Fairway Feats and Friday Night Lights!
Cathal Lavelle Trophy Winners – Abbey Capital L-R Evin Comerford, Emma Fleming, Michael Griffin, and Sean Flynn
The 13th Annual basis.point Corporate Golf Challenge was more than just a day on the greens—it was a celebration of community, inclusion, and the transformative power of education.
192 golfers from across the Irish Funds industry brought their A-game to Milltown Golf Club. From power drives to graceful putts, it was a masterclass in style and swing, with teams proudly representing their companies in a spirit of friendly competition and shared purpose.
Waystone mean business on the 14th Teebox!
The introduction of a Live Scoring App brought a whole new level of excitement to the course. Players could track scores in real time, adding a dynamic edge to the competition and keeping everyone engaged right up to the final hole.
And then there were the moments that truly made the day unforgettable—not for their golfing prowess, but for their sheer entertainment value. Dan Herlihy’s remote control caddy car was the surprise hit of the tournament, zooming across fairways like a runaway robot vacuum, startling unsuspecting golfers as his clubs came flying toward them while Dan strolled behind like a man on a mission!
Not mentioning the team by name, but one group were so confident they began rehearsing their acceptance speech by the 14th hole—only to implode in spectacular fashion on the final green, proving that pressure and putting don’t mix. And let’s not forget our young guns on the Pay the Driver hole, who drove with power and style which occasionally resulted in foraging in the trees! But the true star of the show was Emma Fleming, Abbey Capital’s newest recruit and Irish international playing off +4, who dazzled us all with her effortless skill and reminded everyone what elite golf really looks like.
Evin Comerford and Emma Fleming accept the Cathal Lavelle Trophy from Nick Blake-Knox
This year’s rule change to encourage mixed participation made a real impact, with all top-performing teams featuring both male and female golfers. It was a proud moment for inclusion, and a powerful reflection of the evolving culture within our industry.
Congratulations to Abbey Capital Limited, winners of the Cathal Lavelle Trophy, with a gross score of 59 net 54.50. Their team—Evin Comerford, Michael Griffin, Emma Fleming, and Sean Flynn—led the field with precision and flair.
The evening was made even more memorable by a deeply moving address from Marie Boyne, who shared her personal journey with the Early Learning Initiative (ELI). Through ELI’s support, her son overcame developmental delays, and Marie discovered her own gift for inspiring and encouraging other families. Her story was a powerful reminder of why we come together—to make a real and lasting difference in people’s lives.
A huge thank you to auctioneer Sean Buckley, whose energy and charm helped raise vital funds, and to everyone who responded so generously. A word of gratitude for our event sponsors, Confluence, TMF, LEI Worldwide and Walkers, whose generosity helped create an unforgettable day. Thanks also to our volunteers Aoife Storey and Shane O’Sullivan for trojan work out on the Pay the Driver hole and to Ogier for helping prep the goody bags. Behind the scenes, the basis.point team were supported by a great organising committee — Dan Herlihy, Jack Lee, Alison Manley, Anne Keys and Nick Blake-Knox, bringing fresh energy and fun! Thank you one and all!
So as the sun set on another successful challenge, we were reminded that this event is more than just a competition. It’s a celebration of what we can achieve together—when we swing with purpose and putt with heart.
Here’s to the next chapter in our journey to transform lives through education. Book early for next year!
Winners: Abbey Capital 54.50
Best Gross: McCann FitzGerald LLP – 60 (-11)
2nd Place: The Panel – 55.8
3rd Place: HSBC – 55.99
Best Mixed Team: Simmons & Simmons Ireland – 57.06
Check out our full picture gallery. Photo credits Damien Eagers and Sara Hanley.
