ON the FAIRWAYS
ROSSLARE LADIES
Tuesday yielded horrendous weather in the morning, with the faint-hearted ladies backing out of playing. The winds were very high all day and this was reflected with a C.S.S. of 77.
This did not deter the good/low handicapper golfers who mainly scooped up the prizes in a strokes competition. Well done to Valerie Doyle on coming first with 75 points and getting her handicap back down to single figures!
It was mixed fortunes for the teams. The Junior Cup team had a great win in the second round against Kilkenny in New Ross.
Well done to players Angela Murphy, Valerie Doyle, Doreen McGovern, Joan Bowe and Susan Evans, managers Mary O’Shaughnessy and Dorcas Maher, and caddies.
Unfortunately, the Boyne team lost to Woodenbridge. However, the team put in a mammoth performance in the lashing rain all day. Well done ladies on a valiant performance.
Tuesday, May 30, will be a singles stableford competition, P.G.A. Tankard, sponsored by our professional, Jamie O’Sullivan. Sunday and Tuesday, May 14 and 16, singles strokes sponsored by Pettitt’s: 1, Valerie Doyle (10), 75; 2, Doreen McGovern (12), 77 (back nine); 3, Angela Murphy (10), 77; 4, Mary O’Shaughnessy (16), 78 (back nine); 5, Catherine Young (25), 78 (back nine). Burrow course, ladies’ nine-hole competition: 1, Mary Maguire (26/13), 17 points.
Saturday, ladies’ open fourball: 1, Margie O’Connor (18/16) and Bernie Wright (29/26), 40 points; 2, Val Mernagh (15/14) and Máire Farrell (19/17), 38 points. Wednesday, May 17, open singles stableford (C.S.S. 35 points): 1, Pauline Cafferkey (24), 34 points (back six); 2, Joan Bowe (12), 34 points.
NEW ROSS
Excellent golfing weather favoured the running of the Martin D O’Brien Perpetual Trophy. Martin was one of the club’s outstanding golfers for a long number of years and had a long and fruitful innings at the game garnering many trophies at local and national level.
The cup named after him is a very coveted prize and all players were very eager to have their name inscribed on it.
However, only one competitor could do that and Noel Devine playing off an 18 handicap was this year’s winner with a nett 68.
Michael Butler (10) took the runners-up position with a nett 71 by virtue of a better score over the last nine holes whilst Billy Whelan (17) finished third also shooting a nett 71. The gross went to the ultra-consistent Michael Ryan with a terrific score of 75.
Category 1 was won by Eamon Wall (8) shooting a nett 73, Category 2 went to Ray Shannon (15), nett score 72, and Category three prize was won by Willie Whitty (18) also with a nett 72.
This coming weekend, May 26 and 27, sees the re-staging of the competition for the P.G. Walsh Cup taking place. It will be remembered that this was postponed due to inclement weather a couple of weeks ago. All entries from the previous day will be honoured in the pro shop when you sign in.
The Tuesday evening fourball sponsored by the ESB members attracted a good turn out with George Walsh (12) and Mick Malone (14) taking the honours with 36 points. Beaten by the winners who had a better back nine were Jack Murphy (16) and Eddie Kent (17) also with 36 points that paring edging out third placed Harry Rheinhart (14) and Bill Hurley (18) whose tally was 35 points.
Please note that all winners will now incur a two-shot reduction for the next two Tuesdays they play in whilst the runners-up will incur a one shot reduction.
This Tuesday evening, May 23, the sponsor will be Adrian Dillon of Dillon Dental to whom the club extend their appreciation for his generous sponsorship of the event.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
Things looked rather glum on Monday evening and Tuesday morning as we pondered about our trip to Coolattin with torrential rain pouring down.
However, the Gods were once again kind to us as the rain cleared and we basked in glorious sunshine in this scenic course in Co. Wicklow, the Garden of Ireland.
Talk about Spain or Portugal they can’t compare to the lush green pastures of Ireland on a nice summer’s day.
In a four-person team event of the champagne scramble format where the day’s temperatures soared as the day progressed, it was getting hotter by the minute and so did the scoring.
Even on a strange course the first four teams home broke the 90-point target showing that there is life in these old veterans yet - as far as golf is concerned anyway.
Coming home clear winners with a great score of 97 points were Eamon Delaney (16), Tony Redmond (17), John Murphy (17) and Jamesie Murphy (23), their tally boosted by two birdies on the last hole.
Three points behind in second place were John Browne (13), Willie Kelly (17), Liam Glasheen (20) and Jim “Dublin” Ryan (24) with 94 points. Tony Harford (14), Tom Murphy (17), Kenny Irwin (21) and Frank Boyle (22) scored 93 points to finish third.
A three-person team composed of Patsy Farrell (19), Jimmy O’Neill (19) and Les Jastrebski (26) took fourth place with 90 points (84+6). Fifth spot went to John Joe Cullen (18), Steve Travis (18), Michael Brennan (20) and Tom Kent (26) with 88 points.
On the same score (88 points) and placed sixth were John Kennedy (16), Michael Lee (17), Mick Long (22) and Donie Cody (23).
