CLUB NOTES ONtheFAIRWAYS
GOLF
NEWROSSSENIORS
The great poet, Robert Service, once penned these thought-provoking lines: ‘There are queer things done in the midnight sun by the men who toiled for gold’.
Well, we had men toiling hard in the winter midday sun last Thursday when 28 hardy veterans went out in search of the liquid gold, i.e. Power’s Gold Label Whiskey.
The frost had lingered long into the morning and then cleared before we got the go-ahead for our competition, but there was still a wintry feeling in the air.
Playing a champagne scramble format which was well suited to the prevailing conditions, we had pars and birdies galore and all players agreed it was the correct type of competition for the winter months.
Over the first 14 holes of the course there were patches of frost still lying on the fairways and it was a lottery if the ball happened to hit there - it could go anywhere. Still, it was as good for one team as the other and some fine scores were eventually returned.
The winning team of Jim ‘Ross’ Ryan (18), Willie Naddy (19), Michael Brennan (19) and Jamesie Wallace set down a marker when they scored 53 points on the outward nine and added 23 for the final five holes to emerge winners with a total of 76 points.
On their heels in second place with 75 points were John Shalloe (4), Steve Travis (18), Billy Redmond (21) and Tony Sexton (24). Third prize was won by Andy Ronan (14), Richie Aylward (18), Dick Cahill (20) and Jamesie Murphy (23) with 72 points.
Nearest the pin prizes went to Willie Naddy on the ninth hole and Luke Power on the eleventh.
Next Thursday is our Christmas outing and anyone not yet booked in, please bring along €20 to participate and enjoy the meal after golf. We need to know numbers for the restaurant as early as possible that morning as the sit-down meal for the whole group is at 4 p.m.
Our A.G.M. was held last Thursday morning and there was an excellent attendance. Prior to the start we held a minute’s silence for all those who left us since last year and families with the Seniors group who also suffered bereavements in 2016.
The financial report, ably presented by Tony Harford, showed the Seniors’ society to be in a very sound position money-wise.
Best wishes were extended to our own colleague and incoming club Captain, Peter Goggin, that he may have a successful year in office.
NEWROSSLADIES
Wednesday, November 30: 1, Margaret Furlong (16), 27 - 1 penalty = 26 points; 2, Eileen Wallace (28), 25 points; 3, Deirdre Reid (27), 25 points (last seven).
Upcoming competitions: Wednesday, December 7, 14-hole stableford turkey competition; Wednesday, December 14, fun nine-hole three-person Mexican scramble (timesheet only), followed by our Christmas party at 5.30 p.m. with carol singing! It would be lovely to see any members who have been out of action due to sickness or injury join us for the party.
ROSSLARELADIES
Last Tuesday kicked off the Christmas season as we played a waltzing rumble (one score, two scores, three scores etc.) over twelve holes.
Last year Carmel Quinlivan was on the winning team and managed to do the same again this year with Chris White and Jane O’Shea.
This was followed by our Christmas party on Friday night. This night reminds me of school prize-giving day. Everyone possible is there, eager to see who has won what over the season, a total celebration: trophies, speeches, smiling shocked faces, clapping, photos, nice food and drink, dancing.
The winners were - golfer of the year: winner, Doreen McGovern; runner-up, Kit Codd; most improved golfer of the year, Phyllis O’Farrell (sponsored by Kitty Roche); silver medal, Dorcas Maher, 310 (back six); bronze medal, Liz Murphy, 300; silver spoon, Liz Murphy, 223.
Nancy Todd singles matchplay: winner, Carmel Quinlivan; runner-up, Joan Walsh; beaten semi-finalists, Carmel Morrissey and Vandra Deacon.
Club fourball matchplay: winners, Sheila Crosbie and Mairéad Esmonde; runners-up, Eleanor O’Connor and Anne Redmond; beaten semi-finalists, Susan Evans and Carmel Quinlivan, Molly Cash and Chris White.
Ring competition - Cat. 1: 1, Mary O’Shaughnessy, 56 (back nine); 2, Susan Evans, 56; 3, Joan Bowe, 57; 4, Doreen McGovern, 58 (back nine); 5, Sheila Crosbie, 58; Cat. 2: 1, Marianne Brennan, 57; 2, Trish Devereux, 58; 3, Jane O’Shea, 60 (back nine); 4, Mary Frances Codd, 60; 5, Eleanor O’Connor, 61; Cat. 3: 1, Fionnuala Callery, 61.
The Christmas prizes competition played on September 18 and 20, sponsored by Newline Oil, were also presented.
Results: 1, Eleanor O’Connor (20), 42 points; 2, Irene Fortune (27), 38 points (back nine); gross, Doreen McGovern (11), 24 points; 3, Bena Hall (15), 38 points (back six); 4, Eleanor Wardlaw (22), 38 points; Seniors, Teresa Cowman (14), 36 points; 5, Kit Codd (15), 35 points; front nine, Yvonne O’Connor (16), 20 points; back nine, Gerarde Mahon (18), 20 points; Cat. A: 1, Joan Bowe (14), 34 points (back nine); 2, Chris White (16), 34 points; 3, Niamh Byrne (9), 33 points (back nine); Cat. B: 1, Bernadette Cuddihy (23), 34 points; 2, Marie Garahy (18), 33 points; 3, Dorcas Maher (19), 32 points; Cat. C: 1, Kay Broderick (26), 34 points; 2, Mary Maguire (25), 30 points (back nine); 3, Elizabeth Callaghan (25), 30 points.
