The Damian McDonnell inaugural memorial day at Knightsbrook Golf Club in memory of the much loved former captain was a phenomenal success raising more than €8000 for Shannon SVP and the Marie Keating Foundation.
Lady Captain, Anne Geraghty, Acting President, Richard Wheeler and Captain Ger Reilly presenting a cheque for €3000 to the Marie Keating Foundation, funds raised on Damian McDonnell Memorial day at Knightsbrook Golf Club
Lady Captain, Anne Geraghty, Acting President, Richard Wheeler and Captain Ger Reilly presenting a cheque for €3000 to Damian Mc Donnell’s Dad, Des for SVP Shannon funds raised on Damian McDonnell Memorial day at Knightsbrook Golf Club
There was a large contingent from Shannon Golf Club with the Captain, Lady Captain, Vice-Captain, and Junior-Captain came to honour Damian’s , who served on the club committee for many years and as Vice-Captain in 2018 and Captain in 2019. The winner of the Memorial Trophy was his cousin Anthony Quinn. Members of Damian’s family including his wife Deirdre and sons Matthew and Ben were joined by Damian’s mother, Margaret and father Des, himself an avid golfer and member of Shannon Golf Club. Captain, Ger Reilly welcomed all especially the officials from Shannon GC and the McDonnell family. He said that the success of the event was an expression of the affection that members of the club had for Damian, who was a quiet unassuming but very effective Captain. He thanked all who participated and those who generously sponsored prizes for the event. He thanked Richard Wheeler acting President for all the work he did to organise the occasion. Richard Wheeler paid tribute to Damian, whom he served as his Vice-Captain and honoured to be chosen by him. Linda Keating from the Marie Keating Foundation accepted a cheque for €4000 on behalf of the foundation and thanked the McDonnell family for choosing to support their charity.
Lady Captain, Anne Geraghty, Acting President, Richard Wheeler and Captain Ger Reilly presenting a framed promotional poster of Damian Mc Donnells’ Memorial Day to Damian’s wife, Deirdre Mc Donnell and father Des.
Damian’s family were greeted upon arrival by the Men’s captain Gerry Ladies Captain Anne and the acting President, Richard Wheeler. The family was delighted to see such a wonderful turnout for Damian’s Memorial Day, reflecting the high regard in which Damian was held in the club.
Lady Captain, Anne Geraghty, presents prize to Mary Higgins
Lady Captain, Anne Geraghty, presenting prize to Jodie Coughlan
Lady Captain, Anne Geraghty, presenting a prise to Lady Vice Captaain, Mary Mahan
Captain Ger Reilly handing over the Damian McDonnell Memorial Trophy to his Dad, Des. presenting a cheque for
Captain Ger Reilly presenting a cheque forprize to John McEvoy
Ger Reilly presenting a prize to Liam Grant.
In a thank you letter to the members, Acting President, Richard Wheeler and the main organiser of the event expressed his thanks and appreciation to Knightsbrook PLC, Patrick Curran and Peter Igoe saying “I cannot thank you enough for providing the course free of charge, subsidising the cost of the meals and for all your support in making this day such a success. Your generosity is very much appreciated.” Also in the letter, Richard gives the following account of the day “The golf got underway on Friday evening with 24 people teeing off in glorious sunshine, and play resumed at 6.30 on Saturday morning. Early golfers were treated to a light sprinkling of rain not enough to wet the ground, while the evening players basked in glorious sunshine.
Damian’s dad, Des, played in the afternoon and he was joined by his nephew Jim Bird from Centra Athboy. Jim was one of our main sponsors and although he only walked the course he said he “thoroughly enjoyed it”.
Both members and visitors were wholesome in their praise of our golf course from the rough to the fairways and especially our magnificent greens. Great credit must be given to Ronan and the ground staff for all their hard work”.
Mr Wheeler went on to thank “The Men’s club committee, Captain Gerry for their very generous support.” He also thanked especially Ray Glennon, Handicap Secretary, Leonard Flynn and Treasurer, Alan Codd for their hard work in helping organise the event. The Acting President extended his thanks also to Francis O Donoghue, Stephen Rayfus, Eugene Healy and Peter Whelan for their assistance in preparation for Damian’s Day.
Richard’s letter concludes
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the sponsors of Damian’s Day who made it such a success. With all your help we managed to raise over €8000 which has been divided evenly between the two charities nominated by Damian’s Family, SVP Shannon and The Marie Keating Foundation”
Shannon GC Captain, Keith Buckley with Captain Ger Reilly at the Damian McDonnell Memorial Day in aid of SVP and the Marie Keating Foundation
Shannon GC Lady Captain,Maura McMahon with Captain Ger Reilly at the Damian McDonnell Memorial Day in aid of SVP and the Marie Keating Foundation
Determining the winner! Leonard Flynn, Handicap Secretary with Acting President, and main organiser of the day, Richard Wheeler
Lady Captain Anne Geraghty, Acting President, Richard Wheeler and Captain Ger Reilly listing to Fiona Keating of the Marie Keating Foundation watched by Linda Keating
There was a great turnout for the socially distanced presentation tribute to Damian McDonnell, deceased former Captain of Knightsbrook Golf Club.
Damian McDonnell Memorial day at Knightsbrook Golf Club. Winner, Anthony Quinn, receives the Damian McDonnel Memorial Trophy from Captain Gerald Reilly
