Published: Thursday, 30th July, 2009 9:44am
Local charities a winner as well
by Editorial Department
Comments (0) | 
Print | 
Email
Padraig Harrington, Jim Treacy and Rory McIlroy are pictured with some members of the local charities that will benefit from the Lough Erne Golf Challenge.<<
The Lough Erne Golf Challenge was not only a resounding success for Rory McIlory, the Resort and Fermanagh but also charity with a number of local charities represented by both golfers.
When the players reached the par three fifth hole, they got the opportunity to play six tee shots each and the closer to the pin the shots, the more money was raised for charity. Indeed, the fifth pin was encircled by three white rings and both players managed to find the rings with two shots each and in so doing, managed to raise for their chosen charities. McIlroy did get the closest with his first shot which he also putted for a birdie in the overall game.
Indeed, had one of the players managed a hole in one, then a cool £1m would have been raised for charity.
While that was not achieved, the accuracy of the two superstar golfers did ensure that plenty of money was raised with the final figure yet to be released.
The importance of charity to the players was readily evident on the final green when Padriag Harrington broke down in tears when describing young County Mayo meningitis sufferer Charlie Gannon as an "inspiration".
Padraig asked the youngster who is in a wheelchair to be wheeled up to the presentation but an obviously emotional Harrington could not hold back the tears
The Fermanagh charities represented at inaugural Lough Erne Challenge were Padraig Harrington, Make - A - Wish Foundation (UK), Fermanagh Womens Aid, Friendship and Caring Trust, Lisnaskea (F.A.C.T), Ellie Walsh Memorial Fund, Childrens Ward, Erne Hospital, Fermanagh Access and Mobility Group and Home Start, Enniskillen. Rory McIlroy was playing for the NI Childrens Hospice, Horizons West, Stroke Unit, Erne Hospital, Fermanagh Trust, RNLI, Goblusk Bay, Enniskillen, MacMillan Cancer Support and the Aisling Centre.
