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Carnalea may not be the biggest golf club in the country but when it comes to supporting charities it has few peers.
Previous to 1975 no records are available of the beneficiaries or the money raised, but over the years the amount
would have been substantial. Generally in those days the money raised would have been divided among a multitude of deserving
charities.
Jim Garvey took on the running of the charity competitions in 1975 and with his persuasive personality and capability,
was immediately successful. Jim was a hard worker, with the right connections, and seemed to be able to pull sponsorships
out of the air and for ten years until his death in 1985 was totally committed to raising funds for the Muckamore Abbey Hospital
for the mentally and physically handicapped. No-one could possibly have imagined that nearly £30,000 would finally be donated
to the hospital.
After Jim’s passing, Bob Conroy was persuaded to continue organising the charity events, and until 1987 Muckamore
Hospital continued to be the recipient of his efforts. From 1988 until 1990 the money raised was used to buy equipment for
the mentally handicapped facility at Balloo, Bangor. The equipment included TV’s, video recorders, cash registers and
other gear necessary for the education of handicapped people. Also in 1990, £5,500 was donated to the Marie Curie Hospice
at Beaconfield, in memory of the late Harry Graham.
An approach was made to the Club by Mr Hal McGimpsey to run an exhibition match to raise funding to buy powered
wheel chairs for students at Fleming Fulton School,Belfast. Bob duly organised the event and the match took place in August
and Michael McGee. Peter McEvoy scored a course record 65 on the recently altered course. The match was preceded by a team
scramble, and enough money was raised to buy three powered wheelchairs, and these
were presented to the students in the clubhouse. The annual scramble runs to this day
(L-R): Dr Neil
Anderson, Garth McGimpsey,
Michael McGee and Peter McEvoy—1990
From 1990 until 1997 almost all the money raised was used to purchase powered wheelchairs for sufferers of crippling
and terminal diseases. In all over thirty powered wheelchairs were donated to people from all over the province, regardless
of age, religion or status. After all the wheelchairs were paid for, the following groups received donations: - The Northern
Ireland Children’s Hospice, The Northern Ireland Hospice, The Samaritans, The East Antrim Animal Sanctuary and the Princess
Diana Memorial Fund
During his time organising the charity competitions, Bob was responsible for the raising of over £100,000 and had
great help from many members, especially “Jar” Hobbs, whose contribution was superb.
After twelve years of selfless and outstanding service as charity convenor, Bob passed on the baton in 1998 to
Danny Loughran.
Danny has already raise considerable funds with the following charities being the beneficiaries: Daniel Heaney Fund, Omagh Appeal, NI Children’s Hospice,
Ulster Hospital Wheelchairs, Multiple Sclerosis, Connor Smith Appeal
Without the dedication of the organisers and the support and help of a great number of wonderful members and visitors, the foregoing charity donations would not have been possible.
Special thanks must be paid to the Club golf societies who have been great supporters of the competition over many
years both as sponsors and competitors.
2004 - Make-a-Wish
child James Ennis from Bangor, County Down, receives gifts from Carnalea Golf Captain Reg Matchett (right) and Make-a-Wish
representative Stephen Wilkie at the MAW Golf Charity Day at Carnalea Golf Club. Wish child James will get his wish of
having a log cabin built in his back garden and the workshop tools and DIY books given him by the golfers will help. The Make-a-Wish
Foundation grants wishes to children with life threatening illnesses and each wish costs the charity on average about £3,500
to fulfil.
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