Over £200,000 was raised for Make-A-Wish Ireland at the Amgen Irish Open with £120,000 of that coming from the Birdies for Wishes initiative.
Make-A-Wish Ireland was the official charity partner for the third consecutive year at the tournament. The Birdies for Wishes campaign was one of several fundraising initiatives on site. Amgen and the DP World Tour donated £400 for every birdie or better made on the first hole on the highly acclaimed Championship Course at Royal County Down.
Amgen golf ambassadors Pádraig Harrington, Shane Lowry and Séamus Power also contributed £14,800 to the total as the trio donated £400 for every birdie or better they carded during the week.
Additional fundraising took place on site at the Mega-Putt Challenge in the Championship Village and via contactless collection points. Pro-Am attendees also generously contributed to the charity. Pre-tournament fundraising included Pro-Am Team auctions and Amgen staff participating in the Walk for Wishes initiative throughout August. These initiatives raised a total of £80,000.
The charity’s incredible work was witnessed at the tournament last week as golf superstars Shane Lowry and Pádraig Harrington went above and beyond in giving two young people experiences they will never forget at the Amgen Irish Open.
Three-time Major winner Harrington met 17-year-old Danny Rooney, who has overcome significant health challenges, having faced a three-and-a-half year battle with leukaemia. The golf fanatic’s wish was to experience the Amgen Irish Open with his family, and he was treated to an inside the ropes experience with Harrington during the Celebrity Pro-Am.
Lowry, meanwhile, surprised ten-year-old heart transplant recipient Cian Norris with a private clinic at Royal County Down. After overcoming multiple health battles following his transplant, Cian’s wish was to be well enough to play golf with his hero Lowry, who offered invaluable tips, lots of laughs and an unforgettable golfing experience.
The funds raised at this year’s Amgen Irish Open will help grant more wishes to children between the ages of three and 17 living with life-threatening medical conditions.
Paul Greene, VP, Regional Manufacturing, Amgen said: “It’s been an extraordinary week at the Amgen Irish Open with our charity partners, Make-A-Wish Ireland. The Amgen team is delighted to see such significant funds raised, which will directly support the organisation’s vital work in providing hope, strength, and joy to children and families facing serious illnesses.
“We are also deeply grateful for the generosity of our Amgen golf ambassadors — Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, and Séamus Power — as well as the thousands of attendees who contributed throughout the tournament.”
Susan O’Dwyer, CEO, Make-A-Wish Ireland commented: “The generosity and support shown at the Amgen Irish Open has been truly heartwarming. The £200,000 raised will help us grant wishes to children living with life-threatening conditions across Ireland. We are incredibly grateful to Amgen, the DP World Tour, Amgen Ambassadors Pádraig, Séamus, and Shane, Pro-Am participants, spectators, and everyone involved in making this event such a success.
“Not only does it raise awareness for our charity and allow us to grant wishes on-site, but it also plays a crucial role in our fundraising efforts. Events like this are essential in enabling us to grant the number of wishes applied for and make a real difference in the lives of those children we service who are living with life threatening illnesses. Thank you to all who have contributed to making this event a success.”