Celebrating 50 years of the Kare Open golf competition
- Kare
- Jun 13
- 2 min read
The 50th Golden Anniversary of the Kare Open Golf Competition was celebrated on 1–2 June this year. The event, which is sponsored by Newbridge Silverware and hosted by Royal Curragh Golf Club, is a long-standing tradition of support for Kare and its mission to empower people with intellectual disabilities.
Founded in 1974 by Dominic and Mona Doyle and Pat McTiernan, the competition has been proudly hosted by Royal Curragh Golf Club throughout its history and continues to receive valuable support from Newbridge Silverware. Although the event began 51 years ago, this year's anniversary celebration was recognising 50 years as one competition was missed due to COVID-19.
With locations all over Kildare and some surrounding counties, Kare provides a range of services and supports to people with intellectual disabilities and their families, ensuring they have real opportunities and choice to live their best lives. In the past 20 years alone the competition has raised more than €80,000 for Kare and has played a significant role in helping Kare to enhance its services since its founding in 1967.
Speaking about the milestone, Ger Barry, Captain of Royal Curragh Golf Club said: "We are delighted to have supported the Kare Open over the years. It is a fantastic event for a great cause, and we look forward to continuing this partnership for many more years to come."
Kare Interim CEO, Darren Smullen, thanked Newbridge Silverware and Royal Curragh Golf Club for their dedication and support of Kare: "As a not-for-profit organisation, Kare relies on community support to expand our services, and we are extremely grateful for the generosity and commitment of Newbridge Silverware, Royal Curragh Golf Club and everyone who has supported the Kare Open over its 50 years. A special word of thanks goes to Mary Shortt, a tireless advocate and supporter of Kare whose dedication has been instrumental in ensuring that the Kare Open continues."
William Doyle, CEO of Newbridge Silverware, commented: "Our association with the Kare Open Golf Competition is of particular importance to Newbridge Silverware and especially the Doyle family. It goes back to a time long ago in connection with my parents, Mona and Dominic Doyle and we will aspire to continue this association well into the future."
