Carrigtwohill legend Eddie O'Riordan: He was one of Carrig's greatest ambassadors

CARRIGTWOHILL GAA Club have announced details of their annual fundraising golf classic, on June 26-27, which is recognised as one of the best of its kind in the county.

The roots of the event stretch back over three decades when the late Eddie O'Riordan came up with a novel idea at the 1991 AGM. After his death last year, this year's classic will be the first without Eddie's presence and a poignant occasion for many of his friends and golfing colleagues, at East Cork Golf Club.

"Eddie’s enthusiasm for golf was as great as it was for GAA and he was for many years a member of the Munster Press Golfing Society where he served as captain, president and secretary. He regularly finished among the prizewinners, including several interprovincial titles," said Carrigtwohill PRO David O'Sullivan.

"Affectionately known far and wide as 'Dano, he weaved his dual passions into one, when at that 1991 AGM, he suggested that in order to raise much-needed funds for the club, he and others would play 54 holes of golf in a single day with 100 miles between each of three golf courses. This inventive fundraiser predated the ubiquitous golf classic that many clubs now run. 

"Eddie was synonymous with the golf classic, which has been a significant source of funding to the club for decades. 

Dano was of course also a very well-known and popular freelance photographer."

He lived to a ripe old age of 89, but his love of GAA never wilted. 

"In his later years, when he was no longer driving, his good friend, John Buckley would regularly collect him at his front door on the main street. You would rarely attend a Carrig match without seeing John’s black Toyota Yaris perched beneath the new scoreboard at just the right angle for viewing."

HEARTBEAT

He was a man of vision and one of the best administrators the club has ever known. 

"He was the heartbeat of this club for so long, inspiring younger members who have since taken up the mantle as instrumental club officers. His friendly amiable persona and gentle demeanour enabled him to become one of the greatest ambassadors Carrigtwohill has ever had in its midst."

The forthcoming Golf Classic will be seen as a tribute to local legend Eddie O'Riordan. Along with Seamus Cotter and Oliver O'Brien, he lit the torch for an annual event that has become part of the sporting and social life of so many.

The competition will be run again on three-ball, better-ball format.

There is an attractive package to sponsor a team and tee box and enjoy a meal afterwards for €200. Individual tee box sponsorship is also available for €80. Those wishing to participate are asked to contact Norman Walsh (0214882455) or Joe Buckley (0872986341). A busy few days will be rounded off as usual at Guilder's Bar on Thursday night June 27, when the traditional wide range of quality prizes will be presented.