Minister Announces Team Ireland Golf Trust Recipients for 2007

Minister O’Donoghue Announces Team Ireland Golf Trust Recipients for 2007

-€205,000 awarded to 15 aspiring Irish golf tour professionals in 2007

- Three women set to compete on Ladies European Tour

The Team Ireland Golf Trust has today allocated a total of €205,000 to aspiring golfers who are pursuing their careers on professional golf tours such as the European Tour, the Challenge Tour, the Europro Tour and the Ladies European Tour. The Trust provides crucial support to golfers who have playing rights on the major tours and young golfers who are starting out on the professional golf circuit.

This year sees the emergence of female Irish professionals with three representatives set to compete on the Ladies European Tour. Rebecca Coakley, who has established herself as a member of the Tour for the last two years, is joined in 2007 by newcomers from the amateur ranks; Claire Coughlan and Martina Gillen.

Speaking at the announcement today Minister John O’Donoghue T.D. outlined his interest in the Trust; “As Minister for Sport I am glad to see the assistance being given to our talented professional golfers to enable them to achieve their potential. As Minister with responsibility for Tourism I am appreciative of the extent to which golfers assisted by the Trust are advertising Ireland as a golf destination on the international stage.”

As part of the Trust’s support package, all the golfers can avail of the world class facilities at the GUI’s National Academy at Carton House. This year the Trust is also developing a comprehensive coaching and sports science programme, in conjunction with the Golfing Union of Ireland, the Irish Ladies Golf Union, and the PGA Irish Region.

Irish Sports Council Chief Executive; John Treacy also spoke at the announcement;
“The Trust is all about believing in the potential of the golfers at a time when financial support is so crucial to their further development as professionals. It gives these golfers the necessary platform from which to really advance their careers in the game.”

This is the eighth year of the Trust, which has provided more than €1.75 million financial support to golfers to date. The Trust, which is administered by the Irish Sport Council, aims to contribute to an increase in the presence of Irish golf professionals on the various international tours. It is a partnership between state agencies, private companies and the various golf organisations.  The Irish Sports Council and Failte Ireland provide financial backing along with private sector interests ONE51, O’Callaghan Hotels and the PGA European Tour. 
 
Trust Chairman Padraig O’hUiginn stated: “The value of the Trust is becoming more apparent with each year. Ultimately we are here for the golfers and I hope we will continue to support the next generation of young players so that Ireland retains its status as a major golfing nation.”

One of today’s recipients; Dubliner Stephen Browne is very aware of the role the Trust plays in his development; “The Trust has given me the opportunity to embark on a career as a professional golfer and to play golf at the highest level. Having the use of the National Academy since its inception has also been a huge help to me in my preparation. The facilities are as good as you would find anywhere in the world, and there is also the added benefit of two fantastic golf courses on site. With the backing of the Trust the future for Irish golf on the international stage is bright.”

The Irish PGA, the Golfing Union of Ireland, and the Irish Ladies Golf Union, along with the state and corporate supporters, are represented on the Team Ireland Golf Trust committee, which is chaired by Mr. Padraig O’hUiginn.

Team Ireland Golf Trust 2007
Claire Coughlan €20,000
Martina Gillen  €20,000
Rebecca Coakley  €20,000
Stephen Browne €15,000
Michael Hoey €15,000
Michael McGeady €15,000
Colm Moriarty €15,000
Brian McElhinney €15,000
Damian Mooney €10,000
David Mortimer €10,000
Simon Thornton €10,000
David Jones €10,000
Michael McDermott €10,000
Gareth Maybin €10,000
Noel Fox €10,000
 
Total   €205,000

For further information
Sinéad McElroy, Irish Sports Council; 01-8608800 or 087-6338512 smcelroy@irishsportscouncil.ie