ONtheFAIRWAYS
NEW ROSS
There was a great turn-out for the very popular Anne Curtis’ lady President’s prize to the men’s section at the weekend. The conditions were favourable for good scoring and that’s what was delivered.
Mullinavat man, John Aylward (15), produced a remarkable front nine of 26 points, and tacked on another 18 on the back nine for 44 oints to finish two points clear of Alan Furness (6) who was around in level par for his 42 points.
Noel Kehoe Jnr. (18) finished in third place with 40 points, and the gross was won by Michael Ryan Jnr. with a brilliant round of two under par. Congratulations to Anne Curtis on her very successful weekend and to Ann Conway who was the winner of the lady President’s prize.
Much more difficult conditions faced the competitors in the August medal which was sponsored by Brooks Jewellers and Gifts. John O’Connor (9) weathered the conditions best and his 68 was good enough to hold off Seán O’Leary (5) on the back nine.
The in-form Michael Ryan Jnr. (1) came home in third place with a 70 and the gross went to another young man going places, Ronan Whelan, with a 73. Thank you to the ever-generous Brooks Jewellers and Gifts for their continued support. Next weekend sees the September medal, sponsored by Stafford Fuels, take place, albeit in the month of August! There are some Saturday tee-times available.
Preparations are well under way for the annual club classic which takes place from Thursday, September 4, to Sunday, September 7. The classic has proved very popular with members and visitors alike over the years and is being run on a larger scale this year in an effort to raise muchneeded funds for the club as we head into the winter.
The competition is open to all, with prizes for G.U.I. and non-G.U.I. handicap holders. There will be a wide range of prizes on offer, including Seniors’, ladies’, nearest the pin and longest drive prizes. First prize is a round of golf for four at Druid’s Glen with evening meal and overnight B & B accommodation. Entry costs €20 per person, and just €10 for those who re-enter. The timesheets are now open for booking online or by phoning the club on 051-421433.
Last week’s Tueday fourball, sponsored by The Ferry Inn, went to the familiar Seán Murphy (15) and Pat Whelan who racked up a great score of 39 points. The categories went to Eamon Wall (9) and Liam Wall (14) with 35 points, and Dan Quigley (18) and Hugh O’Connor (14) with 36 points.
Thank you to the Hosey family of The Ferry Inn for their continued and generous support. This week’s competition is sponsored by Tom O’Brien Construction Ltd.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
In rather difficult conditions on Thursday last, scoring was down somewhat on what is the norm to expect from the Seniors group. A blustery south-west wind accompanied by squally showers made it unpleasant for a time but all teams finished bar one which cried halt after 13 holes.
The old proverb says ‘a good start is half the battle’, and this assertion was dead on because the winning team scored 20 points over the first three holes. A brilliant eagle two on the first hole, a 319 metres par four, by Jim ‘Ross’ Ryan, set the tone for a cracking display on the outward nine holes where his team accumulated 48 points.
This was a solid foundation for ultimate victory by the said Jim Ryan (14) aided by Willie Whitty (18), Joe Malone (19) and Frank Boyle (24), with the quartet finishing with an excellent 88 points total. In second place were a three-man team comprised of John Hosey (16), Michael Long (19) and Tony Wallace (20) who scored 81 points but then had the bonus six points added for a three-person team, their adjusted total now being 87 points. Tommy Liston (9), Willie Byrne (15), Michael Gannon (15) and Larry Shannon (20) brought in 85 points to finish third.
On Monday next, September 1, we will play host to the second-last fixture of the Autumn Open Seniors Alliance. There is a huge contingent of players from outside clubs travelling for the event, and we would ask all locals to be there for their allotted time on the sheet. There are only a couple of spaces left on the timesheet so ring Jamesie Murphy on 051-421151 as soon as possible if you want to play.
Please note: this competition is open to all gentlemen aged 55 years and over who are members of a G.U.I.-registered golf club. The prizes are as follows: first overall, voucher €80; second, voucher €60; Categories 1, 2 and 3, first, voucher €50, second, voucher €40, and third, voucher €30, in each category.
We have our normal outing on Thursday next when we will take names and green fee (€15) for our outing to Waterford Castle on Tuesday, September 9. The club fundraising classic starts on Thursday, September 4, and the Seniors are giving it their full support. We will enter en bloc that day with our normal draw for partners at a subsidised entry fee of €15 per person. If you want to re-enter the competition you can do so for €10.
