While the Play in Pink campaign in aid of the National Breast Cancer Research Institute has reached over 200 golf clubs in Ireland, there’s still no shortage of space for clubs to make a lasting impact in the fight against this prevalent disease.
One in seven Irish women are diagnosed with breast cancer but the Research Programme at Lambe Institute, Galway, is having a profound impact on those fighting the disease through improved diagnosis and treatment options.
Inspired by a passionate presentation from Play in Pink National Co-Ordinator, Miriam Hand, Doreen McGettigan had no hesitation introducing the charity to Wicklow Golf Club in 2017 where it now enjoys a permanent place in the calendar on the May Bank Holiday each year.
“It really struck a chord with me about just how important the research is,” says McGettigan.
“I’ve seen first-hand how new information coming out of these research programmes has saved lives so when I went to the club to pitch for a Play in Pink Day, it was never a question, we got it straight away. And with this support, we now have an annual Play in Pink Day at Wicklow Golf Club from now on and I’m just so proud of it.”
Despite the heavy subject matter, a light-hearted air filters through the golf club on Play in Pink days, unifying the membership to band together behind a cause and raise a whopping €53,000 over the years for Breast Cancer Research.
“The support blows me away every year,” says McGettigan having raised €9,800 in May. “Women, kids, boys and girls. Even the lads, they might’ve been a bit shy about dressing up the first year but now they’re looking for their best pink outfits long before the day!
“The Committee is 100 percent behind it. It’s a team effort. We don’t run it at a big cost. The golf club gives us the course for free and if I get twenty euro from everyone on the day I’m happy.
“That includes an auction at the raffle. This year we got €1,000 for a framed signed flag from Rory McIlroy. Shane Lowry donated one last year. We’re going after Padraig Harrington next!”
As McGettigan mentions, low costs mean there’s few barriers to entry for new clubs wanting to Play in Pink. A twenty euro fee at Wicklow covers golf and raffle tickets, while an afternoon tea for the wider community on a separate day around the event meant Wicklow was able to raise funds while raising the profile of the club, and Play in Pink at the same time.
“I want every club in Ireland to be doing this,” says McGettigan. “There’s so much more room for others to get involved.
“I know times aren’t easy and that some golf clubs are stuck for a few bob but I believe if you give to a good charity like this, you get it back ten-fold.
“It’s such an important cause, and as fun and all as we try to make the day, it’s also an opportunity to educate a lounge full of people about breast cancer. About the importance of checking themselves for lumps and bumps and above all, it’s spreading a message of hope.
“We have a number of women playing at the club who are survivors of breast cancer. Some have been through it twice and they’re still going strong. I know we all have other organisations to support but for me, it’s the research that’s the crucial thing. I’ve seen first-hand that it works.”
More than €550,000 was raised for Play in Pink in 2023 alone and with increased exposure through the KPMG Women’s Irish Open, as well as the continued and growing support of clubs like Wicklow, the fight against breast cancer is increasingly becoming one we can win.
“Just do it,” McGettigan urges of clubs maybe on the fence about Play in Pink. “They won’t regret it.
“I’m so proud of our little golf club. Of every man, woman and child in it for getting behind a charity that means so much to us all.”
- To see the full schedule of Play in Pink Days remaining for 2024, CLICK HERE
- To join over 200 clubs and register for a Play in Pink Day, CLICK HERE