My late father was a great golfer. He played twice a week without fail, and as a teenager I used to tag along. I never stuck with it, and although I may not have been Pearse streets answer to Rory Mc Illroy, I wish I had kept it up. It is a great way to keep fit, a great opportunity to build friendships and business relationships.

Last year, I was presented with the opportunity to sponsor a Golf tournament called The Social Media Open. The tournament was scheduled for April, and is an International Pairs Tournament for likeminded golfers, that are lovers of the game, and lovers of fun.

I spoke with Tom Kennedy, the tournament organiser. He sent me on pictures of the courses and I realised that not only would this be good exposure for my business on social media platforms, but it was also a great excuse to whisk my wife away for a few days, spending quality time together in some of the most picturesque places in the county. Alas, life got in the way, and we never managed to get outside of Dublin for the duration of the tournament.

All was not lost, thanks to the power of social media. Facebook and Twitter were a real time reminder of what we had missed, and the weather was glorious for the competition. There is no place in the world quite as beautiful as Ireland, when the sun shines down upon her.

Tom Kennedy was a pleasure to work with. In the lead up to the competition it was a real surprise when I was informed that one of the prizes had been named in honour of my dad. The ‘Caillin Conefrey Memorial Shield.’ What a wonderful compliment to me, and I think my Dad would have got a real kick out of knowing a trophy was named after him.

The shield was presented to John Simpson and Nick Coolen. It would have been a very proud moment for me presenting that shield to the winners, but I simply couldn’t attend. I regret that.

My hope is to be involved in the 2016 tournament. Not only will I make sure to have the break with my lovely wife, maybe I will also get to present the ‘Caillin Conefrey Memorial Shield’ to next year’s winners.

It was the first time I have sponsored a sporting event outside the locality, and I will be there, with my Dad in spirit to present the next one.

You can also check the Social Media Open on Facebook at www.facebook.com/SocialMediaOpen or on Twitter @SMOpen. They have a wonderful selection of photos from all over the country on their Facebook page, and I have attached a selection of shots from the presentation. Enjoy!!