ONtheFAIRWAYS
NEW ROSS
The season is slowly swinging to a close but nevertheless there was a lot happening in recent weeks. Good weather meant big fields in all competitions and some excellent scores were returned.
First up was the monthly open three-person scramble, and when three long-hitting low handicappers got together they were odds-on to take the first prize.
That was the way it turned out as Andrew Ryan (4), Donal Hosey (5) and Davy Doran (11) blazed their way around the course, returning an unbeatable 57.5 nett score.
In second place on 61.25 were Tommy Rowe (10), John Ryan (14) and Mick Ryan (22), whilst Darren Tutty (10), Paddy Phelan (13) and David Feeney (15) finished third, also posting a nett 61.25.
The lady President’s prize to the men (Ann Curtis) saw Kieran McGrath (13) win with a great score of 41 points, three clear of John O’Connor (7) whose 38 points gave him second place by virtue of a better back nine.
The ultra-consistent Michael Ryan Jnr., playing off +1, had the same score (38 points) to finish third. Donal Hosey took the gross prize with 30 points.
In the Sunday competition sponsored by Brooks Jewellers, Junior Cashin (5) was the victor with a nett 69, again over a better last nine holes - 69 was the score which all four prize-winners returned. Eamon Dungan (6) finished second by virtue of a countback over the last six holes, winning from David Roche (12), with the pair shooting 69s, the same score as gross winner Michael Ryan Jnr.
A change of format to the Tuesday evening fourball event featuring one to score over the first seven holes and two on the last seven saw one pair running away with honours.
Tom Purcell (21) and Robert O’Dwyer (21) shot an incredible 55 points to take first prize. Joe Doyle (7) and Hugh Byrne (15) finished second with 47 points, and Seán Furlong (12) and John Murphy (16) were third with 45 points.
This Tuesday evening (September 5) the series continues with a better ball stableford format. Any individual or group of players who would like to sponsor a Tuesday evening, please contact the Captain, Peter Goggin.
Best of luck to the South Leinster team which takes on Gowran Park in the semi-final of that competition this weekend.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
It was champagne scramble day last Thursday and what a feast of golf we had. On the last day of summer which was a perfect send-off to that season with warm sunshine and a gentle breeze, 14 teams enjoyed the outing in perfect conditions.
Well done to the men who picked the teams, John Murphy and Willie Whitty. They couldn’t have balanced them better as no less than seven teams finished with great scores of 95 points each. However, there was a dark horse among the rest as the winners brought in a terrific score of 103 points. They say it was due to the good doctor’s prescriptions and the prayerful intercessions of the Padre whose identity will shortly be revealed.
The high flyers were Andy Ronan (15), Pat Traynor (18), Fr. Ger O’Brien (22) and Dr. Martin Burke (26) who finished eight points clear of the runners-up.
Clocking up a better back nine total of 50 points, the Cork/Kilkenny/Laois combination of John Kennedy (16), John Fitzpatrick (18), Paddy Mahony (22) and Jamesie Murphy (24) took the second spot with 95 points.
Third on the same score were Hughie O’Connor (18), Willie Naddy (19), Donie Cody (23) and Les Jastrebski (26). Nearest the pin prizes went to Dan Quigley on the ninth hole and Jamesie Murphy on the eleventh.
On the board for September are Billy Redmond, Tony Sexton and Jim ‘Dublin’ Ryan.
This Thursday will be our last game before the course closes for coring on the week commencing September 11. We have a big contingent going to the prestigious Ballykisteen Hotel and championship golf course that week.
The programme there is: Tuesday, September 12, arrive 11.30 a.m., golf tee-off 12.30 p.m., dinner 7 p.m.; Wednesday, September 13, golf tee-off 10 a.m., dinner 7 p.m.
All those travelling are asked to be in good time on Tuesday, and we’ll worry about Wednesday overnight.
NEW ROSS LADIES
This week, August 30, we had a splendid day’s golf with great scores being recorded.
A lovely day made it even better for the teams who came from more than 17 different golf clubs.
Great credit is due to Liz Bennett, our competition secretary, whose brain child this Solheim Cup Style event was.
In fact, other clubs have copied our model to great success. Liz put huge hours into the day from canvassing ladies from afar to compete, to liaising with green keepers, to ensuring everyone had a team to play in to doing out the the cards with coloured codes so there could be no doubt what we were playing singles, fourball or foursomes!
Thanks to Maria and her team the handicap committee for their input into the cards essential in such a big competition.
The entry book was run by Paul and James in the Pros Shop which contributed greatly to the smooth running of the day.
The bar was busy too with food which was complimented by our guests so thanks to the catering staff for their efforts.
Lastly thank you to Adrian Maher Swiss Financial Services for his continued support of the ladies section.
Solheim Cup Style Event results - 1st (97 points): Teresa Byrne (20), Sinead Heraty (8), Marie Therese Wall (20), Ann Curtis (21); 2nd (95 points): Marie O’Connor (31), Anna Murphy (26), Carmel McGrath (35), Ann O’Grady (28); 3rd (93 points): Borris GC Mgt Collins (13), Kathy Mitchel (18), Helen Jordan (18), Valerie Gallagher (18); 4th (92 points): Mary Maher (15), Mary O’Leary (13), Geraldine Mackey (11), Eleanor Roche (20).
