NEWROSS SENIORS
The prospects of holding our Christmas outing on Thursday looked very bleak indeed around the break of dawn with torrential raining pouring down. Thankfully it cleared in the morning and we got the go-ahead in dry but very heavy conditions underfoot.
Then we had a glorious day weather wise, with Old King Sol beaming down on us, Santa Claus coming with lots of extra prizes, and a fit-looking John Murphy arriving suitably tanned from his sojourn in Lanzarote.
But the ‘Dub’, Mr. B.D., said it was all a fake tan slobbered on that morning. With all teams back in the clubhouse having completed their game, the heavens opened, showing that these hardy veterans must have a great pull with the Man up above as he looks after us every Thursday without fail.
An 18-hole champagne scramble was the correct call for the day that was in it, and with bunkers out of play each and every team had a fighting chance.
There were 15 teams taking part and, with a prize for everyone in the audience, no team member went home empty handed-thanks to the procurement of a range of prizes by Tony Harford.
As usual there were tales of missed putts, bad chips, and topped drives at the dinner table afterwards where we were served a sumptuous four-course meal which all enjoyed. Compliments go to the chef and the serving staff, who made sure no one was left hungry.
Then we had the presentation of prizes where the main winners were Tom Murphy (14), Steve Travis (18), Tony Sexton (24) and Tom Kent (26) who brought in a great score of 102 points.
Pipped at the post by a point (101) came John Kennedy (16), Robert O’Dwyer (20), Brian Dolan (22) and Jamesie Wallace (23).
Third spot went to Jim ‘Ross’ Ryan (18), Aidan O’Connor (19), Dan Quigley (20) and Billy Redmond (21), clocking up 99 points. In fourth place with 97 points were Denis Kirwan (11), Willie Whitty (18), Kieran O’Grady (22) and Les Jastrebski (25).
On 95 points, John F. Roche (16), John Murphy, the tanned one (17), Tom O’Neill (19) and Seán O hUginn (20) were placed fifth, whilst Patsy Farrell (14), Peter Goggin, the new Captain (16), Martin Forristal (20) and Frank Boyle (20) took the sixth prize.
All other competing teams shared in the remaining prizes on offer.
Nearest the pin prizes went to Tom Kent (ninth hole), Eddie Keher (eleventh hole), and Robert O’Dwyer (14th hole).
Our last game for 2016 will be on Thursday as the club classic takes precedence over the Christmas period.