Newtown golfer on Round of a Lifetime

NEWTOWN golfer Sean O'Neill is embarking on a unique adventure this week.

He is the first person outside the US to be invited by the 'Round of the Lifetime' charity to take part in an all-expenses-paid trip to play on a world-class golf course.

This Thursday he's heading off to Florida where he will play a round on the renowned TPC Sawgrass course.

Sean (19) has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that has resulted in him having a number of surgeries and a defibrillator inserted in his chest.

The condition means that Sean has had to give up all competitive sports. He was an avid hurler, playing centre back with Burgess for many years. He wore the No 6 jersey and he won a U16 B championship with his parish club.

About a year ago, his father Ger found a new outlet for his son in golf. Ger, a keen golfer himself, got lessons for Sean with Eamon Jones at Nenagh Golf Club.

Golf has thus become a new passion for Sean, a student of engineering at the University of Limerick, who plays pretty much every weekend. His father contacted ROAL to explain his son's case and word of Sean's selection came through earlier this year. Needless to say, he was barely able to conceal his delight when Round of a Lifetime invited him to play at Sawgrass.

“This is a big opportunity and I know I'm very fortunate to be able to go on the trip,” Sean said ahead of setting off. “I'm delighted I was chosen and very excited.

“I'd like to enjoy the trip and I'm glad ROAL lets me bring others because my parents have been very supportive and I'm happy I get to bring my dad, who introduced me to golf.”

 

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