By Diarmaid Doherty
A SPECIAL charity golf day is being organised to celebrate the memory of Mary Rose Dullaghan, the much-loved Glenswilly woman whose death last August prompted huge sadness among her family and many friends.
This week, some of those friends gathered at Letterkenny’s Station House Hotel to outline their plans for a day of golf, and an evening of music and entertainment, in her memory.
The event will take place on Friday, May 16 – two days after Mary Rose’s birthday.
There will be an open singles golf competition at Letterkenny Golf Club and later in the evening, the presentation of prizes and a fundraising raffle will be held during a charity dance in the Station House Hotel.
Mary Rose (née Kelly, daughter of Mandy Kelly) from Cashelreagh, Newmills, passed away after a brave battle with illness last August.
The day of golf is a tribute to her love and wonderful talent for the sport. She was a member of Letterkenny Golf Club and a popular member of the Station House Golf Society (formerly the Drum Bar Golf Society) of which she was a former Captain.
She was also a valued colleague within local media in Donegal having worked for many years with the Donegal People’s Press and Donegal Democrat before moving to work in the nearby Cristeph Gallery at Lower Main Street in Letterkenny.
Blessed with a beautiful smile, Mary Rose’s warmth and engaging personality was endearing and she will be remembered for her love of life, her friends, and most of all, her family.
Her husband Owney was among those to attend Tuesday night’s launch and he will be helping to lead the fundraising efforts which will raise money for three charities – the Ross Nugent Foundation, Beaumont Hospital, Friends of St Luke’s Hospital and Friends of Letterkenny University Hospital.
Members of the Station House Hotel Golf Society are organising the charity day and they are now appealing for sponsorship and support.
Paddy Delap said the golf day will be the perfect way to celebrate the memory of Mary Rose.
“Those of us who played golf with Mary Rose know just how good she was,” he said.
“So when Owney came to us about organising something for her birthday in May, we thought a day of golf would be ideal.
“But this is about more than just the golf. Even if you don’t play golf and you want to get involved, you can still play, or come along to the Station House Hotel later in the evening.”
Cathal Sheridan, who is also part of the organising committee, said anyone who wants to sponsor a tee or a prize can get in touch.
“We have selected three charities who will benefit from the day so any support that we receive will be most welcome,” he said.
“It will only cost €25 to play on the day and we’re hoping to attract golfers from all over to take part.”
Also in attendance at Tuesday night’s launch was Cllr Donal Mandy Kelly, a nephew of Mary Rose.
“It’s a wonderful idea to raise some funds for these charities in Mary Rose’s memory,” he said.
“You can see here tonight that everyone is so enthusiastic about this fundraising day.
“I have no doubt that the community will row in behind it and give it the support it deserves.”
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