Tuesday, December 13, is a singles stableford competition.
Saturday, November 26, fourball: 1, Sheila Crosbie (13/9) and Gráinne Dunphy (24/17), 26 points.
Tuesday, November 29, waltzing rumble: 1, Jane O’Shea (21/14), Chris White (16/11), Carmel Quinlivan (20/13), 58 points (back four); 2, Anne Lennon (34/23), Elizabeth Callaghan (25/17), Carmel Lonergan (27/18), 58 points; 3, Moira Fortune (16/11), Gerarde Mahon (18/12), Liz Murphy (22/15), 57 points.
WEXFORD
The club A.G.M. took place on Monday of last week. At a well-attended meeting, Tony O’Neill was elected club Captain for the coming year.
Tony has given great service to the club both on and off the fairways over a long number of years, and our best wishes go to him for a successful and enjoyable year.
The following were also elected: Vice-Captain, Derek Walsh; Hon. Treasurer, Michael Moran; Hon. Secretary, Pat Geoghegan; Hon. Auditor, Liam Gaynor; ex-officio, Paddy Cleary. The following were elected to the committee: Ger Cashman, Ian Thomas, Brian Reilly, Pat Harnett, lady Captain Una Doherty, lady Vice-Captain Trish Hanton, Clem Daly, Jim Turner, Ger Lally, Pat ‘Kenny’ Walsh, Jim Keane, Brian Morris, Nicky Reville and Denise Dunne.
There will be a men’s committee meeting at 7.30 p.m. on Monday. Our Christmas party night takes place this Saturday, December 10, in the clubhouse. If you wish to book for a sit-down meal, contact Tommy in the restaurant; otherwise just turn up and experience the joys of the festive season.
Our best wishes go to club members Pat Gately and John Lee who we hope to see back on the fairways in the not too distant future.
First again in Sunday’s 14-hole competition were the father and son combination of Brian and Ben Morris with 38 points. Second went to Paddy Murphy and Tom O’Brien with 37 points, and third were Tom Foran and Billy Roche (the player everybody wants to play with) with 36 points (back five).
Wednesday’s fourball was won by John Pitt and Larry Byrne on 39 points. Friday’s three-person team event was won by Terry Lyons, Joe Scott and Christy O’Gorman with 40 points.
Saturday’s fourball was won by Martin O’Connor and Paul Bridges with 35 points (back seven). In second place were Victor Isdell and Joe Ryan with 35 points (back six).
Our club Christmas draw will take place in the clubhouse at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 16. All members, families and friends are invited to attend.
Information on all club activities and great special membership offers are on our website: wexfordgolfclub.ie
ST. HELEN’S
Congratulations to John Codd on his great tee shot at the par three seventh hole on Sunday week. John’s ball took a hop and a roll and straight in for a hole-in-one, but, unfortunately for John, not enough to win the hamper.
We offer our condolences to club members George and Dougie Benson and Niall Walsh on the death of their mother and grandmother, Rita Benson. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Sunday, November 27, hampers (15 holes): 1, Tony Dorazil (27/23), 42 points; 2, John Codd (15/13), 36 points; 3, David Murphy (12/10), 34 points.
Wednesday, November 30, Wednesday club (eleven holes): 1, Pádraig Tiernan (13/8), 28 points; 2, John Lyons (21/13), 26 points.
Sunday, December 3, winter league round five and sweep (eleven holes): 1, Kieran Whelan (26/16), 29 points; 2, Mark O’Donoghue (15/9), 26 points; 3, Dermot Walsh (27/17), 25 points (countback).
Fixtures: Wednesday, December 7, Wednesday club Christmas dinner; Saturday, December 10, singles stableford; Sunday, December 11, Christmas goodies; Wednesday, December 14, Wednesday club; Saturday, December 17, singles stableford; Sunday, December 18, singles stableford.
ST. HELEN’SLADIES
Sunday, November 27, singles stableford: 1, Susan Stewart (20), 29 points; 2, Mari Byrne (27), 29 points; 3, Jo Devitt (23), 28 points.
Saturday, December 3, singles stableford: 1, Martina Noonan, 24 points; 2, Nora Kavanagh, 20 points; 3, Mari Byrne, 19 points.
Sunday, December 4, singles stableford: 1, Georgina Darling (13), 26 points; 2, Rionach Donlon (13), 23 points; 2, Mary O’Riordan (18), 21 points.
WEXFORDLADIES
Luckily our winter season continues with cold but good golfing weather on Monday when our Senior ladies were out.
Results: 1, Wendy Tiernan (22), 26 points; 2, Anna Sullivan (22), 25 points.