NEW ROSS LADIES
We had a wonderful few days of golf last weekend with the weather being very kind to us. We played our best to win one of President Anne Curtis’ prizes.
Anne has been a wonderful member over the years, contributing greatly to the life of the club. She has been a Captain, Handicap Secretary and great supporter of all the teams. The weekend culminated Saturday night with the presentation and a fun social evening.
The worthy winner of the magnificent clock was Ann Conway. Ccongratulations and well done Ann.
Lady President’s (Anne Curtis) prize: 1, Ann Conway (14), 41; 2, Marguerite Sutton (22), 39; gross, Anne Breen (15), 24; 3, Margaret Furlong Adm (16), 38 points (last nine); 4, Eleanor Roche (18), 38; 5, Pat Purcell (19), 37 points (last six); 6, Deirdre Magenis (26), 37 points (last nine); 7, Kate Mackey (17), 37 points (last six); Past President, Siobhán Kissane (18), 33 points (last nine); committee, Mary J. Maher (32), 33; front nine, Francis O’Brien (26), 19; back nine, Anne Fenlon (20), 20; mixed: 1, Teresa Byrne (20), Trevor Campell (14), Eamon Delaney (17), 44 points; 2, Anne T. Curtis (30), Tess Ryan (21), Robert O’Dwyer (19), 42 points (last six); 3, Kay Kelleher (24), Ann Conway (14), Jim Byrne (10), 42; men’s: 1, John Aylward (15); 2, Alan Furness (6), 42; 3, Noel Kehoe Jnr. (18), 40; gross, Michael Ryan Jnr. (1), 38; nine-hole, Peggy Hill (30), 13 points.
Our competition tomorrow is sponsored by Marguerite Sutton, holistic massage therapist.
Our Ryder Cup-style four-person competition is on September 3, and the timesheet is filling up. The sponsor is Skoda.
The next round of matchplay is to be played by September 6.
Finally, we are looking for members to help with the development of our Junior girls’ section. The commitment is just two to three hours every two to three weeks.
PAULINE’S SOCIETY
Waterford Castle Golf Club was the venue on the August 16 for Pauline's Golf Society's latest outing. This difficult course was mastered by our youngest member, Brandon Gardner, who returned a phenomenal score of 44 points. This was his second consecutive win with scores in excess of 40 points. Well done to Brandon.
Following hot on his heels was the evergreen Mick Katus in second place, also in the low 40s. A newcomer to the podium to have his first win was Craig Treacy, taking third place. Well done to all three.
Nearest to the pin prizes went to Frank McGuinness, visitor John Mason and Tom Power.
Our next outing is to Gowran Golf Club on September 27, and entries must be please on the sheet in Pauline's before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, August 23. The usual invitation is extended to visitors or intending new members to take part.
BUNCLODY
Ladies’ monthly medal, August 9, 11, 12, sponsored by the Mill Race Hotel, Bunclody: 1, Margaret Moore (15), 71 (back nine); 2, Louise Galligan (27), 71; 3, Bríd St. Ledger (20), 76.
August 13, Wedneday open singles: 1, Max Connolly (Elm Park, 17), 40 points (back nine); 2, Brian Horgan (Ballymoney, 10), 40 points; 3, Phil Neenan (Carlow, 14), 39 points (back nine).
August 16 and 17, ladies’ weekly competition: 1, Geraldine Hendricken (13), 35 points; 2, Imelda Redmond (32), 34 points.
Ladies’ open competition, August 19, sponsored by Marita's Hair Salon, Bunclody: 1, Maud McGlynn (Mountrath, 18), 40 points; 2, Ber Dunphy (Mountrath, 17), 39 points; 3, Deirdre Smith (Ballymoney, 34), 38 points; gross, Margaret Moore (14), 35 points.
SEAFIELD
Captain's prize (Brendan Byrne): 1, Shane O'Neill (5), 68; 2, Declan Hayden (11), 73; 3, Terry Noone (14), 76; 4, Martin Sherlock (18), 76; gross, Brian Kennedy.
Lady Captain's prize (Caroline Teahon): 1, Ann Leonard (29), 70; 2, Maria Barry (26), 76; 3, Vicky Clarke (19), 77; 4, Mary Ryan (34), 77; gross, Nuala Noone.
