Cork Simon Golf Classic aiming to raise funds to help address record homelessness levels 

The 20th annual Cork Simon Golf Classic will tee off on Thursday, May 21, to raise money to support the vital work of Cork Simon in combating record levels of homelessness.

There is unprecedented need, with 787 men and women in Cork depending on emergency accommodation in March, an increase of 23% in just 12 months, and a new monthly record for the city.

This year’s classic is supported by the title sponsor, Vision Contracting, with continued backing from Arup as the voluntary organiser.

Mick Allen, of Vision Contracting, said: “Twenty years is a remarkable milestone, and Vision Contracting is proud to support the Cork Simon Golf Classic again as title sponsor.

“Cork’s business community has always understood that a strong city is one where no one is left behind; and with the numbers of people experiencing homelessness, we’re seeing, this year, that responsibility has never felt more real,” said Mr Allen.

“We would encourage other businesses across the region to get behind the day.”

This kind of consistency is rare

Dermot Kavanagh, CEO of Cork Simon Community, said: “For 20 years, businesses across Cork have shown up at our annual golf classic, year after year, through good times and difficult ones, to stand alongside people who are facing homelessness in our city.

“That kind of consistency is rare, and it matters. Every euro raised on the day goes directly in to the work of meeting people where they are: On the street, in our shelter, in our housing, and on the journey home.

“We are deeply grateful to Vision Contracting, to Arup, and to the volunteer committee whose commitment has carried this event across two decades.”

The Golf Classic is supported by a voluntary committee consisting of Finbarr Gannon, Mick Allen, Rob Andrews, Billy Newton, Helena Jackson, Fiona McKiernan, Clare O’Loughlin, Denis Crowley, and Jatin Taneja.

A small number of team places remain, at €500 for a four-person team.

Organisations and individuals can also sponsor a tee box or green for €150.

Donations of any size are welcomed and go directly to Cork Simon’s work.

To enter a team, sponsor a tee box or green, or make a donation, contact Fiona McKiernan, Clare O’Loughlin, or Jatin Taneja on 021 4223 200.