FOR SULLY: Deerpark Pitch and Putt Club will host the annual Ricky Kelly Memorial Tournament from September 20 - 22 and proceeds will go towards John 'Sully' O'Sullivan who is currently recovering from an illness. Launching the event were front from left: Michelle and Cialann O'Sullivan, Frances and Laura O'Sullivan (Tatler Jack, sponsor). In second row are: Bobby Kelly, Emma O'Sullivan, Noel Moynihan, Jason O'Connor and Donie Kelly. Standing at back are: Teddy Sugrue, Ger Brennan, Dan McCarthy, Gearoid Nagle, Joe Quinlan, Tracy McCarthy and Stephen McCarthy. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

This year’s Deerpark’s Pitch & Putt Club’s ‘Ricky Kelly Memorial Tournament’, taking place next weekend from Friday to Sunday, will be one close to the club’s heart as it is in aid of a great supporter of the event - John ‘Sully’ O’Sullivan, to help him in his recovery from sepsis.

It was around the time of last year’s event that John unfortunately became ill with the disease and was sorely missed for the night of the presentation as he loved coming to the barbeque associated with the event.

John took up the sport of Pitch & Putt in the early ‘90s playing alongside his great friend Ger Brennan originally playing out of the Gleneagle Club before joining Deerpark, Jason O’Connor, PRO with the club, explained.

“A keen rallying enthusiast, John loved playing the game and played on teams in the event most years without fail,” Jason said.

“When the club learned of his condition as well as his treks to Dublin for treatment, there were anxious to try and support him in whatever way they could, hence the decision to donate the proceeds of this year’s event to John and his family. John’s friends have kindly come on board to help with the staging of this year’s event too.”

The event is kindly sponsored by the Tatler Jack Bar who are in their 15th year of sponsorship of the event. It’s open to both members and non-members of Pitch & Putt Ireland with a requirement for one non-registered member of Pitch & Putt Ireland to be on a team. The format returns to a 36-hole Three Ball Scramble this year and the cost of entry this year is €90 per adult team with an U16 section once more this year for a fee of €30 per team.

Play is scheduled to begin on Friday afternoon, September 20 with tee-off times from 4pm to 5.30pm with tee-off times on Saturday 21 from 10am to 5pm, and the Sunday morning of the 22, from 9am to 3pm (Last Card).

“The presentation of prizes this year will take place in the clubhouse at 6pm on the Sunday as the club extends a big invite to former and current members, keen golfers, sharks, scrubbers and complete beginners to support this year’s event. A raffle for spot

prizes will also be held in conjunction with the event.”

Further information on this year’s event and anyone looking to pre-book tee-times can contact the club on 087 7823138 for further information.