School tees up special celebration for Mairead
GOLFER MAIREAD HAS HAD REMARKABLE SUCCESS ON THE FAIRWAYS THIS YEAR
THE school community at Scoil Mhuire Kanturk recently hosted a reception to celebrate the remarkable achievements of student Mairead Martin, the young golfer who has had a remarkable run of success this year, especially.
Deputy Principal Keating said that in Scoil Mhuire students are encouraged to achieve to the best of their ability in whatever talent they have been gifted. He added that Mairéad is a wonderful role model in this regard and went on to give a brief outline of her career to date.
Mairéad got the golfing bug in October 2011, starting off with a handicap of 36. Through hard work and dedication she quickly lowered her handicap and is now playing off +2. Her progress ensured that from 2012 to 2016, she got the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, competing and representing her country.
In 2017 Mairéad was a member of the Irish U18 team for the European Championships in Finland. She also finished tied fifth in the French U21 championship.
In July she won the Irish Girls Close Championship, played in Mallow. She dominated the competition and was never taken beyond the 15th hole.
One week later Mairéad won the Leinster Ladies Championship in Donabate. This was the second occasion that she had won this event, having become the youngest ever winner of the event in 2014.
Mairéad was assisted in these two victories by her sister, Áine, who performed caddy duties for her.
The young golfer then consolidated her winning streak by sinking the winning putt for the Irish Ladies Team at the Home International matches in England, the first Irish team to win since 2004.
As a result of her victories over the summer, Mairéad was invited to Buckingham Palace by Britain’s Prince Andrew to take part in the Duke of York Young Champions Trophy. Mairéad competed with credit in this event in early September.
Scoil Mhuire Principal Miriam Downey presented Mairéad with a trophy to mark her success and also a contribution towards her upcoming trip to Canada, on behalf of the entire Scoil Mhuire community. She also presented Aine with a token to acknowledge her part in Mairéad’s success.