The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
A proud club celebrating 125 years of history
KILLARNEY Golf & Fishing Club was founded in 1893 when forty members formed the club paying an annual subscription of 10 shillings each. The Earl of Kenmare, the local landlord, gave use of some of his land in an area of Killarney called Deerpark and he became President of the club. Deerpark, the location of the original Club, is situated off the current Killarney town bypass.
The fourth Earl of Kenmare, Valentine Browne, had a keen interest in the development of the Killarney area. Patron of the Golf Club, he became its first president in 1893 and held that position until his death in 1905. After the 4th Earl’s death the Presidency was held afterwards by succeeding members of the Kenmare Family.
A shock decision in 1936 by the land agent for the Earl of Kenmare to increase the rent for the course from a nominal (5p) to £75 a year jolted the members into looking for an alternative location for the club.
However, it proved to be a fortuitous move for the club when the Club’s President, the Viscount Castlerosse, led the campaign to provide Killarney with “the best and most beautiful course in the world”. With this is mind, Killarney Golf Club Ltd was formed in 1937 to build a course at its present location, and Killarney Golf & Fishing Club has existed there ever since.
The Castlerosse vision became reality in 1939 when the course was opened, due also to the collective efforts of people like Henry Downing, Dr. J. O’Sullivan, Dr. Eamon O’Sullivan and other businessmen and hoteliers in Killarney.
Sadly, Lord Castlerosse died unexpectedly in 1943, but the course he left behind will forever remain a worthy monument to him. Beatrice Grosvenor, a niece of Lord Castlerosse, also generously donated lands to the club and these lands now encompass part of the Mahony’s Point and Killeen courses.