A trophy fit for a King – and a staggering amount of money raised in his honour.
George ‘Billy’ McCarthy would have been delighted – maybe even a little shell shocked that an amazing £25k would be raised in his memory.
His family, led by wife Natasha were delighted and celebrated with the winning team at a socially distanced prize giving after the Red CCTV Golf Day.
Natasha, said: “To have a Golf competition played in Billy’s memory is really special, its very touching. I’d like to say thank you to Rob, you have done an incredible job and everyone had a great time.
“Without getting too choked, it is pretty special that you have done this and he would be dying. How special?
“Couldn’t have picked a better trophy or a better name!”
The George
Red CCTV Managing Director, Rob Kennedy, said: “It was a brilliant day and I’m thrilled we were able to raise so much money for such a great cause.
“Billy would have been blown away by what we achieved in his honour and it was brilliant that Tash was able to join us for the prize giving.
“The socially distancing rules meant we had to do it all slightly differently but we pulled off and had a great day for an amazing cause.
Fastflow Energy Services secured the inaugural ‘George’ Cup with a brilliant team performance at the Red CCTV Golf Day, held at the magnificent The Mere Golf Resort and Spa on Friday October 2, 2020.
They were the best on the course, heading off interest from 19 teams of four, in an event held, against the odds given the current Covid-19 restrictions.
The Morson Group were runners-up, with BAM Nuttall finishing a solid third after a wonderful day of golf, and decent weather conditions.
Manchester United legend Denis Irwin secured the nearest the pin prize, Tom Owen of Flannery Plant Hire the longest drive and G Leith of QTS the straightest drive.
But the real action followed the golf, as the generosity and goodwill of those attending went onto raise a staggering socially distanced £25k.
Inspiration
Red CCTV MD Rob Kennedy said: “Billy was my best friend. The way he never refused to give up and the way he fought on is an inspiration to us all.
“If we can do a little bit of good to help fight the fight and support others going through this, then that is amazing.
“I’d like to thank everyone who attended and, of course, to those who donated and bid for our wonderful auction prizes.
“The event was supported by our incredible sponsors, who sponsored various prizes and individual holes but I have to say a particular tribute to Ged Mason and the Morson Group, who yet again showed incredible generosity by sponsoring the event and then the auction.”
Ged Mason, CEO of The Morson Group, surprised everyone by flying into the Mere alongside legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Having already secured the main sponsorship of the day, he was the winning bidder for a unique gold football, presented to Roy Keane and the Republic of Ireland team at the 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan.
Andrew McHale of McHale and Co secured a signed Riyad Mahrez Manchester City shirt, Peter O’Connor a signed Manchester United shirt
Covid Safe
Kennedy, added: “It was a brilliant day and, considering the issues we had prior to the event and concern over Covid-19, huge relief that it played out so successfully.
“I would also like to say thank you to the staff at the Mere, my own team at Red CCTV and our guests for staying safe, paying attention to the Covid-19 rules, socially distancing and doing their bit to ensure this day went ahead at all.
“The Golf Day was a risk because of the Covid pandemic but, we did everything required and more, to ensure everyone stayed safe.”
Red CCTV utilised their innovative Halo Shield Body Temperature Monitoring System to scan guests as they arrived.
Social distancing strictly adhered too, and face masks were worn whenever guests entered the hotel and moved around inside.
Red CCTV flagship Halo CCTV Tower captured the action as golfers played the nearest the pin par-three seventh hole, whilst the Halo Scout was recording those teeing off on the eight.
The George will be an annual event and next year it is hoped a black tie ball will follow the golf with entertainment into the evening.