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Great sport – day and night – at IPFBA Golf Classic

The Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association took to the splendid fairways and greens of Galway Bay Golf Resort on Friday, September 12, for its second annual Golf Classic fundraiser — an event that blended sport with camaraderie and, of course, a great cause.

Tommy Lynch (centre, front row) at Monroe’s accepting first prize at the IPFBA Golf Classic held in Galway Bay Golf earlier in the day on behalf of the winning team from Limerick of Ray O’Halloran, Alex O’Halloran, Christy Earls and Aidan O’Halloran. Back, from left: Mike O’Toole, Ronan Killeen, Terry O’Regan and John Mannion (all IPFBA); Front: Harry McCue (IPFBA chair), Gerry Daly (IPFBA), Gary Monroe, Tommy Lynch, Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard, Pat Byrne, Mickey McLaughlin and Harry Kenny (IPFBA). Photo: Gary Vaughan

With 35 teams teeing off under clear skies on Christy O’Connor Jr’s stunning coastal layout, the golf at Renville and evening prize-giving social in Monroe’s Galway was a resounding success, raising vital funds to support retired professional footballers across Ireland.

The champagne scramble format brought together former League of Ireland players (male and female), patrons, sponsors, and allies in a spirit of friendship and solidarity.

Ray’s Winners

The winning team hailed from Limerick, with Ray O’Halloran’s squad — featuring Alex O’Halloran, Christy Earls, and Aidan O’Halloran — claiming top honours. Tommy Lynch accepted the first prize on their behalf.

Galway Bay Gallery

Photos: Brian Harding

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Merriment & Memories

At a craic-filled prizegiving gathering in Monroe’s that evening, IPFBA Chairman Harry McCue praised the Galway organising committee — Mickey McLaughlin, Gerry Daly, Mike O’Toole, Ronan Killeen, John Mannion, and Terry O’Regan — for their tireless work over the past year.

Take a bow lads: The Galway organising committee of Mickey McLaughlin, Gerry Daly, Mike O’Toole, Ronan Killeen, John Mannion, Terry O’Regan.

“We had a great day out and with all proceeds going to support the work of the IPFBA, we are indebted to the fantastic work of the Galway golf committee, main sponsors Campion Insurance, and the long list of businesses and benefactors who supported this event.

“A big thank you also to our patron Niall Quinn for attending on the day.”

With signed jerseys from legends like Denis Law, Liam Brady, and John Giles raffled and auctioned, everyone enjoyed what was very much a social occasion – as captured on camera!

Well done again to everyone involved and we’re looking forward to the 2026 edition already!

Jimmy Nolan with the framed Irish Times’ report of Galway United’s historic 1-0 win over Shamrock Rovers in the 1991 FAI Cup final at Lansdowne Road. Jimmy, full back on The Tribesmen’s victorious side, won the prize at the IPFBA golf classic function inMonroe’s. Photo: Gary Vaughan