Cork, 9 May, 2008 – Professional golfer Claire Coughlan can count on some added support this season as she embarks on the European Tour – from the staff at the Kildare-based Barretstown camp for children living with cancer or other serious illness. 

In a novel initiative, Ford Ireland, who sponsors Claire, will be donating €100 to the charity for every birdie the young Cork golfer shoots in a tour event this year.

 

“No pro golfer needs an extra incentive to shoot birdies, but I’m sure Claire will be delighted to know that her efforts on the course are benefiting such a worthy charity as Barretstown,” commented Eddie Murphy, Chairman and Managing Director, Ford Ireland. “From our point of view, it’s nice to link Ford’s association with Claire with our longstanding support of Barretstown in this meaningful way.”

 

28-year-old Claire amassed a total of 99 birdies on tour last season, and will be hoping to better that tally as the 2008 season tees off.

 

Peter Scallan, Chief Executive of Barretstown, added: “The involvement of Claire Coughlan and Ford in the Birdies for Barretstown initiative ensures that we can have a life changing impact on even more children and families affected by serious childhood illness in 2008.”

 

Set in the foothills of the Wicklow mountains, near the town of Ballymore Eustace, Co. Kildare, Barretstown is a specially designed camp, providing a programme of adventure, activities and fun - backed by the medical world - which helps children with serious illness regain their confidence and self-esteem.

 

As part of the Birdies for Barretstown initiative, staff at Barretstown will benefit from the use of Ford’s versatile Tourneo Connect this year, to help with the transport of the hundreds of children which they entertain at their 500-acre facility. Powered by an economical 1.8 TDCi diesel engine, the vehicle features space for up to 8 occupants and sliding doors for ease of access.

 

It’s not the only connection Ford has with the charity: the kids enjoy their meals in “Henry’s Place”, an on-site restaurant donated by the company and named in honour of its founder.