Mornington

A LOAD OF BALLS IN DAYS GONE BY AT GOLF CLUB

Congratulations to my cousin Jimmy Clynch who has been made president of Laytown and Bettystown golf club for 2019.

In 1947Jimmy, who was half my age would tag along with me on occasions. We would spend a lot of time on the golf course running around with a rusty headed one iron with a wooden handle and hitting shots all over the place. Now this would be only when there was noproper golfers about.

In those days the golf course ran down as far as the maiden tower in Mornington which was about eighty yards east of the green and about 20 yards from the lady’s which was north of the green.

Some days I would go on my own to “look” for golf balls and conceal myself behind some hills on the course where some golf balls landed and before they stopped rolling, they would be in my pocket before the golfers arrived at the location. I

n due course the pockets were bulging with illegal contraband. The cargo would then be discharged into rabbit holes.

That evening after having a bit to eat I would call for Jimmy and ask him would he like to look for some golf balls.

Jimmy wouldn’t know about the contents of some of the rabbit holes before we “searched”. After all the relevant rabbit holes were

emptied we would have a share out and later in the week we would sell them to golfers for a few pennies which gave us the entrance fee to the local sweet shop Dinah’s, which was also a post office. Jimmy would often ask me how I knew which hole to look in.

My memory nowadays is so vague that I can’t remember if I told him. Must ask him

EAST MEATH BRIDGE CLUB

N/S 1st Joan Smith & Marita Leech. 2nd Ann Kirwan & Bernie McDonnell.

Gross Maida McGowan & Alice O’Neill.

E/W 1st Bart Broderick & Toni Leech. 2nd Vincent & Ann O’Brien.

Gross Bridie Durnin & Maurice Stokes.

EAST MEATH HOSPICE ASSOCIATION

Volunteer drivers to are required to take patients to and from hospital appointments, Dublin or Drogheda. If you would like to help please contact 087 2100036.