JP McManus Pro-Am organising committee named Limerick Persons of the month

The Organisers of the hugely successful JP McManus Pro-Am 2022 have been named as the Limerick Persons of the Month. The event, held in July 2022, saw thousands of people descend on Limerick to catch a glimpse of some of the best golfers in the world as well as an array of famous faces.

Ten of the top 11 golfers in the world took to the fairways at Adare Manor alongside a host of major celebrities for the invitational tournament.

Around 80,000 spectators attended the sold-out two-day event which raised millions of euro for charities in Limerick and across the Mid-West.

To salute the tireless work of the pro-am committee in making the event the success that it was, they have been awarded the Limerick Persons of the Month honour.

Andrew Bermingham, committee member, and Sue Ann Foley, the daughter of the tournament host JP McManus and his wife Noreen, were on hand at the Clayton Hotel in Limerick city to accept the award.

Andrew said that as a Limerick man he was “proud” to accept the award on behalf of the committee.

“The event was an undoubted success, which goes without saying. It was something that everyone can be proud of.

“Behind the scenes there were a few hiccups, which the public didn’t see. It raised an unbelievable amount of money for local charities.

“Everyone involved is really proud of the little things they did which came together to make such a successful event – 35,000 people each day, it was amazing”.

The golf tournament was four years in the making as it was postponed due to the Covid-19 restrictions.

Andrew continued: “It was a long and protracted process! Four years before it took place, I was approached to take on the role.

“Unfortunately, due to the pandemic it was cancelled and put back by a couple of years, so there was a four-year run in but it was very intense for the last year”.

There were a host of famous faces strolling around the grounds of the five-star resort during the event with Tiger Woods, Niall Horan and John Terry just some of the big names enjoying Limerick.

However, for Andrew, it was not the allure of celebrities that made the event for him, but instead the cause it was all for.

“There were a huge number of highlights. I was actually too busy to enjoy it! My highlight was when it was all done and dusted, I could look back and get a bit of comfort from raising money for local charities. When you see the things that the money went towards, you get a little chuffed with yourself and say ‘I had a little part to play in that’.”

A final figure for the amount raised has not yet been revealed as donations are still being counted.

The Limerick Person of the Month award is sponsored by the Limerick Leader, Southern, and the Clayton Hotel.

From the Limerick Leader