ONtheFAIRWAYS
NEW ROSS LADIES
Wednesday, October 19, 14-hole stableford sponsored by Bailey’s Framing & Gift Centre: 1, Mary Kavanagh (8), 27 points (last seven); 2, Marie Therese Wall (21), 27 points; 3, Teresa Byrne (23), 26 points (last seven).
Upcoming competitions: Wednesday, October 26, 14-hole stableford (club); Wednesday, November 2, 14hole stableford Senior (club); Wednesday, November 9, 14-hole stableford (club).
The ladies’ A.G.M. will be on Thursday, November 10.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
We had a very busy time last week, starting off with our annual visit to our colleagues in Faithlegg on Tuesday.
There we played in a very enjoyable champagne scramble where we mixed players from both clubs in the 18 teams competing. As usual our group got a very warm welcome from the Faithlegg organisers, Frank Walsh, Tony Brennan and John Fitzgerald, which was very much appreciated.
A shotgun start sharp at 10 a.m. got proceedings under way, and with the weather in good mood all was set for some great rounds of golf. The course itself was in top-class order and high scores were to be expected.
It turned out that way as the top four teams finished like steps of stairs, the winners scoring 97 points, the second 96, the third 95, and the fourth 94.
Highlight of the winning team’s performance was provided by Patsy Farrell who contributed no less than 48 points of the total, being only one over on the back nine. It was some shooting and no doubt the handicapper is sharpening his scissors.
Taking the bragging rights were Martin Mooney (16, Faithlegg), Michael Lee (16), Patsy Farrell (19) and Jim Kehoe in first place with the aforementioned total of 97 points.
In second place on 96 points came Dave Kirby (16, Faithlegg), Luke Power (19), Dan Quigley (20) and Michael Morrissey (25, Faithlegg).
The 95 points scored by Bob Doyle (10), Robert Hill (16, Faithlegg), Brian Downey (20, Faithlegg) and Tom Kent (26) took the third spot. In fourth place were Dermot Maloney (9, Faithlegg), Eddie Keher (9), P. Walsh (19, Faithlegg) and Willie Naddy (20)
Back on home territory last Thursday, whether it was fatigue or jetlag, scoring was way down on recent returns. Even with placing on the fairways, nevertheless players found great difficulty in reaching the greens in regulation.
With the autumn air rather dead, there was little or no carry on the ball, this perhaps contributing to the low scoring.
With 85 points, the team of John Shalloe (5), Johnny Watson (18), Jim Kehoe (24) and Oliver Brennan (26) took the first prize. A point behind (84 points) and in second spot came Richie Aylward (18), Hughie O’Connor (18), Willie Naddy (19) and Larry Shannon (20).
In third place were John Kennedy (16), Jim ‘Ross’ Ryan (18), Paddy Mahony (18) and Martin Hartley (22), bagging 81 points.
We honoured our friend and colleague, John Kennedy, last Thursday on reaching his 80th birthday recently. ‘The Sarge’ as he is popularly known is still driving them long and straight down the middle of the fairway, and long may it continue.
On a sadder note, the Seniors group extend their deepest sympathy to our friendly barman, Anthony Connick, on the recent death of his father, Liam. Similar condolences go to Jim Meggs whose sister, Alice McMahon, recently passed away in Dublin. May both the deceased rest in peace.
COURTOWN
Ladies’ and gents’ singles hamper, Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9 - gents: 1, Alan McDonald (3), 36 points (last nine); 2, Keith McKiernan (19), 36 points; day one, Paddy Donohoe (6), 35 points (last nine); day two, Martin McDonnell (16), 35 points (last nine).
Ladies: 1, Mary Halford (23), 36 points (last nine); day one, Mary Grogan (29), 36 points; day two, Bernie Collins (23), 36 points.
Weekly turkey: Cat. 1, Vinnie Kavanagh (12), 23 points; Cat. 2, Tommy Kinsella (18), 20 points (last six).