The seniors group wish to thank Peter Jones, the resident golf professional at Coolattin and the restaurant staff for all their help in making our annual trip there once again a day to remember.
We resume our normal home game this Thursday with Willie Byrne, Jim “Ross” Ryan and Aidan O Connor manning the draw board. All be aware that the draw for teams is at 9.40am sharp and if you are late chances are you will not get a game.
The sincere sympathy of the seniors group goes to Joe O’Farrell on the recent death of his mother Nellie, also to Martin Hartley, whose sister Teresa Kane, died in England.
NEW ROSS LADIES
Last Wednesday, May 17, ladies played for prizes kindly sponsored by Mannion’s Bar and Restaurant - 1st: Carmel Fenlon (23) 36 points; 2nd: Maria Burford (12) 34 points L9; 3rd: Rita Furlong (33) 34 points.
Next Wednesday, May 24, the ladies competition for Captain Peter Goggins prize will take place. It will be in 18 Hole Stroke format and includes a gross prize.This competition is also a medal one. Booking online is available as well as two draws at the usual times.
Ladies - Important reminder Pink Day in aid of Breast Cancer Research has been rescheduled for Monday 29. This very worthy charity deserves full support from our club.
It is an Open Greensomes two-person team event which is a very enjoyable format for men and ladies. A gross prize is also included and ladies remember this is a national Qualifier.
Tuesday Fourball is available for all members 4 euro entry and booking is online.
Ladies 9 Hole competition continues entry in the book in locker room. Competitors are urged to ensure return of all scorecards. Please be mindful of the work the committee working on scores.
Team news - Finn Trophy team had s great victory over Enniscorthy this week. Continued good luck on your next outing.
Junior Foursomes team progressed to second round of their league and face Wexford in Faithlegg next Sunday, May 28 at 2 pm. Supporters very welcome. Best of luck, girls.
Mary McKenna team play Enniscorthy the away leg of the county final there on Thursday, May 25, at 1.30pm. The home leg will be played in New Ross on Thursday June 1. Support in both venues very welcome. Best of luck to all involved.
WEXFORD LADIES
Last week it was with great sadness that we said goodbye to our Captain Tony O’Neill. A true gentleman, Tony’s great sense of fun and character will be greatly missed by all his friends in Wexford Golf Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bridget and Tony’s family at this time. May he rest in peace.
The competition last Thursday, May 18, was Adrian Doyle’s President’s Prize to the ladies. Sixty four ladies played and the winners were:
1st: Deirdre Colfer (26) 67; 2nd: Madge Murphy (22) 69 (B9); Gross: Carmel Murphy (8) 74; 3rd: Mary Cashe (28) 69; 4th: Therese Kehoe (16) 72; 5th: Sally O’Neill (20) 73.
The category winners were: Cat. A: Maisie Purcell (16) 75; Cat. B: Osnat Manning (23) 74; Cat. C: Roisin Leahy (32) 82.
Eileen Kent (27) won the Senior’s prize with 78 strokes, and Mary Maguire (26) was the Super Senior winner with 85 strokes.
Cathriona Walsh (14) had the Best Front 9 score with 31 strokes. Tracy Ryan (28) won the Back 9 with 36 strokes.
The 9 Hole competition was won by Angela Kelly (17) with 17 strokes. There were two nearest the pin prizes, on the third hole won, by Yvonne McSweeney 6m 6cm and on the ninth hole, won by Maisie Purcell 5tf 10ins.
There was mixed success for our teams last week. The Senior Cup team played in Athy over the weekend. They won their first two matches on Saturday to progress to the semi-finals on Sunday.
Unfortunately, they lost to a very strong Kilkenny team in the semis. Well done to the ladies for advancing to the final stages of the competition. On Saturday 20th, the Mixed Team continued their winning ways against Waterford.
This coming week sees the Senior Foursomes team playing Callan in Waterford Castle on Saturday, May 27, at 3pm. The Junior Foursomes team play New Ross in Faithlegg on Sunday, May 28, at 2pm. The Boyne Trophy Team are playing on Monday, May 29, against Enniscorthy, there are three matches at home and two away in Enniscorthy.
There are still some places available for the JJ Devereux Competition. Put your name on an envelope with your entry fee and place in the cards box in the locker room before Thursday, May 25, at 6pm. The list is also up in the bar for the Mixed Club Match Play, do not forget to put your name down.
You will be glad to know that after two consecutive weeks of strokes this week’s Thursday competition is an 18 Hole Fourball competition sponsored by Wrights Insurance.
ST HELEN’S BAY
Our first Open Seniors of the year was held on Wednesday last. A good turnout enjoyed lovely sunshine and a course in great condition. A feature of the day was a hole in one on the par three third, scored by Gerry Byrne on his way to victory. Many thanks to our generous sponsors, Aidan Colgan and Cyril Pierce for a most enjoyable outing
Wednesday May 17, Open Seniors (50-65) (CSS 71, 37 points) - 1st: Gerry Dillon (15, Ballyneety) 36 points; 2nd: Dermot Walsh (27) 34 points (countback); 3rd: Tommy Duggan (13) 34 points.
