Former Irish Open winner donates golf memorabilia

Former Irish Open winner donates golf memorabilia

25 May 2016

A GOLF fan from Newcastle, who played host to golfing royalty during the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open last year, has donated a special gift to Cancer Fund for Children’s Therapeutic Short Break Centre.

Stephen Rooney rented his house in the seaside town to none other than Irish open 2015 champion Soren Kjeldsen and his guests while the top golfer from Denmark was playing in the tournament at Royal County Down last May.

Stephen (39) has now been gifted golf memorabilia from Soren, which includes a signed golfing glove in a beautiful trophy display case which Stephen has kindly donated to Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic short break facility Daisy Lodge in Newcastle.

 “While Soren was staying in my house my family got friendly with him and would go to support him each time he was playing in the Irish Open, texting to congratulate him when he played well,” Stephen said.

“We’ve kept in touch since and I was delighted when he gave me this fantastic golf memorabilia. I’ve always been a fan of the sport from a young age and had been a caddie for my father, Richard, who, along with my family, are members of Royal County Down.

“I know that Cancer Fund for Children had benefited from the Rory Foundation during the tournament and I thought it would tie in well if I donated the items to Daisy Lodge.”

He added: I think it’s great that the winning golfer’s signed memorabilia will be displayed at Daisy Lodge. I’d also like to say a huge thank you to Roisin Boden, proprietor of Memories Boxed in Castlewellan who made the beautiful case and done a great job of displaying the memorabilia.”

Joan Burden, Cancer Fund for Children’s Hospitality Manager, said: “We are very grateful to Stephen for donating this wonderful gift that he received from Soren. It will be given pride of place at Daisy Lodge and will be a reminder of the support we received from the Rory Foundation at the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open last year.”