Johnny Matthews classic raises €9,000 for charity
Cecil Black representing the winning team of Ken Power, Damien Ryan, and Richard O'Sullivan, at the 5th Annual Johnny Matthews Golf Classic Classic and is pictured receiving his prize from Tony O’Neill, Faithlegg GC and Jim Kealy. Photos: Noel Browne.
Two tremendous days of golf brought together over 200 competitors as the wider football community for the fifth annual Johnny Matthews Memorial Golf classic that was held at the picturesque Faithlegg Golf club last weekend with €9000 raised for three local charities.
Waterford Autism Friendly, Pieta House Waterford, and Cystic Fibrosis Waterford all received €3000 each as a result of the proceeds raise from the classic with these cheques presented to representatives on the night.
A mixture of weather brought a mixture of players where a brilliant Saturday was had by all with a celebratory dinner and presentation ceremony taken place in the clubhouse after scores were checked and verified by the organising committee.
When the scoring was done, it was a countback that was needed to eventually decide the outcome of the classic where Ken Power, Damien Ryan and Richard O’Sullivan came out on top with 105 points. Pat Flanagan, Declan Creed, and Terence McSweeney also finished on 105 points with Luke Furlong, Luke Fitzgerald and James Kennedy finishing third on 103 points.
Damien Roche was the man who had longest drive on the 6th hole with Luke Furlong having the longest drive at the 18th hole. Anthony Clooney was nearest to the pin on 9th hole with Chris Kavanagh getting nearest to the pin on the 16th hole.
There was also a raffle held on the night for those who attended the dinner event with spot prizes received from local companies with an auction also held on the local Waterford FC Community Facebook page run by Shane Murphy.
The event, which was sponsored by Waterford FC, amongst other associated sponsors that included JP O’Donohue, Cllr. Joe Kelly, Stan Bergin, the Waterford Schoolboy and Junior Leagues, and many others.
Organiser-in-chief Jim Kealy said: “I’m overwhelmed with the support that we’ve received from people right across Waterford and further afield in the past two days. People, who didn’t even know Johnny Matthews came down to support the event for three brilliant causes.
“I’m going to get emotional because this event has really captured the hearts of the local community and we’re delighted with the support that we’ve received from people, who all held Johnny in such high esteem. I’d like to thank my wife Sandra and son Michael for putting up with me in the organising of the two days.
“We got two wonderful days of golf even if the weather Gods weren’t too kind to us for some part of today, but to see over 200 golfers on course and so many of you all here this evening, we’re over the moon. I’d like to thank Faithlegg Golf club for hosting us and we’re already looking forward to the event that will take place on Saturday, June 28, 2025.” Others to speak on the evening including Metropolitan Mayor Cllr. Joe Kelly, Faithlegg Golf club captain Declan Kirby, Waterford FC general manager Richie Walsh, and Faithlegg Golf club secretary Tony O’Neill in an event that was hosted by yours truly. Here’s looking forward to 2025.