President's prize (David Cullen): 1, David Cullen Jnr. (16), 37 points; 2, Darren Glennon (5), 35; 3, Philip Donnelly (24), 35.
Lady President's prize (Mary Cullen): 1, Vicky Clarke (19), 38 points; 2, Dervila Keane (36), 37; 3, Ann Leonard (28), 36.
COURTOWN
Gents’ and ladies’ singles - gents: 1, Alex Reid (Junior, 5), 38 points (last nine); 2, Martin Hempenstall (19), 38 points; 3, Colm Sheehan (5), 37 points; 4, Stephen O'Brien (12), 37 points; ladies: 1, Cecelia O'Riordan (25), 34 points.
Gents’ open singles, Sunday, August 17: 1, Gareth Halpin (12), 38 points; 2, James Redmond (8), 37 points (last nine); 3, Tony Crehan (10), 37 points; gross, Neville Steedman (scr.), 32; 4, Emmett Barket (16), 36 points (last nine); ladies’ nine holes: 1, Angela Merrigan (25), 19 points; 2, Gretta Duke (26), 18 points (last six).
Wednesday open singles, August 20: 1, Michael Hegarty (11), 42 points; 2, George Kilbride (13), 41 points; 3, Alex Reid (6), 40 points (last six); gross, Ross Steedman (1), 38 points; eleven-hole, Pat Noonan (22), 23 points.
Thursday, August 21, Junior Captain's prize - boys’ section (John Bolger): 1, Martin Conlon (26), 41 points; 2, Robbie Brooks (24), 39 points; 3, Ryan Price (27), 37 points; gross, Ross Steedman (1), 33 points; 4, Ciarán Sheridan (4), 36 points (back nine); 5, Donal McCann (14), 36 points (back nine); 6, Seán Heslin (14), 36 points; first nine, Philip Hobbs, 21 points; second nine, Darragh Brooks; nine-hole competition: 1, Richard Conroy (30), 16 points; 2, Steve O'Shea (30), 13 points; golfer of the year, Jack O'Sullivan; attendance awards: George Slattery (overall attendance
winner), Luke Reilly, Mark Gannon, Seán O'Reilly.
COURTOWN LADIES
The President, Paul McDonagh, presented his beautiful prize to the ladies on Tuesday last. The stableford competition was played by 104 ladies, and C.S.S. was 73.
Results: 1, Mona Sheehan (33), 40 points; 2, Catherine Quinn (18), 38 points; 3, Gretta Duke (26), 37 points (back nine); Cat. A, Pat Kinsella (18), 37 points; Cat. B, Patty Flynn (26), 36 points; Cat. C, Grace Owens (25), 37 points. The nine-hole section was won by Catherine Byrne (36) with 14 points.
Tuesday, August 26, is an open day, sponsored by Whitmore Jewellers, Main Street, Gorey.
COOLLATTIN LADIES
Lady Captain's prize (Caroline MacNeice): 1, Mary Driver (28), 149; 2, Margaret Moulds (21), 150; gross, Ann Marie Dalton (4), 162; 3, Patricia Magee (7), 150; Class 0-18, Anne Ryan (10), 152; Class 19-28, Pauline Walker (19),153; Class 29-36, Rena James (29), 167; past Captain's prize, Hazel Butler (25), 155.
ENNISCORTHY LADIES
The penultimate week of August was a very busy one for the club and was kicked off by the ladies' stableford competition on August 19, sponsored by club catering manager, Barry Whelan. Conditions were ideal and scores were commensurate.
Results: 1, Kay Ryan (36), 43 points; 2, Betty O'Leary (29), 41 points; 3, Ursula Cousins (14), 40 points (back nine); gross, Ciara Sharkey (4), 36 points; 4, Eilish Sinnott (26), 40 points; 5, Chris Yates (35), 39 points; Novice, Joan Kavanagh.
Closely following on August 21 was the ladies' open stableford competition sponsored by Mary-Elizabeth Boutique. It was a most enjoyable day but tinged with some regret that the next open Seniors day would be the last of the season, yet another reminder that winter is drawing close.
