The Team Ireland Golf Trust and the Irish Sports Council have sent congratulations to Michael Hoey on achieving his European Tour card for 2009 at the Qualifying School which concluded in Spain this week.  The Team Ireland Golf Trust has been Michael’s main sponsor since he entered the professional ranks and is delighted at his breakthrough to the main tour. 
 
Hoey will join another player supported by the Trust, Gareth Maybin, who secured his 2009 tour card through the Challenge Tour. 
 
Congratulates were extended also to Jonathan Caldwell on his notable success in gaining his tour card at the first attempt from the amateur ranks.  Jonathan has applied to the Team Ireland Golf Trust for support for the coming year and a decision will be made on his application shortly.
 
Michael McGeady, by the narrowest of margins, and Simon Thornton, fell just short in their attempts to earn full Tour cards.  The Trust has been supporting the progress of Michael and Simon and has high hopes for 2009 based on their strong performances in 2008. Michael won a Challenge Tour event in 2008 and will have full playing rights on the Challenge Tour for the 2009 season.    
 
Note: 2008 is the ninth year of the Team Ireland Golf Trust, which has provided more than €2 million in financial support to golfers to date. The Trust, which is administered by the Irish Sport Council, aims to contribute to an increase in the presence of Irish golf professionals on the various international tours. It is a partnership between state agencies, private companies and the various golf organisations. Financial backing for the Trust is provided by the Irish Sports Council, Fáilte Ireland, the PGA European Tour and, from the private sector, ONE51 Ltd