News Information

Peter gets second part of his wish granted at 3 Irish Open
 
The second part of Peter McEnery’s 3 Irish Open wish was granted today by three-time Major champion, Padraig Harrington, at the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club.  The 14-year-old was given the chance of a lifetime as he got to play with his hero Harrington at the 3 Irish Open Pro-Am in Killarney.

Peter’s wish is part of the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s partnership with this year’s 3 Irish Open, which will also see Friday become Make-A-Wish Day a purple themed day on the Killarney Course with players and fans alike asked to wear purple for the day in support of the charity.
Peter, who lives with cystic fibrosis, was collected early this morning from his house by one of the official 3 Irish Open player cars before being transported to the Killarney Golf and Fishing Club where he met his hero Padraig Harrington on the practice tee.  Peter and Padraig hit a few practice balls before beginning their round as part of the 3 Irish Open Pro-Am 
Harrington, who is a Make-A-Wish, Ireland Ambassador and a huge supporter of the charity along with wife Caroline, was delighted to grant Peter’s wish.  The three-time Major Champion also presented Peter with Kartel golf shirts as worn by Padraig, to wear on his special day.
Kartel has also teamed up with Padraig Harrington to run a charity drive at this year’s 3 Irish Open by selling special edition poloshirts at the event to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation through the Padraig Harrington Charitable Foundation. The special edition shirts will be on sale at the Kartel Stand in the 3 Irish Open Sponsor's Village for the duration of the event until Sunday 1st August 2010.

Padraig Harrington, said; "It was a pleasure to help make the second part of Peter's wish come true today. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting and playing golf with him and he hit some great shots. Both Caroline and I have a close connection with Make-A-Wish and I was only too happy to help."

Elaine Carey, Sales and Marketing Director, 3 said; “It was fantastic to see Padraig granting the second part of Peter’s wish today.  For Peter to play golf with one of the world’s greatest players is a wish of every golf fan in the world.  The 3 Irish Open is an event for everyone and for us to be able to help make Peter’s wish come true this week is fantastic and everyone is looking forward to him receiving the last part of his wish at the weekend!”  

Susan O’Dwyer, Chief Executive, Make-A-Wish Foundation said; “Everyone around Peter this morning couldn’t help but smile as Peter stood beside Padraig Harrington and prepared to tee off .  Despite the weather, Peter’s grin could be seen for miles. Peter’s wish encapsulates the magic that Make-A-Wish create for every wish child and their family, allowing everyone to forget treatments, hospitals and even the illness for a short while. We would like to extend our thanks to 3, the European Tour, the players and official suppliers of the Tour for their help and support in creating the magic. “

The first part of Peter’s wish was granted last week as he was presented with a dream set of clubs from the equipment companies who sponsor the European Tour’s professionals, while the third and final part of Peter’s wish will be granted later in the tournament.  There will also be various fundraising activities at the 3 Irish Open in aid of Make-A-Wish to enable them to continue granting magical wishes.

Below are some fabulous photos from today- thank you to Sportsfile for the images.

Peter & Padraig Peter & Padraig