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The Connacht Rugby community is being called upon to once again come together, get behind its own, and support those whose lives have been changed forever by rugby at the third annual IRFU Charitable Trust Connacht Charity Golf Outing.
Taking place Wednesday 7th October, the event moves to Portumna Golf Club for the first time, bringing together rugby clubs, players, supporters and businesses from across the province for a day of golf, friendship and most importantly giving back.
The event plays a vital role in raising awareness of the work of the IRFU Charitable Trust, while generating much-needed funds to ensure the Trust can continue supporting the 36 seriously injured rugby players across the four provinces of Ireland who currently rely on its assistance.
For the rugby community, the cause is particularly close to home.
Established in 1978, the IRFU Charitable Trust provides ongoing support to people who have suffered catastrophic injuries while playing rugby. That support can make a profound difference to everyday life, helping with essential needs including fitness, physiotherapy and medical care, as well as mobility equipment, wheelchairs, home adaptations and vehicle modifications.
As Marc Sheridan from the IRFU Charitable Trust explains:
“The rugby community in Ireland is incredibly special. When one of our own suffers a life-changing injury, clubs, teammates, friends and supporters come together to help. The Trust exists to provide that support over the long term, helping seriously injured players and their families with the practical things that can make such a significant difference to their lives, as well as just being there for them.”
One person who understands that support better than most is Tommie Kyne, who was seriously injured playing for Corrib RFC in 2005. For Tommie, the support of the rugby community, and the IRFU Charitable Trust, has been there from the very beginning.
“I was seriously injured in 2005 playing for Corrib RFC and from the very outset the support from the rugby community has been incredible. The Trust has helped myself and my family from almost the very beginning, including providing me with an adapted digger so I could continue, as best I could, to be out and about on the land – something that I love to do.”
Tommie's story is a powerful reminder that the impact of a rugby injury does not end when the final whistle blows. The consequences can last a lifetime, affecting not only the player but their family, their independence and their ability to do the things that matter most to them.
That is why the support of the wider rugby community remains so important.
For the first time, Portumna Golf Club, recognised as the No. 1 parkland golf course in Connacht, will provide the setting for this year's event. Justin O’Byrne, General Manager of Portumna Golf Club, said:
“Our course provides the perfect setting for the Trust’s Connacht Charity Golf Outing – a day that brings together community, friendships and giving back to those who need it most. We are delighted to be the Course Partner for this charity event and hope everyone has a memorable day while supporting such a great cause.”
Once again, the Connacht rugby community is showing its support, with Aerogen, BusinessPlus.ie, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, Intersport Elverys, Galway Bay FM and long-term supporter Connacht Rugby all backing the event.
Shane Jennings, Connacht Rugby player said:
“The rugby community always looks after each other. Whether on the pitch or off it, the unique values that underpin rugby in Ireland mean that those who have given so much to the game will always be supported. Personally, and as a representative of Connacht Rugby, we are proud to once again be part of this charity event and to support the IRFU Charitable Trust.”
Galway Bay FM Head of Sport Ollie Turner added:
“Galway Bay FM is proud to be the Official Media Partner to Connacht Rugby and to this important event for the IRFU Charitable Trust. The Trust does incredible work supporting those who have suffered a life-changing accident on the rugby pitch, and we are delighted to get behind the Connacht Charity Golf Outing and help raise awareness and funds for such a worthy cause.”
A great day of golf, for a very important cause
The event will feature a 12 midday shotgun start and will be played in a fun Scramble format, making it an ideal day out for rugby clubs, teams of friends, business networking and golfers of all abilities.
Players will enjoy:
- A hearty breakfast bap before the round
- A round of golf on the spectacular Portumna course
- Drinks reception and meal after your round
- Q&A with Connacht Rugby players to be announced
- Prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place
- Nearest the Pins: front and back nine
- Best Drives: ladies and men
But ultimately, the biggest prize is knowing that your team has helped support someone in our rugby family when they need it most.
The message from the IRFU Charitable Trust and the Connacht rugby community is simple: if rugby has given you friendships, memories and a community to be part of, this is an opportunity to give something back.
Whether you are a rugby club, a business, a former player, a supporter or simply a golfer who believes in supporting a good cause, get a team together and join us in Portumna Golf Club on Wednesday 7th October.
If you are looking for accommodation, the Trust highly recommends River Run House and Cottages which are also sponsors of Portumna Golf Club. To book accommodation, please visit https://www.riverrunhouse.ie/ or email: [email protected]
Book your fourball team today
For more information on the 2026 IRFU Charitable Trust Connacht Charity Golf Outing, or to book your team of four, please visit:
https://irfucharitabletrust.com/event/2026-connacht-charity-golf-outing/
For further information about the IRFU Charitable Trust and the Connacht Charity Golf Outing Partners:
IRFU Charitable Trust: www.irfucharitabletrust.com
Aerogen: www.aerogen.com
Connacht Rugby: www.connachtrugby.ie
Business Plus: www.businessplus.ie
Coca-Cola HBC Ireland: https://ie.coca-colahellenic.com/en
Galway Bay FM: www.galwaybayfm.ie
Intersport Elverys: www.elverys.ie
Portumna Golf Club: https://portumnagolfclub.ie/
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