NIALL Quinn has paid tribute to the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association (IPFBA) for its groundbreaking work in helping ex-players who are facing challenges in their lives.
The former Ireland, Arsenal, Manchester City and Sunderland hero is one of the IPFBA’s patrons and believes that the organisation – launched in February, 2024 – has radically altered the way that the Irish game can assist stars of the past who require its support.
The IPFBA’s second annual golf classic – sponsored by Campion Insurance – takes place at Galway Bay Golf Resort at Renville, Oranmore on Friday, September 12th thanks to the sterling work of former local League of Ireland stars Gerry Daly, Ronan Killeen, John Mannion, Mike O’Toole, Terry O’Regan and Mickey McLaughlin who have spent 12 months ensuring that the event is a major success.
Speaking at the launch in Galway City Council – where Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard was host – Niall urged all elements of Irish football to fully back the association that will commence payments to former players, male and female, later this year.
“The IPFBA’s fund raising success in the space of just 18 is just phenomenal and you will see the benefits of this endeavour in the months and years ahead as retired players receive help to overcome challenges in their lives,” stated Niall who is one of five IPFBA patrons along with John Giles, Liam Brady, Eoin Hand and Keith Treacy.
“The fact that John, Liam, Eoin, Keith and I are giving are full support to the association demonstrates that we fully behind the huge efforts of the IPFBA committee and those running the golf classic at Galway Bay Golf Resort.
“I would appeal to all sections of Irish football to support this golf classic in Galway and the IPFBA’s other fund raising events by donating to a group that is committed to assisting these players who entertained us to richly over the years.”
Mayor of Galway Mike Cubbard is thrilled that the golf classic – for which there are still a few tee-times and sponsorship opportunities available – will further enable former players to extend the hand of friendship and support to their peers.
“On behalf of Galway City Council and myself, I am both honoured and delighted to welcome the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association to City Hall for the launch of its Golf Classic at Galway Bay Golf Resort on September 12th,” said Mayor Cubbard.
“When Gerry Daly of the local organising committee first spoke to me about the group and its work, I readily accepted the invitation to attend this event and to ensure that our fine Council Chambers were made available.
“There is already a vibrant group of former League of Ireland players, mainly drawn from Galway Rovers and Galway United, who meet up regularly for lunch and a chat. Now, this golf classic will help them and their colleagues across the country fund the IPFBA’s tremendous work.”
IPFBA chairperson Harry McCue and secretary Martin Lawlor attended the launch with Harry paying tribute to the local organising committee.
“The work put in by the committee here in Galway has been fantastic and the profits from the golf classic in their entirety will go towards helping ex-players,” said Harry. “So a huge thanks to Gerry, Ronan, John, Mike, Terry and Mickey.
“We will be auctioning and raffling five signed jerseys by Liam Brady, John Giles, Niall Quinn, the Ireland squad and the late Denis Law on the night at the prize giving.“We will commence distributing funds to ex-players later this year and we have already held our first discussions towards drawing up a list of potential beneficiaries.”
Ronan Killeen of the local organising committee predicts a day to remember for the participants at the famous Galway Bay Golf Resort.
“The golfers will find the course both challenging and rewarding for Galway Bay Golf Resort is a truly fantastic championship standard 18 holes designed by Christy O’Connor junior,” stated Ronan.
“I personally have a soft spot for the golf course as my own family was involved in the running of golf operations there for a number of years. It is now part of the Connacht Hospitality Group that will take the course on to an exciting new level in the spring of 2026 with the opening of a five star hotel.
“The course is in excellent condition and the golf will be staged on a champagne scramble format.” Campion Insurance will generously sponsor the event for the second year in a row following its successful partnership 12 months ago in Limerick.
Michael McLaughlin, Campion Insurance, Galway added his congratulations on the staging of the important fund raiser.
“Campion Insurance is delighted to partner with the Irish Professional Footballers Benevolent Association and the upcoming golf outing in Galway,” said Michael.
“The IPFBA is an important organisation which provides much needed support to retired professional footballers throughout Ireland. We wish them continued success in raising funds to meet the growing demand for their services.”
A limited number of tee-times for teams of four at €400 per team (including dinner afterwards) remain while the sponsorship of tee boxes and greens is also available.
Please contact John Mannion (086-2494357), Terry O’Regan (086-1956974) or Ronan Killeen (086-2427014) for further details.
Prize giving will take place at Monroe’s Tavern in Dominick Street, Galway on Friday night September 12th.
