CLOVERHILL

THE sixth of the eight monthly Medal competitions in which all eight winners play for the Gold Medal in October produced some terrific scoring in ideal playing conditions.

Jim Conroy (16) set a strong clubhouse target with a six-under 64 leading the way for a number of hours. Miceal O’Neill (22) put it all together to take a one-shot lead with a nett 63 and looked set for the medal until Raymond McCumiskey (21) produced his best ever score - an 83 - which enabled him to return a nett 62 to take the title.

The Rio 2016 singles stableford saw the run of good scoring continue, with some terrific scores returned. Conor Walker (10) was the first to reach the 40-point target but soon found himself in arrears as Colin Pilkington (4) went a point better with 41 which was equalled by Raymond Flynn (15).

Dee McEvoy (17) took over the clubhouse leadership with 43 points, but his joy was shortlived as he was surpassed by Pearse Murphy (11) on the countback.

The mid-week form of Welshman Craig Pearce (27) continued into the weekend as he returned a terrific 44 points which looked set for honours - that was until a late delivery (hope he is earlier in the mornings) was posted by Terry Taylor (14) who had his best-ever round of golf which produced 47 points. The handicap convenor needed his blade well-sharpened over the weekend.

Next weekend our member Gerry McShane is hosting his PIPS charity day on Saturday which has room for another six teams, while on Sunday there will be a three-category singles stableford competition off the green markers.

Wed Cup: Benny Tierney captured the Front 9 Green marker contest with a return of 24 points which was one better than Shane Toale. The Back 9 Green contest saw Craig Pearse emerge as the clear winner with 25 points. Benny and Craig both qualify for the 18hole final. It’s back to the Front 9 White for this week’s competition.

Seniors: Close contests have been the order of the day in the Thursday Senior competitions of late and the Maritime Trophy and singles stableford contests proved no different.

Frank Quinn, with 41 points, took the honours in the Maritime Trophy from Joe Hazzard by a point, with third-placed Raymond Kelly a further point adrift. Raymond improved on his third-place showing in the singles stableford where another 39 points was good enough for a one-point victory over Seamus McCoy who ended runner-up on a countback from Richard Harper. A round of Golfer of the Year will be played this coming Thursday.

Friday Open: Conor Tierney is the youngster in form over the last three weeks as he improved from third to second to winner of the Friday Open in the last three competitions.

The top of the leaderboard was packed as three players were tied on 40 points, but Conor came out tops from Seamus Keenan who in turn relegated Mark Shevlin to third place.

Kevin Commins from Ardee and Scottish visitor Ian Stuart picked up the two visitors final places that are on offer each Friday, with 34 and 31 points respectively. Friday Open entry prices are Members £7, Visitors £12 which includes 2s.

The club will be using our neighbours Mullaghbawn GFC’s clubhouse for a fundraising venture on Friday September 23rd. Newry-born and bred actor Kieran Cunningham will be paying an affectionate homage to Ireland’s first alternative comedian Dave Allen who is widely recognised as the ‘chair man’ of Irish comedy.

Kieran will present his show AT LARGE-Dave Allen-A journey through life at 8pm sharp on the Friday night where admission is by ticket only. They are currently on sale at £10 each at either the golf club or football club. To avoid disappointment, you are advised to purchase your tickets early as there are limited numbers and this entertaining show will sell out very quickly.