Results: 1, Christine Caesar (24), 39 points; 2, Anne Bernie (30), 36 points; Cat. A, Deirdre Kavanagh (21), 36 points; Cat. B, Eileen O’Connell (Craddockstown, 23), 36 points; Cat. C, Eleanor Shanley (Courtown, 25), 35 points; 3, Ita Connolly (24), 35 points.
Tuesday, August 26, is a ladies' stableford singles competition sponsored by the club. September begins with a ladies' stableford competition, sponsored by Karl Martin. The presentation is now at 9 p.m.
Monday last was family day for the Junior girls so the club was abuzz with great activity as mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles and grandparents joined the girls in a scramble, followed by a nine-hole putting competition. Activities were bookended by the presentation of prizes and great fun was had by all.
The first meeting of the season for the book club takes place on August 26 at 8 p.m.
A reminder that the ladies' Senior Foursomes take place in Rosslare on August 30. This is the District final and our team takes on The Heath in what should be a thrilling encounter.
Calling all supporters to come and cheer on our team. Tee-off is at 9 a.m.
BALLYMONEY
Wednesday nine-hole: 1, Ger O’Brien (9), 21 points; 2, Eugene O’Brien (13), 21 points; 3, Peter Byrne (25), 20 points.
Doyle’s Garages Courtown matchplay quarter-finals: Dermot Noctor beat Anthony Fortune; Stevie Greene beat Eamonn Whelan; Paul Doyle w.o., Sammy Walker scr.
The weekend saw a three-person rumble team event. The weather held well until late Sunday afternoon and the team of Ger O’Brien and Eugene O’Brien with their brother-in-law Marty Lawler won with a great score of 84 points. The team of Ed Walsh and Anthony Fortune with guest Terry O’Connor held off Owen Devlin, Derek Kavanagh and Michael Grey for second place on countback, with both teams on 80 points.
Club Captain Pat Miskella will see his Captain’s prize played for on Saturday next (strokeplay from the back tees), and the prizegiving and barbeque will be held that evening (€10 per person).
Hopefully the weather will be good and all members with enough qualifiers played will attend. A timesheet is available at reception.
ENNISCORTHY
We had great excitement in the club last week in the build-up to the Leinster final of the Provincial Towns competition on Saturday.
Trailing Cill Dara 6-3 from the away leg, our lads knew that they had to play really well to get a positive result against this very good Cill Dara team.
Cill Dara started well and were ahead in several matches before Enniscorthy rallied, taking control of four matches and getting within touching distance of the six wins required to force a play-off. Unfortunately, it was not to be with Cill Dara achieving the fourth win that secured the title for them.
The matches were played in a very sporting manner throughout and we congratulate Cill Dara on their tremendous victory.
We also commiserate with the Enniscorthy panel and management team of Jim Mackey and Tim Morrissey and thank them for their efforts on behalf of the club.
For the record, Saturday’s team was Ted Morrissey, Brian Balfe, Des Kehoe, Eunan Doyle, Denis Dunbar, Paul Britton, Robert Byrne, John Casey and James Sheridan, while the other panel members also played a huge part in getting the team to the final.
The big weekend competition for members was the PGA Tankard, sponsored by our professional, Stephen.
Despite challenging conditions, there was tremendous scoring by the leaders, Joe Murphy and Paddy Hore, who both had 65s separated only on countback.
Patsy Kavanagh won the gross with 76, while Honorary Secretary Paul Leacy returned to the prizes after some time.
Midweek nine-hole, August 20: 1, Martin Canavan (18), 22 points; Cat. 1, James Morrissey (6), 20 points; Cat. 2, Pat Fitzpatrick (14), 21 points; Cat. 3, Billy Sinnott (15), 20 points; Cat. 4, John Conville (25), 22 points.
PGA Tankard, August 23-24, sponsored by our professional Stephen Fitzpatrick: 1, Joe Murphy (15), 65 (back nine); 2, Paddy Hore (7), 65; gross, Patsy Kavanagh (6), 76; 3, Paul Leacy (16), 67; 4, Frank Wade (17), 69 (last six); 5, Joe Leacy (13), 69.
Next weekend we have the August monthly medal sponsored by Turfcare, and this is the penultimate qualifier for the golfer of the year competition which is really hotting up. Paul Britton, Nigel Cullen, Keith Donnelly, Colin Garry and Dermot McCormack make up the current top five and will be looking to consolidate their positions this week.