The inaugural Paul Behan Golf Classic was held on May 29th in Westmanstown Golf Club in honour of Ringsend local Paul Behan, who tragically passed away on July 7th of last year, soon after his 28th birthday.
The purpose of the event was to provide much-needed financial support to both Blackrock Hospice and Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross, and the tournament featured an impressive 37 teams of four players apiece.
The event was created by Paul’s family, who wished to express their gratitude to the two hospices for the care shown to Paul during his stay with them. Paul’s father John Behan spoke to NewsFour about the shortage of equipment in the two facilities due to a lack of funding from the HSE. It was at this point that John decided to bring a committee together for various events, the ultimate target always being the creation of a Golf Classic.
There had been a set target of €12,000 for the Golf Classic. However, due to phenomenal support from locals and local businesses, the event surpassed all expectations, with a whopping €19,956 raised on the night.
The tournament was put together by Pader O, Mick Behan, Mark B, John ‘Wembo’ Young, Padser H, Maureen O, Dermot C, Paddy, Ger, Lisa B, James T, Darren B, Jane P, Warren B, Larry H, Anto G, Mick C and Christy M, in association with Shane McAteer and Alan Barry of the Irishtown House, which hosted the presentation night.
The Classic Golf Trophy was donated by John Clarke and Sons of Ringsend along with other supplies. Paul had been a member of Liffey Wanderers, who had won this year’s FAI Junior Cup, and that trophy was brought down and displayed on the presentation night.
The Paul Behan Golf Classic is just the latest in a series of events organised by John Behan and other volunteers to raise money for the Blackrock and Harold’s Cross hospices. In September Paul’s colleagues at New Ireland Assurance created a five-a-side in Ringsend park, assisted by David and Jenny Cassidy and Jonathan Tormey, which raised over €3,000.
October saw €2,900 raised in a darts competition in Clanna Gael organised by Paul’s uncle, Joe Corri with Dermot Chamberlain and Christy Murphy of the Loughlinstown Inn.
Two separate events in December accumulated €1,700 and €2,000 respectively, with a Quiz Night taking place in O’Reilly’s pub in Sandymount in association with David Mahony and St Pat’s CYFC performing the Calendar Boys under the guidance of Padser Healy.
New Ireland Assurance with Maureen Owens held their annual charity raffle in February, which raised a magnificent €6,000. And last but not least, 84 year old Cyril Stirrat organised, with a group calling themselves The Hillbillies, a Golf Day in Foxrock Golf Club, and reached a target of €1,000.
John Behan was keen to stress his thanks to all involved including Paddy Power, ESB and the Irishtown House. “The reason we did it (all the charity events) was that the hospice looked after Paul so well,” John told NewsFour. “I’d like to say a big thank you to the communities of Ringsend, Irishtown, Pearse Street and Sandymount. Thanks to all who participated, supported and sponsored the events, they know who they are!”
By Craig Kinsella
