Packie Bonner calls on Laois golfers to support SBHI

Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD joined Packie Bonner and some young friends to launch the Packie Bonner 2012 Golf Classic in aid of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalous Ireland. This annual event will take place on Friday 10th August at the spectacular Killeen Castle, Dunsany, Co. Meath, home to the 2011 Solheim Cup. All proceeds will go to SBHI in order to continue their work in assisting those with the  conditions spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus.

Speaking about the exciting annual fundraiser Packie Bonner patron of SBHI said, “Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland is a charity close
to my own heart. Every year I take part in this event and it amazes me to see the work carried out on behalf of SBHI for people who liv
e with these conditions. Without a doubt it is the best of all the g olf classics I have taken part in.”

Taoiseach Enda Kenny said, “I am delighted to join with Packie Bonner in launching this fundraiser for a very worthy charity.  I am enco uraging people to support the event and enjoy a great day out on a c hampionship course at the same time.”

The Irish sporting legend is calling on golfers from Abbeyleix Golf Club, Heath Golf Club, Mountrath Golf Club, Portarlington Golf Club, Rathdowney Golf Club and The Heritage Golf and Spa Resort to support Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland at this fantastic sporting event.

Companies, foundations and individuals are welcome to sponsor teams, tees, raffle prizes as well as any other sponsorship related to the day. The entry fee is €600 per four person team.  The event starts a t 12 noon sharp. There are prizes for the best teams, longest drive, nearest pin, “beat the pro” competition, par 3 competition, numerous spot and novelty prizes including a CAR WORTH €30,000 on offer for the first hole in one at hole number 16 (par 3). Lunch and dinner at Killeen Castle are included as well as a goody bag.

Killeen Castle hosts a magnificent Jack Nicklaus Signature Course designed and constructed by arguably the game’s greatest golfer and the world’s preeminent course designer. Spaciously rambling over 350 acres among superb natural woodlands, Jack has created a course that can be set up to provide the sternest of championship challenges but which remains playable and enjoyable for the average golfer. It is a testament to the quality of Jack’s creation that the course was awarded the honour of host venue for The 2011 Solheim Cup.

“We are delighted to have Packie Bonner involved with this crucial fundraiser for our organisation. Packie is a patron of the association and has helped us in many ways including raising awareness and par ticipating in many events over the past number of years. It is wonderful to have the support of An Taoiseach this year.” said George Kennedy, Chief Executive of SBHI.

SBHI works with people with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus to improve the quality of their lives on a practical level.  The incidence of Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus in Ireland is the second highest in the world.  On average, 75 babies are being born each year with Spina Bifida and approximately 80% of those born have some degree of Hydrocephalus.  For further information, go to http://www.sbhi.ie/ or contact Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland at 01 457 2329