The 18th annual All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge was officially launched in GAA headquarters today by KN Group chief executive Donagh Kelly, inter-county managers Derek McGrath (Waterford) and Mickey Harte (Tyrone) and 2016 hurler and young hurler of the year Austin Gleeson among other GAA personalities including Challenge patron and Kilkenny legend Eddie Keher.

The organisers of the KN Group All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge are delighted to announce that this year’s event takes place at the impressive Gold Coast Hotel and Golf Resort and Dungarvan Golf Club in Co Waterford on September 8 and 9.

The Challenge invites GAA members to represent their GAA clubs on the golf course with the aim of bringing home the All-Ireland title. Four-person teams from across the country, the US and the UK will compete for the Waterford Crystal replica of the Liam MacCarthy Cup as well as other individual and prizes for their club. For the sixth consecutive year, the winning club will receive a training weekend at the stunning Derg Isle facility in Scariff, Co Clare.

Established in 2000, the KN Group All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge has firmed its position as the premier golf competition for GAA members. The organising committee are all volunteers and profits from the Challenge are directed towards charities. This year, the thoroughly-deserving Michaela Foundation, created in the memory of the inspirational Michaela Harte, will be one of the beneficiaries.

Launching today’s event, KN Group managing director Donagh Kelly said: “The KN Group in 2017 celebrate their third year of association with the All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge. We are proud to put our name to an event that engages with people so much competitively and socially but more importantly raises funds for worthy causes.”

All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge organising committee chairman Liam Daniels said: “We look forward to hosting this year’s event at two superb golf courses, the Gold Coast and Dungarvan. The scenery will be as spectacular as the competition and craic is always. That we can contribute to worthy causes such as the Michaela Foundation makes it so worthwhile. We are grateful yet again for the support of Donagh Kelly and all in the KN Group.”

The competition is run as a four-ball better-ball format – 9/10 their Golf Union of Ireland (GUI) handicap. Both men and women are invited to compete, with the handicap limit set at 20 for men and 28 ladies. Defending champions Tynagh-Abbey/Duniry of Galway, led by recent All-Ireland senior hurling club winning manager Mattie Kenny, will be aiming to hold onto their title in September.

Entry booked before June 30 is €220 per person (€250 thereafter). Included in the price is two days’ golf, two nights’ accommodation at the Gold Coast Golf and Hotel Resort including breakfast, two dinners with entertainment and two renowned acts performing at the presentation on Saturday night.

Spaces are limited but for more information, please contact Liam Daniels at allirelandgaagolf@gmail.com or on 087-2746271. Visit www.gaagolf.com for more information.