Wednesday sweep, October 12: 1, Alan Lawlor (18), 33 points; 2, Vinny Kavanagh (12), 32 points; 3, Colin Sunderland (7), 31 points (last nine); 4, Tom Ryan (20), 31 points (32-1).
Any combination fourball, October 15 and 16: 1, Vinny Kavanagh (12), Denise Kavanagh (14), 34 points; 2, Joe Sinnott (19), Vincent Lumsden (15), 34 points (back six); 3, Ollie Quigley (13), Jimmy Woods (13), 31 points (back nine).
Weekly turkey: Cat. 1, Ed O’Brien (6), 20 points; Cat. 2, Brian Spencer (27), 22 points.
Wednesday sweep, October 19: 1, Joe Kavanagh (28), 33 points (last nine); 2, John Dixon (18), 33 points; 3, Pat Carthy (16), 30 points (last nine); 4, Gerry O’Riordan (25), 30 points (last six).
Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23, singles - gents: 1, Paddy Donohoe (6), 29 points; 2, Peter Travers (19), 28 points (last nine); 3, Tom Lynch (10), 28 points (last three); 4, Niall Murray, 28 points; ladies: 1, Helen Mundow (30), 28 points; 2, Sarah Donnellan (7), 25 points (last six).
Weekly turkey: Cat. 1, Paddy Donohoe (6), 21 points; Cat. 2, John Dixon (18), 22 points.
BUNCLODY
October 15 and 16, singles stableford: 1, Seán Earley (7), 41 points; 2, Simon Black (5), 38 points; gross, Clive Murphy (5), 30 points; 3, Paddy McDonald (23), 38 points; 4, Damian Maher (17), 37 points.
October 17, Senior open: 1, Philip Galligan (13), 36 points; 2, Paul Costello (9, Druids Glen), 35 points.
October 19, Wednesday open singles: 1, Ian Munnelly (19), 44 points; 2, Gearóid Grant (18), 36 points; 3, John Mulligan (4, Naas), 35 points; best lady, Rachel Nestor (26, Bray), 31 points.
ENNISCORTHY LADIES
The last qualifying competition of 2016 was won by Nicola Jacob with a great score of 41 points.
Winter rules are now in play and eleven holes competitions will be commencing shortly. It was another lovely autumn’s day for golf.
Results: 1, Nicola Jacob (15), 41 points; 2, Mary Halligan (29), 37 points; 3, Anne Harvey (15), 36 points.
The end-of-season scramble was also held on a lovely sunny day and only one shot separated the top three teams. The Martin Doyle perpetual trophy was presented to the winning team.
Results: 1, Eimear McGrath, Clare Lambert, Joan Dunne (7.5), 49.5; 2, Joan Miller, Mary Breen, Phil Boyd (8.2), 49.8; 3, Elizabeth Browne, Kay Ryan, Breda Coffey (7.5), 50.5.
On the social front there’s great excitement in the club due to the upcoming Anthony Kearns concert which will be held in the clubhouse on Saturday, November 26. Tickets cost €30 and are currently on sale in the office and bar.
BALLYMONEY
Wednesday nine-hole (mixed): 1, Anthony Fortune (16), 21 points; 2, James Mooney (17), 19 points; 3, Stephen Greene (18), 18 points, holding off Eugene O’Brien, David Fitzgerald and Pat Miskella on countback.
The weekend singles stableford saw dry weather, with a strong wind on Sunday. The two days saw a big turn-out and the course was in great condition a week short of the winter.
James Mooney (17) rounded off a good week to win on 43 points. Jamie O’Toole (18) was second with 41 points, with Seán Furlong (10) third with 39 points.
ENNISCORTHY
We are holding a fundraising concert in the clubhouse, featuring Ireland’s finest tenor, Anthony Kearns, accompanied by pianist Patrick Healy, on Saturday, November 26, at 8 p.m.
Ticket numbers are limited and available to anyone and will cost €30 each on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets will cost €30 and can be bought in the bar and office.
Saturday, November 12, will see the Captain’s end-ofseason party to bring the golfing year to a close, followed by a round of golf for all committee members the next day starting at 11 a.m.
