Athlone man to putt his way around Ireland for charity

An Athlone man is embarking on a novel around Ireland challenge in an attempt raise €25,000 for a Cystic Fibrosis charity. Harry O'Hanlon, from Assumption Road, will start the Barry Kelly Pitch and Putt Challenge tomorrow (Thursday) April 29, which will see him play the full 18 holes of 111 pitch and putt courses throughout the country. He's raising money for the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Ireland in memory of his friend Barry Kelly from Cork, who died last year. Barry was a keen and accomplished competitive pitch and putt player. Harry will be completing an average of four PPUI registered pitch and putt courses a day during his challenge from April 29 until June 6. His Athlone challenge takes place on Tuesday June 1, in the army's Custume course, Cornafulla at 9am. The event will finish at the Irish Match Play Finals on Sunday June 6. And Harry will need to have a well-oiled arm, as he will only have nine rest days throughout the entire event! "The reaction of the pitch and putt community has been tremendous and very generous so far," said Harry. "We are hoping to raise money for this important charity in Barry's honour, and I feel it is something that I can do in a small way to help others in his situation." A former soldier, Harry certainly has the determination to compete the challenge single-handedly. "It's never been done before, so touch wood I can do it," he added. Harry also praised his support team, especially Alan Kelly - Barry's brother and Martin Cahill of the CFAI, who have been great at organising the logistics behind the challenge. The team is looking for sponsorship from individuals or businesses to help Harry with transport and accommodation costs for the duration of the fundraiser. Harry has left sponsorship cards in local golf and sports shops around Athlone. Online donations can be made to www.mycharity.ie/event/pitchandputtchallenge or for sponsorship, please contact Martin Cahill of the CFAI on 01 4962433. What is Cystic Fibrosis Cystic Fibrosis is Ireland's most common life threatening inherited disease. Ireland has the highest prevalence of CF in the world, with one in 19 carrying the CF gene. Ireland also has the most severe strain of the CF gene in the developed world. Despite this, facilities for CF patients in our hospitals are below European standards. Today, people with CF can expect to live a near normal, full and productive life, provided that the correct facilities are in place, particularly isolation facilities in hospitals.