€10k donated to charities close to late Co Wexford sportsman’s heart

Donations of €5,000 each have been received by New Ross Community Hospital and the Dillon Quirke Foundation, following a charity golf tournament in memory of local man Anthony Rochford.

Young sports men and women and older people accessing services in later life are the main beneficiaries of the €12,000 in funds raised at the second annual Anthony Rochford Memorial Golf Classic, held at New Ross Golf Club.

Over 200 golfers competed for the Anthony Rochford Memorial trophy which was played in aid of the Dillon Quirke Foundation and the New Ross Community Care Home. The event was organised by members of Sydney Shamrocks GAA Club that will also benefit from some of the proceeds.

A talented sportsman, who played across Ireland and in Australia, Anthony (47), died tragically in October 2022.

“Last year’s inaugural event was such a success, raising over €12,000 for Pieta so we were delighted to see a full timesheet and such generosity shown by those who played and turned up again at New Ross Golf Club for the second outing,” explained his brother John Rochford.

“We are delighted that the classic in memory of Anthony is so well considered and supported and that worthwhile causes will benefit from it.”

The Dillon Quirke Foundation was chosen as one of the charities this year, given the GAA links with the organising group. “The foundation has already screened 10,000 young sports men and women for cardiac issues, and we felt this was an appropriate link, given Anthony’s passion for hurling having played with Geraldine O’Hanrahan’s, Wexford Minors, Lucan Sarsfields and Sydney Shamrocks. Hopefully the money we raised, along with all the other supporters of the foundation, will help identify and deter Sudden Adult Death Syndrome among health young people by early screening.”

Also chosen was the New Ross Community Care Home close to Anthony’s heart, having been supported by the hospital in his role for over 16 years as a Clinical Nurse for Cumas Day Care centre in New Ross, according to John.

“The New Ross Community Hospital offers such a wide range of service to the local community.

“We were delighted that Dan Quirke, Dillon’s father, joined us on the day along with Tipperary All Ireland hurling greats, Joe Hayes. They both commented on the similarities between Dillon and Anthony Rochford in terms of their personalities and the respect they held in their clubs and communities.”

Anthony’s mother and father, Ann and Sean Rochford – along with members of the family – were in attendance at New Ross Golf Clubhouse for the presentation of prizes. First prize, of a fourball in Waterville GC in Co Kerry, was won by Sean Gibbons, Matt Hanrahan, James Moran and Stephan Long.

“We would like to thank all our players, sponsors and those who assisted with the logistics of 2024 Golf Classic for their participation and for raising in excess of €12,000 for the various recipients. We also thank New Ross Golf Club for being such generous and gracious hosts and look forward already to a return there in 2025.”

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