McGinley Foundation leaves €75,000 legacy in west Clare following Dubai Duty Free Irish Open

Paul McGinley accompanied by Austin Slattery (President); Georgina Condon (Lady President) and Martin O’Sullivan (Chairperson) presents a cheque for €60,000 to Helen Nolan (Principal, Scoil Mhuire Lahinch)

Lahinch staged a memorable edition of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in July and left a lasting legacy for west Clare in the form of a €75,000 donation to local entities through the McGinley Foundation.

Tournament host and former Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley travelled to Lahinch last Friday to present cheques to Lahinch National School and North West Clare Family Resource Centre (NWCFRC) on behalf of the McGinley Foundation.

These donations are in keeping with the philosophy of the McGinley Foundation which aims to support local community initiatives where Paul has had an involvement when a major event is held within the region.

This support is also very much in keeping with the objective of Lahinch Golf Club when it agreed to host the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open.

Lahinch Golf Club wanted to create a tangible legacy for the wider community of the village, North Clare and the wider county of Clare.

This was initially seen in terms of increased international recognition and through that the attraction of increased and sustainable tourist numbers into the area over the coming decades.

Research already conducted by the European Tour in terms of TV reach and impact has shown this objective is being achieved.

Paul McGinley accompanied by Georgina Condon (Lady President); Austin Slattery (President) and Martin O’Sullivan (Chairperson) presents a cheque for €15,000 to North West Clare Family Resource Centre at Little Deer’s Crèche, Ennistymon

However, the generosity of the McGinley Foundation has facilitated an even more immediate and tangible benefit than was ever initially envisaged through its support for these two community projects.

Lahinch National School (Scoil Mhuire) are the main beneficiaries from the McGinley Foundation and received a cheque for €60,000. Plans to develop their recreational facilities to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all of the children are at an advanced stage.

North West Clare Family Resource Centre received €15,000 which will go towards securing some of their services and development opportunities that address the needs of individuals, groups, families and community groups.

The Family Resource Centre (FRC) works with children (young people in particular), second level students and adults.