Celebrating 31 Years of Impact: The 2025 Eithne & Paddy Memorial Fund Golf Tournament

Now in its 31st year, the Eithne & Paddy Memorial Fund Golf Tournament once again brought together friends, supporters, and community leaders for a day of purpose and celebration at the iconic Sleepy Hollow Country Club, north of New York City. With its breathtaking Hudson River views and its ranking among the top 100 courses in the USA (#59), Sleepy Hollow was the perfect backdrop for this meaningful annual tradition.

Established by John Fitzpatrick in memory of his beloved parents, the Eithne & Paddy Memorial Fund has become a beacon of generosity, having raised over $5 million to date in support of vital causes across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the United States. The Fund supports programs that expand educational opportunities, assist families and children impacted by serious illness, deliver essential social services to the elderly, and promote peace and reconciliation in areas of conflict.

This year, we were thrilled to introduce a new tradition: The Inaugural Community Impact Award, presented to Neil J. Hennessy in recognition of his outstanding dedication to community service and philanthropy. Our sincere congratulations to Neil on this well-deserved honor.

We were proud to have Kathy and Neil Hennessy and The Hennessy Funds as the Presenting Sponsors of this year’s event. Their exceptional support helped elevate the occasion and deepen its impact. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to our Platinum Sponsor, LBT Mechanical Corp., for their continued generosity and commitment to the Memorial Fund’s mission.

This year’s tournament once again culminated in a gala awards dinner, where guests gathered to celebrate not only the day’s achievements on the course, but also the enduring friendships and shared purpose that define this event.

The Fund is privileged to continue supporting remarkable organisations such as The Ireland Funds, The Wicklow Hospice Project, The New York Irish Center, Solace House, Corporation Ireland, As I Am, The Integrated Education Fund, Barretstown, Barnardos, O’Hanlon Boxing Club, and many others.

We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all of our sponsors, whose generosity makes this event, and the life-changing work it supports, possible.

A special thank you goes to our dedicated Golf Tournament Committee, whose tireless efforts behind the scenes ensured the event’s success:, Shane Cookman, Brian Davey, Shane Fabio, Siona Gomes, Mike Jones, Peter Kidd, David Lavelle, Patrick Leyden, Chris O’Sullivan, Sharon Persaud, Karina Reyes.

And finally, heartfelt thanks to the Fitzpatrick Hotel team and the amazing volunteers who gave their time and energy on the day. Your contribution is an integral part of what makes this event so special.

Here’s to 31 years of generosity, legacy, and collective impact, and to many more to come.

 

Your 2024 Shopping Extravaganza Guide when staying at Fitzpatrick’s Hotels

We know that staying at Fitzpatrick’s hotels in New York City is a treat within itself, with its Irish charm and wonderful hospitality. But what truly elevates your stay is the Hotel’s prime locations, placing you right in the heart of Manhattan’s vibrant shopping scene. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a tech aficionado, or someone who loves to shop till they drop’, there’s something for everyone just a short stroll away.

Start your shopping adventure at Banana Republic where you’ll find a range of sophisticated yet casual wear. From tailored blazers to chic dresses, Banana Republic is perfect for both your business meeting and evening outings in the city.

A must visit for tech lovers of course is Apple, you can visit Apple Grand Central, a 5 minute walk from our Grand Central location or the iconic store on 5th Avenue, which is quite the landmark. The store is open 24 hours so if you are struggling with jet lag upon arrival, or are simply too excited by the city that never sleeps, why not pop down to check out the latest iPhone, MacBook or Apple Watch!

For those who prioritise fitness, the LuLulemon on Madison Avenue is a haven for high performance and trendy sportswear. The store hosts free yoga and fitness classes so you can stay fit and healthy whilst looking out for your next workout ensemble!

Loft, located just a few blocks away from Fitzpatrick’s Grand Central is perfect for finding trendy and affordable women’s clothing. It has a wide selection of all types of tops, dresses, trousers and stylish options for every occasion. Their petite and plus size lines ensure every shopper can find something crafted for them!

