On Monday, September 14th over 100 golfers arrived at Bayonne Golf Club to play Irish links style golf in New Jersey.
The day started with brunch before the golfers warmed up on the putting green and Bayonne’s unique practice range in New York Harbor.
Pat Tully, National Director of the Young Leaders, greeted the guests and thanked the presenting sponsors (BMW and Delta Air Lines) and golfers before sending them out for the 11AM shotgun start.
Out on the course the golfers competed in multiple skills contests including “closest to the pin,” “longest drive,” “straightest drive” and a hole- in-one competition with a first-class golf trip to Ireland aboard Delta Air Lines as well as a putting contest with a chance to win a BMW bicycle.
Play finished around 5PM and the supporters relaxed after a long, windy day with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while members of the band “Celtic Cross” played traditional Irish tunes.
The guests then moved into the dining room for dinner and were addressed by Worldwide Ireland Funds President and CEO Kieran McLoughlin who thanked all the sponsors and supporters and congratulated the committee on another incredibly successful fundraiser for Ireland and Irish charities.
Kieran then introduced the co-chairs, Matthew McBride and Patrick Leahy who addressed the supporters and introduced the evening’s honoree, Chuck Reagan. Chuck has been a loyal supporter of The American Ireland Fund and has attended all 13 of the NJ Golf Classics. Chuck spoke about the importance of philanthropy and his connections to The American Ireland Fund and to Ireland itself.
Pat Tully then followed up with a spirited live auction that included a VIP trip to US Open Tennis tournament in 2016 and a trip for 4 people to meet the Zac Brown Band at any stop within the US on their upcoming tour. Delta Air Lines generously provided the travel.
The event concluded with the golf awards being handed out and a traditional cigar reception on the patio.
Special thanks to the 13th annual NJ Golf Committee, our presenting sponsors: Delta Air Lines and BWM of North America as well as our event patron and National Board Director, Bob McCann.