It is P.G.A. winter series time again. This will be a 14-hole stableford competition. The next one is on November 5 and every second weekend thereafter.
There will be three individual prizes per week. Your top two scores over all games played count towards the top 30 players who qualify for the February grand final.
These two scores will be added to the grand final score to determine the winner. There will be prizes for the overall top ten.
Our next Monday ladies’ and gents’ open singles is on October 31.
The next gents’ open Seniors will be on Thursday, November 10, and will be sponsored by E.G.C.
The Brittle Bones winners on Monday were Joe Leacy, Richie Peare and Eddie Somers with 52.4 points, and Thursday saw Mick Dee, Seanie Deegan, Gordon Radloff and Neville Tector victorious with 51.9 points. The Brittle Bones Christmas dinner will take place on Thursday, December 1.
It has been agreed to change the order of the course temporarily for the month of November in order to get feedback from our members. The present 16th and 17th will become the fifth and sixth. The present fifth then becomes the seventh and so on until you come to the present 15th which will become the 17th.
ST. HELEN’S
Our final classic of the season is on Saturday when we stage our first Halloween team event. The ever-popular Wednesday club tees off on November 2. Make it a date, but don’t be late, as Brian gets the ball rolling at 10 a.m.
The annual winter league gets under way on Saturday, November 5. Entries close at the weekend, so make sure your name is in.
Wednesday, October 12, open ladies’ singles stableford: 1, Jo Devitt (23), 33 points; 2, Margie O’Connor (18), 32 points; 3, Mari Byrne (27), 32 points.
Saturday, October 15, open ladies’ singles stableford: 1, Bernadette Tully (30), 27 points; 2, Nora Kavanagh (15), 27 points; 3, Georgina Darling (22), 27 points.
Sunday, October 16, open ladies’ singles stableford: 1, Mari Byrne (27), 34 points; 2, Janet Slattery (19), 31 points; 3, Nora Kavanagh (15), 28 points.
Wednesday, October 19, open singles: 1, Jimmy McMahon (23), 37 points; 2, Declan Murphy (11), 36 points (countback); 3, John Codd (15), 36 points; veteran, Gerry Byrne (15), 33 points.
Saturday, October 22, hampers: 1, Tony Dorazil (27), 43 points; 2, ‘Buzzer’ O’Brien (9), 41 points; 3, Tommy Duggan (14), 39 points (countback); veteran, Noel Patten (14), 38 points.
Saturday, October 22, ladies’ singles stableford: 1, Rionach Donlon (21), 33 points; 2, Paula O’Leary (13), 33 points; 3, Nora Kavanagh (15), 29 points.
Sunday, October 23, open singles: 1, ‘Buzzer’ O’Brien (9), 37 points; 2, Pádraig Bail (15), 36 points (countback); 3, Eamon Masterson (20), 36 points; veteran, Tom Doyle (13), 32 points.
Sunday, October 23, ladies’ singles stableford: 1, Nora Kavanagh (15), 26 points; 2, Sandra Denner (30), 23 points; 3, Eileen Walsh (31), 22 points.
Fixtures: Wednesday, October 26, open singles; Saturday, October 29, Halloween classic; Sunday, October 30, open singles; Monday, October 31, open scramble (any combination); Wednesday, November 2, Wednesday club.
ROSSLARE LADIES
Tuesday was the last of the 18 holes singles competitions of the year, and well done to Eileen Doyle on coming first.
Next weekend is the Bank holiday with the As v. Bs on the Saturday, and a mixed Scotch foursome on Sunday for Billy Kelly Memorial Cup, sponsored by Kelly’s Resort Hotel.
On Monday there is an open ladies’ fourball (and open gents’ fourball). Saturday night is our annual dinner dance - all are welcome.
Tuesday, November 1, is a ladies’ singles stableford competition over 16 holes.
Saturday, October 15, fourball: 1, Sheila Crosbie (13/12) and Gráinne Dunphy (24/22), 36 points.
