ILGU celebrate 125th birthday with book

THE Irish Ladies Golf Union (ILGU) celebrates its 125th birthday this year and as part of the celebration have produced a wonderful book entitled “A history of women’s golf in Ireland” charting the Union’s history over past century and a quarter.

Currently with over 35,000 members in 368 golf clubs on the island of Ireland, the ILGU has in its illustrious history produced eight Ladies British Amateur Open champions, two Olympians, 22 Curtis Cup representatives and household names such as Philomena Garvey, Mary McKenna and Leona Maguire.

All these achievements have been recalled and described in magnificent detail in the book that was written by Limerick-based golf scribe Ivan Morris, who is no stranger to writing golf books,having written six of his own as well as the Ballybunion Golf Club’s 125th anniversary book, which was launched in April of this year.

Sinéad Heraty, Chief Executive of the ILGU, said at the launch of the book during the week: “This publication is not only a chronicle of women golfers who dominated the game for the last 125 years, it is also beautifully written and showcases our golfing history at its best including the countless volunteers who made it possible.”

Ivan Morris, the author, also speaking at the launch said: “In my opinion, women have been treated very badly in golf clubs for too long. I’m sorry to say it’s my age group that are the worst offenders. As I see it, women have more respect for the rules, which is reflected in the number of qualified female referees there are. The majority of women are social golfers that bring life into a club. They are better organised and smarter about running club matters too. Best of all, when they say they will do something, they always do.”

The book retails for €29.99 but there is a limited offer of five copies for €125 (ends August 1) by emailing sean@libertiespress.com and this is a perfect opportunity for clubs to purchase copies as gifts or prizes.