The Malahide-Portmarnock branch of Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind were delighted with the support shown for their fundraiser at Malahide Castle Sports Pavilion last month. The fun golf fundraiser has become an annual fixture in the branch calendar, with this year’s event raising a total of €3,588.22 through a combination of golf team contributions and raffle ticket sales.

“Every year we hold the Par 3 fundraiser, we are blown away by the support we receive from golfers, local residents, visitors to Malahide, and the local businesses who support the event,” said IGDB branch chair, Pat Harney. “This year, we had a total of 23 teams out on the course during the day, and all of them thoroughly enjoyed the event. We are particularly grateful to Aramark and Jenny Jones, Manager of the Malahide Castle Sports Pavilion, for agreeing to host the event again in 2024.”

Non-golfers were also able to support the fundraiser by purchasing tickets for the raffle, as well as the auction of an oil-on-canvas painting kindly given by Patricia McGee. “We want to thank all of the businesses who contributed prizes for the raffle, including Skerries Golf Club, Malahide Golf Club, J.W. Smyth Butchers Portmarnock, Jus de Vine Portmarnock, Dunnes Stores, FAI and Sport Ireland,” said local volunteer Frank Kelly. “Having such a great range of prizes available really adds to the event, particularly for everyone who would like to contribute but might not play golf themselves.”

All funds raised will go to Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind. 85% of the organisation’s income each year comes from voluntary donations and fundraising through its branch network, and donations from this local event will help to support and train the next generation of Guide Dogs and Assistance Dogs.