Next Wednesday, September 6, 18 Hole Stableford sponsored by Ju-L Design with many thanks to Annette Byrne. Booking open online.
Get into Golf continues for Option 1 ladies on Wednesday starting this week at 6 pm with a ‘short game’ practise over 5 holes with the aim of breaking 35 shots.
Option 2 golfers are now entitled to enter a nine hole competition on Wednesday afternoon. Entry is €3 and is open online now.
Well done to the ladies who travelled to compete in the Borris Cup in the Carlow venue on Friday. With a score of 40 points we were runners up to Castlecomer’s fine score of 45 points.
THE GATE GOLF SOCIETY
The Gate Golf Society held its seventh outing of 2017 on September 2.
It was held at New Ross Gold Club. We were playing for the Captain’s Prize - David Lee. We want to thank the New Ross Golf Club for all their help.
The sponsers were the Three Bullet Gate Bar, the Gate Golf Society, Dick Merrigan, John Holden, Fintan Walsh, Michael Lee.
Results - 1st: Dick Merrigan (12) 35 points: 2nd: Martin Keohe (7) 34 points: 3rd: Michael Lee (18) 31 points: 4th: John Keohe M G (18) 29 points count back: 5th: Ronan Carroll (19) 29 points count back: 6th: John Holden (11) 29 points count back: 7th: David Purcell (20) 28 points count back: 8th: Bob O’Riordan (16) 28 points count back: 9th: Declan Merrigan (9) 28 points count back: 10th: John Purcell (15) 27 points. Past Captain: Dick Merrigan. Seniors Prize: Michael Gannon. Nearest the pin: Mick Walsh. Longest drive: John Holden. Vistors prize: David Kehoe. Two’s club: David Purcell and Martin Keohe.
We want to thank all who played on the Captain’s Day. Next outing is on the weekend (away), October 6 to 8 in Thurles.
ROSSLARE LADIES
Last Tuesday was a singles stableford competition sponsored by Joyce’s Expert Electrical Shop, and there was as much electricity going on inside the club as on the course.
First, second and third all got 37 points, with Paula O’Leary, Catherine Young and Caroline Archer placed in that order.
The other piece of electricity came from Murt Joyce and his team. Eileen from Dyson was demonstrating the Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer (first prize) and we all had our hair done. The hairdryer gave my hair more bounce than my wedge club can do for my golf ball.
Then Murt himself was demoing the V7 cordless vacuum cleaner and what a whizz he was round the carpet. We were nearly wishing he was a prize too. Well done to all the winners and Joyce’s for most generous prizes.
Next Saturday, September 9, the club is hosting a Pro-Am sponsored by Kelly’s Resort Hotel. The ladies’ committee have sponsored a team. The lucky winners were Joan Bowe, Joan Wallace and Chris White over summer competitions and we wish them well with an enjoyable day.
On Friday, September 8, at 7 p.m. there will be a golf clinic with golfing legend Denis O’Sullivan at the club. It’s €10 per person with refreshments served after the clinic. All are welcome.
Friday mornings golf re-starts on the Burrow course on Friday, September 8. Anyone wishing to join, please turn up at 9-9.15 a.m. It is an ideal way for beginners to learn rules, play and meet others in a fun environment. Tuesday, September 12, is a ladies’ fourball competition. Tuesday, August 29, singles stableford (C.S.S. 35 points, 79 played, sponsored by Joyces Expert/Dyson): 1, Paula O’Leary (12), 37 points (back three); 2, Catherine Young (23), 37 points (back nine); gross, Niamh Byrne (8), 27 points; 3, Caroline Archer (14), 37 points; 4, Emily Power (25), 36 points; 5, Chris White (15), 35 points (back nine); Seniors, Miriam Geraghty (19), 35 points; Burrow course, twelve-hole singles stableford, Angela McGuinness (31/21), 30 points.
Saturday, August 26, open fourball: 1, Teresa Cowman (14/13) and Teresa Conway (22/20), 42 points; 2, Mellory Tighe (16/14) and Joan Walsh (22/20), 41 points.
ROSSLARE
The singles competition in Rosslare on Sunday week was won by Ronan Mooney (17) who put together halves of 20 points to win by two shots from Thomas Rowe (10) who started with a birdie but failed to score points on two holes.
John Morris (+2) had birdies at the twelfth, 16th and 18th to win the gross on 37 points, and Jimmy Cullimore (8) won the veterans with 38 points. In third position on 38 points was Donal Buckley (18), with Kieran Morris (18) fourth on 37 points.
Saturday fourball: 1, Eoin Hutchinson (15), Stephen Casey (17), 48 points; 2, Michael Cronin (15), Colm Menton (17), 47 points.
Wednesday singles: 1, John F. Scott (20), 39 points; 2, Cillian Corkery (14), 38 points; 3, Diarmuid O Raghnaigh (13), 37 points.
