Danny’s Wish

To Meet Padraig Harrington

Meet Danny (17) from Portlaoise. Danny is a leukaemia survivor, who faced a three and a half year treatment journey. Danny remained resilient and discovered his passion for golf after the illness.  

His golf hero is Padraig Harrington, and after the illness he started to play golf with his dad every week at the local golf course. When Danny met with our Wishgranter Ailbhe he told her all about his golf wish and to meet with Padraig Harrington. 

Danny, his parents and his brother Sam recently received an invite to the Amgen Irish Open for an inside the ropes experience following Padraig Harrington at the Celebrity Pro-Am. Danny and his family arrived at the Slieve Donard hotel by the Royal County Down Golf Club and were greeted by Make-A-Wish Ireland, Amgen and DPWT staff. Shortly after, they were whisked away for breakfast at the luxury pavilion, overlooking the 18th green.  

Next, they walked down to the first hole where they were greeted by Padraig! Danny got to chat to Padraig about their shared passion of golf and receive some tips from the pro himself. As Padraig got to the first green, he turned around and handed his putter to Danny! It was time to put Padraig’s advice to use, and Danny stepped up and sank the putt with no mistake! All the practise with his dad in the weeks before were clearly paying off! He again stepped up on the second hole and sank a much more difficult putt, with the crowd erupting in cheers. It was a special moment for Danny as Padraig celebrated with him.  

Danny told us afterwards “Meeting Padraig was great; he was a gentleman. He made us feel very welcome on the course. The highlight of the day was when I got the two putts of Padraig. I sunk both of them. I was really nervous stepping up to them, but I got them first time anyways and I wasn’t taking another one. I was happy to get two out of two and hang up the boots.” 

Special thanks to Amgen, the DP World Tour and Padraig for their incredible support in granting this special wish for Danny.

Together we can make a difference for children.

Make-A-Wish Ireland has one simple aim – to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions, to bring hope, strength and happiness.

With your kind support, you can help us achieve that aim.

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