Fundraisers in honour of late Ballycumber man raise over €30k
A fundraising golf-classic which was held in Moate Golf Club recently in honour of the late Ian Flanagan, who passed away in New Zealand in November 2022 has raised over €30,000. The event was arranged by the Flanagan family and some of Ian's friends.
All funds raised will go to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which continues to provide invaluable support to families who lose a loved one away from home.
Despite the weather conditions on the day, 48 teams took part, supporting both the fundraiser and the Flanagan family. Many of Ian's friends and family travelled far for the event.
A presentation night was held later in the Gav Inn, Ballycumber. The first prize was two nights B&B in Great Northern Hotel Bundoran with a four ball in Murvagh, and this went to Mick Fox, John Butler, Tony Colville and C Grogan. Overall, there were eleven GUI prizes, and two for non-GUI players, along with nearest-the-pin and longest drives.
In addition to the golf scramble, there was a very successful raffle which included some prizes donated by Shane Lowry who was a boyhood friend of Ian's. The committee had also set up an iDonate page allowing non-golfers to contribute. In total the amount raised around the Moate region was €17,998.
Colin Bell visited Ballycumber recently to meet the Flanagan family and to accept the funds raised in Ian's name. Accepting the donation, Colin said: “What a tribute to Ian and the Flanagan family, showing the esteem in which this young man and his family are held. This amazing donation will help so many families who, sadly, will get the same devastating news that the Flanagan family, and we, received. Thank you all so much.”
Colin also noted that in the month of July this year alone, sadly, the charity had to help bring 35 people home.
Ian's wife Albonie also arranged a golf event in Queenstown, New Zealand, to coincide with the fundraiser. It was also a great success and raised over €15,000 with significant support from across the local New Zealand community and from many of Ian's friends still based abroad.
All funds raised in this one-off fundraising venture will allow the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to continue to offer support and assistance to other families in the future. The total raised across both events was €33,938.
The Flanagan family would like to sincerely thank all who supported the event, by entering a team, playing golf, sponsoring a tee-box, donating the food and refreshments provided on the day, those who bought raffle tickets or contributed to the iDonate page. Thanks also to the many local golf clubs who promoted the event to their members and for donating green-fees as prizes.
A special word of thanks to the Captain, Committee and members of Moate Golf Club for facilitating the golf day on their course, and to Anna O’Brien in the office, who was a great help in arranging the event and making it such a success along with the ogranising committee of the Irish event for hosting the presentation night.
The Flanagans want to express their sincere thanks to the local community of Ballycumber, and to their neighbouring localities, for the great support and help which they received both at the time of Ian's passing, and in the months since then.