Sunday and Tuesday, October 16 and 18, singles stableford: 1, Eileen Doyle (21), 38 points; 2, Niamh Byrne (9), 37 points (back nine); gross, Joan Bowe (12), 20 points; 3, Anne Lennon (34), 37 points; 4, Bernie Riordan (30), 36 points.
WEXFORD
The winner of last week’s Split The Pot draw was the lucky Kerry man Seán Moynihan. Congratulations Seán.
The Festival Cup which is run in conjunction the Wexford Opera Festival was played for on Wednesday and Friday of last week. It would appear that scoring on the first two days’ competition was not too hot which means that it is still all to play for on the next two days of competition. The competition continues this Wednesday and Friday.
Congratulations to our resident chef and his head waiter who had their wedding ceremony and reception in the Golf Club on Friday. To Tommy and Rosie we offer our sincere congratulations and best wishes for a long and happy life together.
We are honoured that you chose our club to exchange your wedding vows and for the celebrations afterwards.
Wednesday is Festival opening night and in conjunction with this our restaurant, Masters, is offering a special main course menu and children’s menu for anybody who wishes to come and watch the fireworks display from the balcony of the club.
Booking is advisable and can be made to the bar or restaurant at Wexford Golf Club.
It was nice to see Tom Rowe back out in his buggy and offering free trips around the course.
TAGHMON SOCIETY
The seventh annual Purple and Gold Cup between Taghmon Golf Society and the Kilmacud Crokes Golf Society took place in the resplendent Woodenbridge on Sunday week.
An early start to catch the bus (everyone turned up on time for a change) from Taghmon at 7 a.m. was required so we could avail of the mixed grill before the game to charge up the batteries.
Confidence was high on the journey up and the teams were picked on Nash’s bus en route, and we were confident of bringing the cup home again for the second year running.
So at 9.30 a.m. play started on a misty, drizzly day after a heavy night’s rain which left pools of water all over the course and the bunkers out of play, but all the greens were dry and playable.
As the day wore on the clouds lifted and the beautiful scenery of the Avoca Valley revealed itself. The contrasting colours of the trees just added to the majesty of the setting. No wonder it is called the Augusta of Ireland.
There was an early defection of one of our own playing for the Dubs instead. Unfortunately, he had a foot in both camps and returned to type to make up the numbers.
As if that wasn’t bad enough, another of ours had to play for the Crokes too as they were depleted due to playing in the Dublin Senior hurling championship later that day. We even supplied a course ranger for the day in one of the society founders, Eddie Cousins.
A total of 44 players featured in eleven groups of four in teams of two on a fourball better ball stableford point basis, with each match worth one point to the winning pair on a matchplay basis.
The stableford score was kept to sort out winning teams. The score ended at 6.5 to 4.5, a worthy victory making the series now five games to two in Taghmon’s favour. There was much celebration had afterwards, a little too much by one, you know who you are!
Results: 1, Hugh Finlay and John Leadley (KC), 47 (back six); 2, Gerry McGrath and Richie Stakelum (KC), 47; 3, Barry Stafford and Andy Culleton (T), 46; 4, Edward Cousins and Seamus McLoughlin (T), 45 (back nine) - last year’s winners); 5, Nicholas Cousins and Joe Cashin (T), 45 (back nine); nearest the pin: fourth hole, Seamus Mannion (KC), 9”; eighth hole, Martin Roche (T), 6’6”; eleventh hole, Captain Eamonn Roche (T), 13’2”; 17th hole, Gerry McGrath (KC), 11’.
Well done and congratulations to all the players who participated because at the end of the day it was indeed a team effort and everyone played their part. Even those that didn’t bring in a point added something to the day, even if it was only a smile! Again, you know who you are!
With cup in hand, we rolled into The Bailey in Enniscorthy where some serious pints were drank. Complimentary nibbles helped to soak up the black stuff, the day was analysed in great detail, and the wind-ups started, great craic!
The next outing is an extra to the list. We are going to Blainroe on November 5 with first tee-off at 10.26 a.m. Please let a committee member know of your intentions A.S.A.P.