ONtheFAIRWAYS
NEW ROSS SENIORS
Early last week it did not seem possible that we would have a game on the Thursday, with a blanket of snow still covering the countryside.
The remnants of the ‘Beast From The East’ were still littered around the course last Thursday with banks of the white stuff mainly along by the ditches and in the bunkers. We took the bunkers out of play and also snow drifts - if the ball landed in them you got a free drop out.
But there were some stories of players losing their new Titleists, Srixons and Callaway in the drifts, a find for someone when the thaw finally takes away the last of the snow.
On a bright spring-like day, the course was in great condition, drying out underfoot as the day progressed. The greens were top-class due to the tremendous work by volunteers who deserve great credit in clearing all the snow off them on Tuesday.
We welcomed back Denis Kirwan for his first competitive game of golf since his shoulder operation last year, and statistics show he has not lost his scoring touch - did someone say form is temporary but class is permanent. It must be since the popular Denis scored on 14 holes.
Eleven teams played in our now normal champagne scramble format and some fine tallies were returned. It even took a countback over the last nine holes before the winners could be found.
A 45/44 total was enough to procure the whiskey for Eddie Keher (12), Mikey Lee (19), Kenny Irwin (22) and Jim ‘Dublin’ Ryan (24) who finished with a grand total of 94 points.
Registering the same score, and in second place, were Jimmy ‘Ross’ Ryan (27), John Fitzpatrick (19), Aidan O’Connor (20) and Jamesie Murphy (24). Third place was filled by Dick Cuddihy (15), Willie Naddy (20), Larry Shannon (20) and Colin Casey (22) with 93 points.
Nearest the pin prizes went to Jimmy ‘Ross’ Ryan on the ninth hole and Jim Kehoe on the eleventh.
Best wishes go to Paddy Shannon and Willie Byrne, both of whom were recently hospitalised. It’s nice to hear, too, that Luke Power is recovering well at home after his recent stay in hospital
We will collect the green fees on Thursday, March 22, for our first away outing of the year to Gowran Park on Tuesday, March 27. The all-in cost is only €20 which includes a contribution towards extra prizes.
ROSSLARE LADIES
Saturday, February 24, open fourball, 16 holes: 1, Norrie Goff (16/13), Carmel Quinlivan (19/15), 39 points.
The Tuesday, March 13, competition is yellow ball over 15 holes. It will be third time lucky for the yellow ball as it has been called off twice due to weather conditions.
St. Patrick’s Day is an open fourball ladies’ and gents’ 18 holes (visitors €40 including competition entry). There will be Irish music in the clubhouse at 5 p.m.
Don’t forget the Captains’ drive-in next Sunday, March 18, at 6 p.m. It will be preceded by a four-person team event (minimum one lady/one gent).
Bank holiday Monday, March 19, is an open ladies’ and gents’ 18-hole singles.
Tuesday, March 20, is a ladies’ singles over 17 holes, sponsored by Liam Riordan.
WEXFORD
Last weekend we lost one of our long-standing members with the passing of Pat Roche. Pat served on the committee for many years and acted as Honorary Secretary for eight years in the 1970s.
Pat was also a member of the Seniors’ section. Pat and his son, Andrew, were a permanent booking every Saturday morning for the weekend competition. To Andrew and Pat’s family we extend our sincere sympathy. May he rest in peace.
On Sunday we had our first competition postStorm Emma, and full results will appear next week.
The make-up of the men’s committee has been finalised and, in addition to the club officers, the committee is: fundraising, ‘Patch’ Doyle; competitions, Brian ‘ Sam’ Dempsey and Ger Lally; house, Jim Keane and Pat ‘Kenny’ Walsh; teams, Nicky Reville and Gary Lynch; handicaps, Brian Morris.
The Seniors’ committee is: Chairman, Tommy Byrne, Secretary and real boss (!), Jimmy Thomas; Treasurer, Peter Roche. The committee is made up of Phil Roche, George ‘Four-Hips’ Roche, John Foley, Tom O’Donnell and Pat Furlong.
The Senior section play every Tuesday morning and also arrange three away outings in the course of the year.
Members are advised to look out for our big upcoming fundraising grand draw with prizes to the value of €20,000. Full details will follow shortly.
Next Saturday (St. Patrick’s Day) sees the culmination of the rugby Six Nations championship, with newly-crowned champions Ireland taking on England.
The match will be televised live on our big screen with some specials on offer during match time.
On Sunday, March 18, the annual Captains’ drivein will take place at 5 p.m.
All members are invited to come along and support our Captains for the year, namely Jackie Lynn (men), Patricia Hanton (ladies), Junior boys’ Captain Ben MacAlesse and Junior girls’ Captain Aibhe Cullinane.
There will be music and craic in the clubhouse from 5 p.m.
The latest winner of the Joker draw was Jimmy ‘Tiger’ Thomas. Next week’s jackpot is €1,600.