as we would have liked. Now that there is light at the end of the tunnel with the success of underage teams, I would like to think it is a bit easier for them to gather teams. They are definitely a huge help to Offaly GAA in terms of fundraising and it is a great day out for people to come together and show their appreciation.”

Golf superstar Shane Lowry is backing the event. Teams of 4 are priced at 500 euro per team while tee box sponsorship costs 100 euro per tee box.

The event is sponsored by the Celt Bar and restaurants, Talbot St, Dublin and the committee also wish to acknowledge the contributions from the Bridge House Hotel, Tullamore and the County Arms Hotel, Birr, along with Loughlin Murphy, Glynns Pub, Tom Mangan, Tim Quinlan at Graphic Designs, The Leinster Council of the GAA along with Shane Flannery.

Your support for this very worthy cause would be greatly appreciated. If you wish to enter a team or sponsor a tee box, please e-mail Ray Flannery at teams@offalyassociationdublin.ie or ring: Fintan Lalor on 087 2306085 or Liam Fleury at 087 6169192.

The organising committee is chaired by Fintan Lalor, the secretary/treasurer is Liam Fleury and it includes John Neylon, Alan Gilson, Willie Burns, Ray Flannery.