Wednesday, May 17, Open Seniors (66+) (CSS 71, 37 points) - 1st: Gerry Byrne (15) 38 points (countback); 2nd: Paul Lattimore (27) 38 points; 3rd: Terry O’Toole (20) 36 points.
Friday, May 19, Open 9 Hole (Summer League R2) - 1st: John Walsh (11) 24 points; 2nd: Joe Kelly (5) 18 points (countback).
Saturday, May 20, 3T’s Qualifier (CSS 73, 35 points) - 1st: Phil Cassidy (16) 42 points; 2nd: Aidan Colgan (23) 40 points; 3rd: Pat O’Connor (4) 37 points.
Sunday, May 21 - Monthly Medal (CSS 73) - Winner: Padraig Bail (14) 70; Div. 1: Stephen Kearns (11) 73; Div. 2: Nick McBride (14) 72; Div. 3: John Walsh (21) 70. Fixtures - Wednesday, May 24 - Open Singles Friday, May 26 - Open 9 Hole Summer League R2 Saturday, May 27 - Open Singles Sunday May 28 - Open Singles Wednesday, May 31 - Open Singles
WEXFORD
It was a sad week for Wexford golf club with the death of our respected captain Tony O’Neill. RIP. Our thoughts remain with Bridget and their family, following their sad loss.
Wednesday’s 14 hole fourball was won by Graham Robinson (5) and Paul Lambert (13) with 37 points. Liam Hipwell (21) and Adrian Dunne (15) took second on the back 7 from Tony Kelly (14) and Terry Dempsey (24) in third, both with 34 Pts.
Friday’s three person team event was won by Keith Rossiter (11), David Fenlon (14) and Laurence Carley (14) with 62 points.
The weekend gents singles, sponsored by Arachas insurance, was won by Billy Meyler (16) with 40 points. Andrew Rynhart (15) took second place on the back 9 from John Meyler (18) in third both with 38 points. Paul Lauhoff (19) was 4th with 38 points, losing out on the back 9 also. Conor Morris took the gross with 33 points, while Con Pierce (28) won the veterans with 36 points.
The mixed foursomes team had a good win on Saturday against Waterford in a closely fought battle.
Congratulations to Maisey Furlong who won €50 In this week’s joker draw. If you are not in you cannot win, entry only €2.00.
ROSSLARE
The singles competition in Rosslare on Sunday last was played in very windy conditions and was won by George O’Connor with 40 points.
George, playing off 12, and better known for his exploits on the GAA pitches, had a very good round. He was three over par after two holes but with birdie at the third turned in 22 points.
Into a strong wind he failed to scored points on the 11th but then had another birdie at the 15th for an inward half of 18 points and a one-point win over David Magee (9).
David had a fantastic front nine of 24 points which included birdies at the 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 8th. Although he had another birdie at the 16th, three double bogeys at the 10th, 11th, and 17th proved costly.
In third position on 37 points was Jim Doyle (10) who started with eight straight fours. Anthony Duggan (5) had halves of 21 and 15 to take fourth position. Paul Kavanagh (7) finished with a birdie to win the gross and Matt Grogan (24) won the Vets with 38 points.
4Ball - 1st: Ray Roche (6) and Anthony Wright (12) 41points; 2nd: Conor Kelly (4) and Ultan Quirke (6) 40 points.
Open Singles - 1st: Peter Cafferkey (18) 41 points; 2nd: Jim Cullimore (8) 40 points; 3rd: Vincent O’Reilly (14) 39 points.
Congratulations to Vincent O’Reilly who won the ‘Wednesdays’ Captain’s (Robin Gardner) Prize in Knightsbrook.
On the Inter Club scene, the club had mixed fortunes. The Fred Daly team had a 3-2 win over Waterford in the third round of the competition. The team was John Brady, Brendan Rossiter, Martin Roche, Nathan O’Brien and Niall Griffin. Colman Doyle is the Manager.
The Pierce Purcell team travelled to Roundwood on Saturday but failed to qualify for the match play stages. The team was Mick Brosnan and Boyd Scott, Sean Mernagh and John Murphy, John Hanrick and Hugh Byrne, Shay Davies & Eoin Hutchinson and J.P. Cullen and Cormac Quigley. The team was managed by Kevin Foran and Bill Underwood. Fixtures - Saturday, May 27: Lady President’s Prize Sunday, May 28: Gents Singles Open Ladies and Gents Singles every Wednesday. The Captain’s (Paddy Lonergan) Prize takes place on Friday and Saturday, June 2 and 3. It is a singles strokes starting at 2.00pm on Friday with 2.30pm on Saturday the last time. Captain’s Dinner on Saturday night.
The officers, commitee and members of Rosslare Golf Club extend sincere sympathy to the wife and family and also the members of Wexford Golf Club of Tony O’Neill, the present Captain of Wexford. Tony has been active in the club for many years and will be sorely missed by his family and friends. May he rest in peace.
The death also occurred during the week of a long serving member of the club Owen Tansey. Owen joined the club in 1972 as a ‘B’ member but in later years made his home in Rosslare Harbour. Although not very active in the club for the last few years he will be missed by all who knew him. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.