Prestigious european junior golf tournament at ballina golf club
FUNDING of €3,000 has been secured from Fáilte Ireland and the Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Michael Ring, to go towards the European Junior Golf tournament taking place in Ballina Golf Club this week.
The tournament itself takes place on Friday (July 17), with other events going on in the lead-up to and follow-on from the event.
Reacting, Ballina-based Deputy Michelle Mulherin said: “The club has the distinct honour of having been chosen as a venue for the European Junior Golf Tour, the first time such an event will be held in Ireland.
“It is a great boost to the club and indeed to the town of Ballina. I understand about 100 players with families from various nations are expected for at least three days. According to tour founder and golf professional Roger Shutt, the selection of Ballina Golf Club was based around the club’s growing junior academy, with children of all ages welcome. Approximately 120 juniors have registered with the club in the past two years.
“Since receiving confirmation from the European Junior Golf Tour that Ballina was chosen to host the inaugural event in Ireland, the members have been working tirelessly, as volunteers, painting, decorating, and working on the course and facilities to showcase it at its very best.
“The officers have also been liaising with the hotels and businesses of the town so that everyone will benefit from the knock-on effect of so many visitors.
“I am aware of how much an asset Ballina Golf Club is to the people of the town and its visitors. It has a very inclusive approach to the sport, welcoming young and old from all backgrounds. It has kept going through tough financial times over the last few years by the sheer determination and hard work of the committees and members and those that went before them.”
Deputy Mulherin congratulated the club on its achievement, particularly lady captain Mary Caulfield and captain Martin McElligott, plus Richard Doherty, junior development officer, who was instrumental in winning the tournament for Ballina.
“I wish them every success with the tournament and in their future endeavours for the club,” Deputy Mulherin concluded.