Michael Healy-Rae officially launched the Julie O’Neill Annual Ring of Kerry Golf Classic Fundraiser, sponsored by Menarini, today at the Ring of Kerry Golf Club, Kenmare. The event will take place from 24^th to 26^th June at the Club to raise essential funds for the Respiratory & Cystic Fibrosis Units at Cork University Hospital.

The Golf Classic is being organised by Julie O’Neill, her husband Michael and their children Annie and Joe O’Neill, from Castletownbere, Co Cork, to thank Professor Barry Plant and his team at CUH and raise funds for the Units.

In 2014, Julie O’Neill’s life was saved by doctors and medical staff at CUH, when she suffered an extreme allergic reaction to the spores in hay and was diagnosed with what is commonly known as ‘farmers’ lung’. Miraculously Julie survived.  ‘Professor Plant and all his team saved my life, and for that I am forever grateful’, Julie said at the launch of the Classic. ‘Organising this event is our way of giving back to all the great people who took me in their arms and brought me through this terrifying time in my life. Huge thanks also to our Title Sponsor this year, A. Menarini. We are calling all golfers to come out in support of our Golf Classic event in the Ring of Kerry Golf Club on the 24^th to 26^th June’.

Michael Healy-Rae was delighted to lend support to the event and said, ‘I am forever indebted to the staff at CUH for the wonderful care and support I personally received at CUH recently. I cannot thank them enough for bringing me through a difficult time’.  Annie, Julie’s daughter who manages Lios Lara Riding Stables in Castletownbere continues her support of the event, along with a host of other local businesses in Kenmare, who are donating raffle prizes and sponsoring tee boxes.

To enter a team, please contact James on (064) 6642000. The classic is a 3 Ball Scramble (Mixed or otherwise). The cost per team of 3 is €150, which also includes lunch. To donate or sponsor raffle prizes call Michael or James on (064) 6642000.