Golfer Padraig Harrington is “offering millions of euro worth of advertising space" on his tournament apparel through an auction in order to raise funds to support a family member that was recently paralyzed, according to Brian Keogh of the IRISH TIMES. Gerard Byrne, the cousin of Harrington's wife Caroline, “was paralysed for life following a recent road traffic accident.” Harrington this week said, “Gerard will need a lot of assistance in his life … so my current sponsors have agreed to allow me to offer all the branding on my clothing and bag to the highest bidder for three tournaments in March and April.” He added, “If somebody wants to have their branding on the front on my hat or if they want the golf bag or any other place, it’s up for auction for that three-week spell when I am playing the Shell Houston Open, the Masters Tournament and the RBC Heritage at Hilton Head. ... I am auctioning all my spots for that period and all my sponsors have agreed to give them up." Keogh noted Harrington has deals with Wilson Golf and FTI Consulting “reportedly worth a combined” US$20M. He wears the logos for Wilson Golf, the RA, Special Olympics and GoS Networks, among others (IRISH TIMES, 2/29).