The club matchplay competitions are now coming to a close with some exciting golf on view. Details next week.
Next Saturday the annual Pro-Am takes place with 40 of top professionals in Ireland taking part. You are welcome to come along and enjoy the day.
On September 26-28 the club hosts the Senior men’s amateur home internationals.
ST. HELEN’S LADIES
Sunday, August 20, open singles stableford, charity play in pink day (standard scratch: 73): 1, Marie Carroll (33), 47 points; 2, Kate Masterson (Naas, 7), 36 points; 3, Cathy Dalton (30), 34 points.
Wednesday, August 23, open singles stableford (standard scratch: 75): 1, Marie Reidy (Cahir Park, 34), 34 points; 2, Jo Fast (Cahir Park, 30), 31 points; 3, Trina Cooney (36), 30 points.
Friday, August 25, nine-hole open and summer league final, non-qualifying: 1, Bernadette Tully (13), 17 points; 2, Peigí O Rúairc (18), 16 points; 3, Marie Carroll (14), 16 points.
Saturday, August 26, President Aidan Colgan’s prize to the ladies (standard scratch: 72): 1, Verona McConologue (25), 41 points; 2, Cathy Dalton (30), 38 points; 3, Aine O’Connell (9), 38 points; past President’s prize, Mary McCormack; longest drive, 17th hole, Cathy Dalton.
Sunday, August 27, ladies’ monthly medal (standard scratch: 71): 1, Marie Byrne, 94 – 26 = 68; 2, Aine O’Connell, 80 – 9 = 71; 3, Georgina Darling, 94 – 23 = 71.
WEXFORD LADIES
Sunday, August 27, was Marie Byrne’s Lady President’s Day. Marie’s prayers were answered and we had perfect golfing weather on the day.
After the golf there was dinner and dancing, to music provided by Ronnie Bent, in the club house.
The winners were - 1st: Mary Mc Mahon (36) 71; 2nd: Irene Bolger (10) 72 B9; 3rd: Jacinta O’Neill (21) 72 B9; 4th: Catherine Carmody (25) 72 B9; 5th: Geraldine Broaders (20) 72.
The Gross Prize was won by Tara Dunne (4) 76 G. Martina Gately (17) won Category A with 74 (B9).
Phil Flood (27) won Category B with 73 and Deirdre Greer (29) won Categeory C with 75.
The committee prize winner was Trish Boyd (21) with 76. The Senior Category was won by Maggie Hearne (15) with 74 (B6).
Super Senior was won by Mary Maguire (27) 78. Louise Boshoff (17) won the Front 9 with 32.5 and Patricia Field (26) the Back 9 with 37. The Best 36 prize went to Mary Rackard with 77 and Rose Morris won the 9 Hole (15) with 16.
Nearest the pin on the third hole was Ruth Kennedy with 3m 93cm and Beppi O’Connor on the ninth hole with 1m 75cm.
The Gents prizes went to first Joe Walsh (6) with 30 and John Ffrench (5) came second with 31. Congratulations to all the winners.
Last Thursday, August 31, we remembered fondly our friend, Past Captain and Past President Eleanor Conway, when we played in her annual commemorative competition.
This year it was a Scotch Foursomes competition, one of Eleanor’s favourite formats.
The competition was sponsored by Home Instead Senior Care and we were delighted to have Eleanor’s husband Dick, son Stephen and family friend Tom Anslow present for the prize giving.
Tom kindly sponsored a draw on presentation night which was won by Irene Bolger and Trina Walsh.
The winners of the Eleanor Conway trophy were Mary B O’Leary and Beppi O’Connor (22.5) with 66.5, second was Patricia Hanton and Deirdre Colfer (23) 67 and third Marie Keogh and Mary Walsh (28.5) 68.5.
The Gross prize was won by Margaret Atkinson and Therese Kehoe (13) 85G. Bernie Grant (17) won the 9 Hole Competition with 17.
Nearest the pin was Margaret Atkinson with 60 cm. Congratulations to the Minor Cup team who won the Mid Leinster ILGU finals in Tramore Golf Club on Saturday, September 2.
They played Mullingar in a nail-biting tight match, that went down to the final game.
Very well done to the players, caddies, managers and selectors, and best of luck for the national finals to be held in Belfast later this month.
This Thursday’s competition, August 7, is an 18 Hole Singles Stableford competition sponsored by Fortunes Chemist.
Photo: Lady President Marie Byrne’s prize winners at Wexford Golf Club on 27th August
Front Row: Irene Bolger (Second)), Una Doherty (Lady Captain), Mary McMahon (Winner), Marie Byrne (Lady President), Jacinta O’Neill (Third)
Middle Row: Tara Dunne (Gross), Phil Flood (Category B), Mary Maguire (Super Senior), Rose Morris (9 Hole), Catherine Carmody (Fourth), Geraldine Broaders (Fifth), Louise Boshoff (Front 9), Maggie Hearne (Senior)
Back Row: Deirdre Greer (Category C), Patricia Field (Back 9), Trish Boyd (Committee), Mary