SaifInsure Archives - SAIF Insure

The 30^th Kee Cup was held in Ireland at the beginning of May, we stayed at the Portmarnock Resort & Jameson Golf Links, played over three days with 14 funeral directors (SAIF) vs. 14 trade suppliers, with the first two days being played in pairs on Portmarnock Links Golf Club and County Louth Golf Club. After two days the match was finally poised 7.5 -6.5 in favour of the SAIF team.

After a fine evening at Bad Bobs in Dublin hosted by SAIFInsure a late tee time was ordered on the final day, all to play for with 14 singles matches ahead on the very impressive Island golf course. The match went down to the last game with Andy Hampton from West & Coe winning that all important point for the SAIF team, the final score was 14.5-13.5 to SAIF, we couldn’t have hoped for a better match played with great spirit throughout.

We were delighted to welcome new players from Dublin with local funeral directors Massey Brothers represented and James Collier from Emslie S Collier in Montrose as well as welcoming back John Byrne from Fleetwood and it was particularly pleasing to see P & S Gallagher continuing to be represented this time by Eric Williams in Pat’s absence. They all received the obligatory nicknames and sang their initiation songs with gusto. As ever, misdemeanours were penalised by the Finemaster (Brian Hart) and the event raised £1500 which will be split between the Presidents charity and Pat Gallaghers charity.

After 30 years it’s time for a change and two new Captains were anointed, as Gary Neill and Brian Hart both stepped down. Daniel Ginder is the new Captain from SAIF and David Spittle (Bradnam Joinery) is the new Captain for SAIFInsure, and there is also a small committee now to organise the event which has grown and developed significantly over the years.

We would like to thank our very kind sponsors for this event, SAIFInsure, Daniel Robinson & Sons, Laurelo, RNS Publications, Bradnams, Healix Health, Westerleigh, Legacy Expressions, Greg Molyneux, Richard Edwards & Pat Gallagher

If any trade supplier or funeral director would like to get involved either with sponsorship or to play next year, Please contact Terry Tennens at SAIF HQ.

In 1994, the first SAIFInsure Ryder Cup match took place to mark the start of a relationship with SAIF that now spans 30 years. Now, in 2024, (7^th to the 10^th May), 28 funeral directors and suppliers to the Profession will gather in Dublin at the famous Portmarnock Resort & Golf Links to commemorate 30 years of the event which is now known as The Kee Cup to remember our good friend and supporter, Gordon Kee.

Whilst it’s an event built on fun and camaraderie, there is a serious side to the event in that it brings the profession and its suppliers together; many business relationships have been built or strengthened over the period as well as a significant amount of monies raised to support the SAIF President’s charity of that particular year. All raised through the various mishaps and schoolboy errors of the participants.

This year also marks the last time that Brian Hart of SAIFInsure will head up the SAIFInsure/Associates team as he has from the start and Gary Neill who has led the SAIF team for much of the past 30 years as 30 years is a good point to step down but not away. Going forward, the event will be run by a small committee so any SAIF member or Associate who may wish to play is very welcome to contact either Brian or Gary so that they can be included for future events.

SAIFInsure is proud and delighted to have reached this milestone alongside SAIF and its members and we hope that all who are attending have a wonderful time. Our thanks also go those who have supported us in the past and are perhaps unable to attend this time. We look forward to seeing you soon.

KEE CUP 2024 – Two Captains, signing off.

SaifInsure Ryder Cup – 30 Years on