If you are after trendy and unique inspired looks then head down to Urban Outfitters on 3rd Avenue, the store has everything from vintage inspired clothing to fun home decor. It is the perfect place to find a standout piece for your wardrobe or a quirky gift for a friend.

To amplify the luxury of your stay, you can indulge your senses at Bath & Body Works. Here you can stock up on luxury lotions, fragrances and candles. The store is ideal for treating yourself to some self care essentials.

Located conveniently close to our Grand Central location is Ann Taylor. If you are looking for a classic and polished look, you can avail of a collection of elegant women’s clothing, perfect for professional and formal occasions.

Why not make a quick stop at Coach and check out the high-quality leather goods and timeless designs of handbags, wallets and accessories. Their flagship store provides an exceptional shopping experience where you can shop their latest collection and pick up a piece that will last you a lifetime.

If you are looking for something more opulent, the Chanel boutique on Madison Avenue, just a stone’s throw from our Manhattan location, is a sanctuary of high fashion where you can immerse yourself in the world of their iconic handbags and fashion collections. Similarly, if you are looking for a statement necklace or timeless watch, BVLGARI on Fifth Avenue offers a stunning array of luxury fine jewellery, watches, and accessories.

The iconic Rockefeller Center located between both hotels, is a hub of shopping, dining, and entertainment. Home to a variety of high-end stores and unique boutiques, Rockefeller Center offers something for every shopper. Of course, a trip to New York City wouldn’t be complete without visiting the famous FAO Schwarz. From the giant piano to life sized stuffed animals it is a wonderful location for both kids and adults alike.

If you’re staying at our Manhattan location, you must take the opportunity to visit the iconic New York department store that is Bloomingdale’s. Located just a short walk away, Bloomingdale’s offers a wide range of high-end fashion, accessories, beauty products, and home goods. Did you know that Bloomingdale’s has made numerous appearances on the big and small screens? It has been featured in movies and TV shows like Moulin Rouge, Friends, Serendipity, and Rent, among many others!

Staying at either Fitzpatrick’s location puts you in the midst of some of the best shopping in New York City. With such a diverse range of stores and brands nearby, you can easily spend a day (or two) indulging in retail therapy. Allow us to accommodate your every need when you return after your spree! Happy shopping!

Celebrating 30 years of the Eithne and Paddy Fitzpatrick Memorial Fund with the annual Golf Tournament

To commemorate his parents, John founded The Eithne & Paddy Memorial Fund, celebrated annually through a prestigious golf tournament at the exclusive Sleepy Hollow Country Club, located north of New York City. Ranked 59th among the top 100 courses in the USA, Sleepy Hollow provides a picturesque setting for the event, which culminates in a gala awards dinner.

The Memorial Fund is profoundly grateful to LBT Mechanical, their main sponsor for this special 30th-anniversary event. Their generous support was instrumental in the success of the event this year, enabling the fund to continue raising money for a variety of deserving causes across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and the United States. The initiatives focus on expanding educational opportunities, helping families and children affected by serious illnesses, delivering social services to the elderly, and fostering peace and understanding in troubled areas.

This year, in honor of President Bill Clinton and Secretary Hillary Clinton, a signature grant will be made to The Clinton Scholarship Fund at Queen’s University Belfast. The Fund will also be making a grant to the New York Irish Center and these significant contributions underscore the fund’s commitment to education and community development.

To date, the fund has raised over $5,000,000, supporting charities such as The Ireland Funds, The Wicklow Hospice Project, The New York Irish Centre, Solace House, Corporation Ireland, As I Am, O’Hanlon Boxing Club, The Integrated Education Fund, Barretstown, Barnardos, and many others.

The event is not just about golf but a celebration of friendship, legacy, and the collective impact of coming together. Fitzpatrick Hotels and The Memorial Fund would like to thank all of the sponsors for their continued support and for joining them in celebrating three decades of giving back and making a difference at this year’s golf event. Finally a big thank you to the hotel team who worked tirelessly on the committee and to the golf volunteers who dedicated their time and effort on the day.