Thursday’s ladies had very frosty conditions and therefore had to play on temporary greens which provided some fun by just hitting and hoping! This resulted in the competiton having winners from Saturday and Thursday.
Saturday, November 26, fourball: Mary Walsh (26/18), Deirdre Colfer (26/18), 22 points.
Thursday, December 1, fourball: 1, Margaret Hearne (15/11), Geraldine Mackey (11/8), 33 points; 2, Deirdre Greer (31/27), Breda Devoy (24/17), 32 points; ten-hole competition, Pauline O’Neill (36), 21 points; nearest the pin, Mary O’Leary, 6 ft. 11 ins.
On Friday night we had our annual Christmas party in a beautifully-decorated clubhouse, thanks to all the hard work put in by the ladies concerned!
A most enjoyable night was had by all. As usual the entertainment was magnificent, all directed by Theresa and Lorraine with special appearances by local and national personalities!
COURTOWN
The Wednesday sweep Christmas dinner and party takes place in the clubhouse after golf on Wednesday, December 14, at 5.30 p.m.
Those attending the dinner are asked to please put their name on the list on the board in the hall as the caterers need to know how many are dining. Enquiries to Chairman Pat McCarthy.
Weekly entries were excellent for golf so far. We have reached the half-way point of the competition.
Golfers in line for the Paschal Storan Cup at November 30 are: V. Kavanagh, ten points; N. Nolan, seven points; T. Ryan, six points.
They are followed by six players on five points. Luke Levingston, T. Ryan’s coach, says the heavy going does not suit Tom.
Ladies’ singles, 14 holes, Tuesday, November 29: 1, Tina Smith (31), 25 points; 2, Mairéad Carty (20), 24 points; nine holes: 1, Kathleen Redmond (36); 2, Mairéad Hobbs (36).
Men’s singles sweep, Wednesday, November 30: 1, Pat O’Shea (18), 21 points; 2, Jim Hughes (19), 20 points; 3, Vinnie Kavanagh (12), 19 points.
Ladies’ and gents’ singles, 14 holes, Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4 - gents: 1, Colm Sheehan (5), 30 points (last three); 2, Martin Hempenstall (17), 30 points (last nine); 3, Seamus Grogan (14), 30 points; 4, John Maher (13), 29 points; weekly turkey: Cat. 1, no winners; Cat. 2, Seamus Grogan (14), 24 points; ladies: 1, Eileen Cullen (19), 32 points; 2, Clare Kinsella (32), 31 points.
BALLYMONEY
Wednesday nine-hole (mixed): 1, Kevin Byrne (21), 21 points; 2, Richard Temple (16), 18 points; 3, Peter Byrne (21), 18 points, holding off Martin Conroy on countback.
Weekend singles stableford: 1, Robbie Kehoe (12), 42 points; 2, Michael J. Byrne (18), 40 points; 3, Seán Furlong (8), 40 points.
Winter league round three - Group 1: Donal Byrne and Michael J. Byrne beat Mike O’Grady and Peter Byrne; Stephen Greene and Dermot Noctor beat Ken and Frank Layton; Robbie Kehoe and Seán Furlong beat Pádraig Grainger and Christy Dodson.
Group 2: Joe Breen and Brendan Whyte beat Liam Redmond and Andrew Byrne; Paul Swinburne and Liam Morris beat Pat Miskella and Anthony P. Doyle.
Group 3: Billy and Pat Larkin beat Ger McNally and John Reville.
Group 4: Paul Hayden and Phillip Moore beat Paul and Anthony Doyle.
ENNISCORTHY
Our Monday ladies’ and gents’ open singles is proving very popular, with an entry fee of €5 for members and €10 for visitors. The next competitions are on December 12 and 19, and the booking sheets are open.
There will be a gents’ Scotch foursomes on December 10 and 11, and booking has opened.
The next gents’ open Seniors will be on Thursday, December 15, followed by Christmas dinner, and will be sponsored by Morgan Dunne and Cllr. Paddy Kavanagh. This will be a nine-hole shotgun start at noon, and the €20 entry fee includes the dinner.
The booking sheet is open and filling fast. The draw for the free range turkeys will take place after the dinner.
There is a packed schedule on the course over the Christmas period with competitions on every day from St. Stephen’s Day through to January 2 except December 31. Booking sheets are open on December 14 for almost all these competitions.
The club A.G.M. will be held on January 8. Anybody who wants to propose a motion needs to have sent it to the Hon. Secretary at least a fortnight prior to the meeting itself.
The Brittle Bones society played last Monday just before the heavy frost closed the course for a couple of days. The winners with 59.2 points were Mick Dee, Tom Furlong and Tony Hutchinson who surprised themselves in winning with that score.
On Thursday no game was played due to the frost but 40+ souls turned up for the annual Christmas dinner, a lovely three-course meal served up by chef Greg.
After the meal some of the brittles displayed other talents by way of entertaining the patrons with song, music, recitation and jokes.
Some said that some showed more talent in entertaining than on the course.