Firies GAA Club to Honour and Remember Donie McCarthy with Golf Classic

At the launch of the Firies GAA Club / Donie McCarthy Memorial Golf Classic at club headquarters in Farranfore were front row: Linda McCarthy with Tomás O’Donovan, Bernie McCarthy, Dara Moynihan, launch guest and Kerry senior football team member; Tom Kelliher holding the new Donie McCarthy Memorial Perpetual Cup; Caroline McCarthy with Tadhg Dónal McCarthy-Cronin, Danielle McCarthy with Lily O’Donovan, Elaine McCarthy with Isla and Fia Doran and Sophie McCarthy-Cronin. Back row: Patrick and Timmy McCarthy, Dermot O’Connor, Brendan Spring, Morgan McMahon, John McCarthy and Mary Ring. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Two-year-old Tadhg Dónal McCarthy-Cronin from Barradubh is waiting impatiently for family members to join him on the bench for the group photograph with club members Brendan Spring and Dermot O’Connor also in the queue at the Firies GAA Club / Donie McCarthy Memorial Golf Classic Launch at club headquarters in Farranfore on bank holiday Monday. ©Photograph John Reidy

At the launch of the Firies GAA Club / Donie McCarthy Memorial Golf Classic at club headquarters in Farranfore were front row: Linda and Bernie McCarthy, Dara Moynihan, launch guest and Kerry senior football team member; Tom Kelliher, Caroline, Danielle and Elaine McCarthy. Back row: Patrick and Timmy McCarthy, Dermot O’Connor, Brendan Spring, Morgan McMahon, John McCarthy and Mary Ring. ©Photograph: John Reidy

Firies GAA Club members are busily preparing for one of their key events for 2024 with the launch of the Donie McCarthy Memorial Golf Classic.

The big event will take place on Saturday, July 13^th in the Maine Valley Members Golf Club in Killorglin.

The classic, which includes GUI handicap applied with a maximum adjusted handicap of 24 for men and 36 for ladies, promises to be a great day and an opportunity to celebrat Donie’s memory. Prizes will include the top team, nearest to the pin, and longest drive.

Michael Quirke, former player and part of this event committee, outlined the significance of remembering and acknowledging the legacy that Donie left to his beloved club.

The Concept of a Club Stalwart

“Donie exemplified the concept of a club stalwart, his love of both the game and the development of the club was boundless.

His energy towards the development of young players is truly visible today in Firies. Donie got great satisfaction from seeing young players improve, and as they got older and achieve success with Firies.

During his successful playing days, he helped lead Firies to secure the O’Sullivan Cup title in 1979 and went onto manage and coach many Firies teams down through the years. Since his untimely passing in November 2022, the club has aspired to acknowledge his legacy,” said Michael.

Bank Holiday Gathering

Family, friends and former club mates of Donie gathered over the June bank holiday to officially launch the golf classic in Pairc Eamonn, with Kerry senior footballer, Dara Moynihan lending his support to the event.

Firies GAA Club would like to note a special word of appreciation to the primary event sponsor L. & M. Construction, of New York City for their generous contribution towards The Donie McCarthy Memorial Golf Classic.

The American company, with strong club connections, supports many of the club events and without this support, it would not be possible to organise such events.

Submit a Team of Four

The club would also like to acknowledge the members who attended the launch on bank holiday Monday from young to old and all recognising Donie’s contribution.

If you or your club are interested in submitting a team of four at €200 per team, please contact: Brendan Quirke on 087 9172854; Dermot O’Connor on 087-6958610; Michael Quirke on 087-6683699 or Maine Valley Members Golf Club on 066-97 61979. Likewise, sponsored tee boxes are available for €50.

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