Leitrim GAA takes part in first Surf & Swing fundraiser

The Neurology Support Centre held the first Surf & Swing fund-raising event on Saturday, April 29.

The surfing element took place in the morning with teams from Sligo GAA, Connacht Rugby, Kilcawley Construction, iRadio, the NSC, St Edward’s National school, Leitrim GAA, Sligo Rugby and 3D Personnel fielding two surfers – many of them surfing for the first-time.

The Strandhill community really pulled out all the stops to help this event.

Local surf schools, Rebelle Surf, the Sligo Surf Experience and Strandhill Surf came on board to run the surf heats, with judging by the Irish Surfing Association who brought down their judging van with state-of-the-art electronic scoring system.

Due to a few last-minute drop-outs, some local surfers were co-opted on to a couple of the teams, with top Irish surfer Gearoid McDaid donning the Leitrim jersey, along with another Strandhill native Andrew Kilfeather.

Sadly, organisers had to rule the pros out of the prizes, so it was Sligo GAA who picked up the honours as the winning surfing team.

Surfers representing Leitrim GAA – Irish top surfer Gearoid McDaid and local photographer Andrew Kilfeather don Leitrim jerseys for the Surf & Swing event 

After a delicious lunch provided by the Strand Bar, it was up to the Strandhill Golf Club for the golfing. Two golfers from each team played out a two-man scramble.

They headed out in glorious sunshine, but the last golfers were caught out in a torrential downpour, although it wasn’t enough to dampen the smiles.

In a very tight golf competition, Sligo GAA and Sligo Rugby drew for first place – with Leitrim GAA golfers, Gerry Hickey Snr and Joe Keaney, just pipped at the post by Sligo once again.

The Spirit of Surf & Swing overall prize went to St Edward’s National School, who raised almost €2,000 on iDonate in memory of their late colleague and long-time school secretary, Trish, who passed away recently from a neurological condition.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this such a successful day, including all the teams, volunteers and donors.

A big thank you also to the sponsors, Sisk, LotusWorks, Tobin Engineers, Kirby Engineering, Barna Recycling, W8 Village and Ballast Signs.

Funds raised from the Surf & Swing event will help expand the Neurology Support Centre's services, so if you or someone close to you is living with a neurological condition, get in touch and find out how we can help.

See www.neurologysc.ie or call 071 918 0318.