Dromoland Castle is one of Ireland’s most picturesque golf courses with panoramic views, towering woodland, stunning water features and a landscape that encapsulates the beautiful castle.
Another dash of colour was added to proceedings, and it didn’t half stand out and add its own touch of beauty with the Play in Pink Friday taking centre stage at the KPMG Women’s Irish Open.
Among all the different shades of green around the golf course there were sharp shades of pink from players – including Leona Maguire – and staff alike with the Play in Pink campaign on everyone’s mind.
What is the Play in Pink campaign? It is to help raise awareness and much-needed funds for Breast Cancer Research in Ireland. Caddies and players were seen donning the famous pink pins with some even kitting themselves out in pink golf gear for their second rounds.
The most striking touch was the course marshals wearing sharp light pink hats that really added a nice touch and captured the occasion.
Play in Pink was chosen as the official charity for the event this week and Play in Pink day was a roaring success with the charity’s tent bustling with people eager to make donations and bag themselves some merchandise. There was also a crazy golf course for people to enjoy throughout the day.
“We are so lucky that KPMG and Dromoland Castle chose us as the official charity for the event. It’s great because it’s great exposure,” said Miriam Hand, co-ordinator of Play in Pink. “We have been running play in pink for the Breast Cancer Institute all over Ireland.
“Today we were very touched that the tournament organisers gave the nod to Play in Pink and that they have designated Friday as Play in Pink day, everybody is wearing the national breast cancer research pin and the hats and a touch of pink all around the place.
“The organisers gave us a tent right at the entrance for spectators. They have created a very nice crazy golf course here just outside the Inn at Dromoland. Lots of people are going on it to play and have a lot of fun, particularly children.
“The whole thing has caused a great stir and we have a tent where we are able to sell merchandise and we sell golf towels, snoods, beanie hats and the usual key-rings, pens and marker sets.”
The Play in Pink initiative raised a staggering €405,000 as part of a record-breaking year in 2021. The nationwide fundraising campaign’s efforts go directly towards the research programme at the Lambe Institute, Galway, helping to fight a disease close to so many of our hearts.
A massive help in raising funds is golf clubs hosting their own play in pink days which have been hugely successful across the country.
“With the help of captains and lady captains around Ireland we have become very successful,” said Hand. “People play for fun and play for good and it’s fantastic, everybody gets to enjoy it and the word has spread nicely and the money that is raised through play in pink goes straight to Lambe research in Galway.
“Through their golf clubs, clubs run play in pink days all over Ireland. We owe so much to the clubs and we are very thankful for that. There’s always an opportunity to do more. Societies have started to play so they have their designated days so it’s great.
“You can donate directly to the play in pink website and the money goes directly to the national breast cancer research institute, so it goes straight to playinpink.com and you can donate via the page.”
For more information, visit https://playinpink.com/
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