Pakistani Golfers Ireland raises €10,000 for Saplings Special School
Dr Zulifqar Ali, Amir Iqbal, Tanveer Alam presenting a cheque for €10,000 to Sapling Special School’s Principal, Lesley Brant and Cian Dooley, Gillian Cunningham, Harry Jordan, Kian Morgan-Keogh, Joe Donnegan, Evan Grehan, Michelle Fitzpatrick
The spirit of community and philanthropy shone brightly this July at Powerscourt Golf Club, where the annual Pakistan Golf Cup, organised by Pakistani Golfers Ireland, successfully raised €10,000 for Saplings Special School in Carlow.
This generous donation will fund a lease of iPads, directly enhancing the educational experience for 30 students with autism and complex needs.
For the school’s pre-verbal and minimally verbal students, this technology is transformative.
The iPads will host vital AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) apps, giving these children new voices.
Beyond communication, the devices will support highly individualised learning in literacy, numeracy, and regulation, while allowing staff to tailor support with unprecedented precision.
“This investment will have a direct and immediate impact on how our students communicate, learn and regulate,” explained Principal Lesley Brant, expressing her school’s profound gratitude.
Now in its second charitable year, the event underscores the Pakistani community’s deep commitment to giving back to Ireland.
“Ireland has welcomed our community with warmth... Giving back is our way of showing appreciation,” said co-founder Dr. Nasir Awan.
The funds, raised through sponsorships and donations with key support from the Pakistan Ireland Business Council, reflect a powerful blend of sportsmanship and shared purpose.
The tournament itself was a celebration of this growing fellowship.
Seventy-two golfers participated, including H.E. Melitta Schubert, Ambassador of Austria, with Usman Shaukat emerging as champion.
From its humble beginnings in 2018 with 18 players, Pakistani Golfers Ireland has flourished into an 85-member club, proudly hosting events across Ireland’s premier courses.
This year’s Cup not only crowned a winner but, more importantly, forged a lasting connection that will empower vulnerable students to find their voice and reach their potential.
