GOLF LAUNCH: At the launch of the Pat Delaney Memorial Golf Classic in Killarney Credit Union on Friday were front from left: Catherine Barry, John Long (Chairperson Chapter 23 Credit Unions), Neil Coffey, Mark Murphy (CEO of Killarney Credit Union), Bridget Delaney, Aodhan and Gary O'Halloran, Johnny Brosnan and Tim Ryan. Back from left are: Paudie Dineen (Kerry GAA Hurling Officer), Mike Leahy, Denis Coffey, Patrick Delaney, Pat O'Brien, Dan Kelleher, Dermot Griffin, Ger Galvin and John O'Leary. Picture: Eamonn Keogh

The official launch of the Pat Delaney Memorial Golf Classic took place on Friday, May 17 in Killarney Credit Union.

The inaugural golf classic is being organised by his colleagues in St Pats East Kerry where Pat was Vice President and former Chairman of St Pats East Kerry Hurling Club for a number of years prior to his passing on June 2, last year.

“Pat was an instigator of and a familiar figure at the annual St Pats golf classic, meeting and greeting competitors as they arrived at the Ross Golf Club,” Pat O’Brien of East Kerry Hurling Club said.

“He managed the finances, sourced teams, distributed the goody bags and score cards and did all the many little and large jobs attached to running a successful golf outing. It was an uncanny coincidence that Pat passed away on the morning of last year’s golf classic, and it is a fitting tribute to mark his passing by organising this event in his honour,” he said.

Killarney Credit Union have sponsored the Memorial Cup for presentation to the winners of the golf classic. The event is a three-man scramble over 18 holes at Ross Golf Club, Killarney, and will be held on Saturday, June 1, commencing at 8am.

Mark Murphy, CEO of Killarney Credit Union added that they are delighted to be associated with this event honouring the late Pat Delaney.

“Pat was on the credit union board of directors for five years and played a vital role in the development of the credit union. He was held in very high esteem by board, management and staff, and always gave generously of his time to the work of the credit union. He is sorely missed by all who knew him, and this event is a wonderful dedication to his memory,” he said.

St Pats East Kerry is delighted to have the blessing of Pat’s widow Brigid for renaming the golf classic in memory of her husband. The proceeds of the golf classic will go towards the running costs of the juvenile hurling teams of the club.

Any teams who would like to take part in the Pat Delaney Memorial Golf Classic can contact Pat O’Brien on 087 4158773.