Golfing for a great cause as Ronan Keating hosts the Marie Keating Foundation 27th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic
07 August 2025 – The Marie Keating Foundation’s Annual Celebrity Golf Classic, proudly sponsored by Skechers, teed off in style again this year on the stunning Palmer South Course at the K-Club, with guests from across entertainment, sport and media gathering for one of Ireland’s most celebrated charity events.
Now in its 27th year, the event continues to raise vital funds to support the Foundation’s life-saving work. This year’s goal is to raise €100,000 to help fund the charity’s cancer survivorship and support services — all of which are provided completely free of charge. These services play a crucial role in supporting people at every stage of a cancer journey, from diagnosis through treatment and beyond, while also advancing awareness and early detection across Ireland.
The event is hosted annually by the Foundation’s Patron and Co-Founder Ronan Keating.
Some thirty teams participated and had the unique opportunity to play with an array of celebrities and sporting legends including Keith Duffy, Brian McFadden, Shane Byrne, Shay Given, Andrew Trimble and more.
Founded in memory of Marie Keating, the beloved mother of the Keating family, the Foundation is now one of the leading voices in Ireland for cancer prevention, awareness and support. They are committed to being there for people diagnosed with cancer and their families at every step of a cancer journey.
Funds raised from this year’s event will go directly towards the Foundation’s vital support and survivorship services. These include structured programmes that are designed to help people at every step of a cancer journey — from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. The Foundation is deeply committed to ensuring that no one faces cancer alone, offering a range of free services that nurture resilience, confidence and wellbeing.
Among these are the Survive & Thrive Programmes — structured eight-week sessions designed to help cancer survivors rebuild strength, confidence and connection after treatment. Also supported is the Positive Living Programme, which offers a series of uplifting sessions each year for people living with metastatic cancer, providing emotional and practical guidance to help them live well with their diagnosis.
These vital services are a lifeline for many and the funds raised through the Golf Classic will ensure the Foundation can continue to be there when it matters most.
The Golf Classic was one of the very first fundraising events launched by the Foundation—and has since evolved into a flagship annual gathering.
Ronan Keating, Patron and Co-Founder of the Marie Keating Foundation: “It’s incredible to think we’re now in our 27th year of the Marie Keating Foundation Golf Classic. We simply couldn’t do it without the ongoing support of Skechers — huge thanks to Mr Richard Parker and the entire team at Skechers for being such valued partners. The K-Club has once again been a wonderful host and it’s always a pleasure to reconnect with familiar faces and welcome new ones. We’re so grateful to everyone who entered teams or donated auction prizes and helped make this year’s event such a success.
“The funds raised today will go directly towards supporting the Foundation’s vital cancer support and survivorship services — helping us be there for people at every step of their cancer journey. From tailored survivorship programmes to practical and emotional support, every single contribution makes a real difference in the lives of those we support.”
Richard Parker, Managing Director of Skechers UK & Ireland added: “We’re honoured to once again support the Marie Keating Foundation Celebrity Golf Classic and the critical work of the Foundation. At Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company ®, we understand that comfort and care extend beyond our products—it’s about giving back and supporting people and communities. Sponsoring the Marie Keating Foundation Celebrity Golf event allows us to do that.”
For more information or to support the Marie Keating Foundation, visit www.mariekeating.ie.
