By Brian Keogh
Pakistani Golfers Ireland has raised €10,000 for Scoil Mhuire Naofa, Carrigallen National School in Co. Leitrim
The donation, raised through its annual Pakistan Golf Cup held at Powerscourt Golf Club in July, will fund training and care for Vernon, the school’s new therapy dog.
It will also provide funding for a sensory room in its Early Intervention classroom, and private occupational therapy assessments for pupils.
Carrigallen National School caters for pupils from junior infants to sixth class and has five special classes for children with autism, including Leitrim’s first Early Intervention Autism class for preschoolers.
Vernon joined the school through My Canine Companion and has already become an integral part of daily life, offering comfort and promoting wellbeing, confidence, and emotional regulation.
Acting Principal Carmel Dockery said: “Every child deserves to feel comfortable, understood and supported in school. This generous contribution will help us develop practical supports that respond to the different needs of our pupils. Vernon has already brought so much warmth to our school.
“We are extremely grateful to Pakistani Golfers Ireland.”
This is the third year the Pakistan Golf Cup has included charitable fundraising, with previous beneficiaries including St Laurence’s National School in Baldoyle and Saplings Special School in Carlow.
Funds were raised through tee-box sponsorships and individual donations, with support from the Pakistani community in Ireland and the Pakistan Ireland Business Council.
Dr Nasir Awan, co-founder of Pakistani Golfers Ireland, said: “The Pakistan Golf Cup is about more than bringing people together through golf. It is an opportunity to turn that shared enthusiasm into something that benefits others.
“Hearing how Carrigallen National School plans to use the funds makes this year’s initiative particularly meaningful.”
A total of 80 golfers from across Ireland and the UK took part, with Hamza Raziq emerging as champion.
Founded in 2018, Pakistani Golfers Ireland has grown to 85 members and hosts four events annually for members and invited diplomats and Irish CEOs at Powerscourt Golf Club, Slieve Russell Golf Club, Roganstown and The K Club.
