I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer. The sudden approach of chilly weather has quickly reminded me that autumn is now upon us. With my children returning to school and the oncoming occasion of Halloween followed by Thanksgiving and Christmas cause my thoughts to once again return to my family.

These past few years I have been able to give back to my immediate family in Ireland with our annual Golf Outing held on Long Island in September to benefit St. Raphael's Hospital in L-~ County Cork. My brother Bernard flew in to join me on this successful day whereby all proceeds went to benefit the hospital that provides exceptional care for our younger brother John.

John, the second youngest in my family, has been a resident of St Raphael's for several years. He was born with autism but wasn't diagnosed with the problem until 12 years of age. Until that time, he was thought to be a very rambunctious and hyperactive child. Prior to his diagnosis, he had attended regular schools before moving to Lota, a special school focusing on his needs. John traveled to Lota daily and was excited by all the things he learned and tasks he was able to perform. When John reached adulthood, we had to find a place to care for his needs. Things became more difficult as our father passed away and our mother was faced with the tough task of caring for John.

Several months later, our mother died and the children were forced to find a place to care for John. Finally we came across St Raphael's Center which promised to provide excellent care for our brother. The time he has spent at St Raphael's has been fantastic and he has improved dramatically while he was has been there. Our family has continued to support John with regular visits and taking him away from the facilities for some weekends. On my many return trips to Cork since I have immigrated to the US in '82; [ regularly visit John at St Raphael's. I have encumbered the excellent staff and wonderful facilities and look forward to continued support for such loving care. Since St Raphael's is a non-government-funded hospital, they rely on benefits such as this golf tournament. I have not yet mastered the game of golf (I had to race nightfall despite the early start and I replaced more divots than I care to remember) but I thoroughly enjoyed myself during this wonderful benefit. I have put a lot of time and energy into this event as the beneficiary cares for my brother but I couldn't have pulled it all together without the benefit of many people who helped to organize this year's event. Besides the sponsors that have helped make this year's event a success; I also want to extend my thanks to the readers, family, and friends that picked up a set of clubs and joined me for the outing. None of this could have been possible without the help of Sean Mulligan. As the manager of The Links, he was instrumental along with his staff in accommodating us and bending over backwards to assist us.

I applaud the success of this year's tournament and hope to see even more of you on the golf course next year. Until then, I invite you to stop in and pay me a visit at Nevada Smith's if you are in the New York area. The staff, which has become a second family to me, make everyone else feel at home as well.