ONtheFAIRWAYS
ROSSLARE
The medal competition was played in Rosslare on Sunday and because of inclement weather there was a small entry.
The winner with a nett 70 was Liam Duggan who is having a great year. Liam had birdies at the 12th, 17th and 18th and, despite a double bogey at the tenth, he had three shots to spare over Jim Doyle (10) who beat Nick O’Connor (4) into third position.
In conjunction with the medal a veterans’ competition was played on the green course. This was won by Kevin Driver (21) with 33 points, one point ahead of Pat Wright (19).
The Wednesday open produced a great score by Gary Collins (+3). Gary had birdies at the third and sixth in an outward half of 34. He dropped a shot at the eleventh but put in a storming finish with birdies at five of the last six holes, his par coming at the 14th.
His six under par 66 for 39 points beat Joe Commins (19) on the breakdown. Third on 37 points was Finn Ryan (22), with Matt Spain (14) fourth on the same score.
Philip Balfe (1) had birdies at the first and 18th and an eagle at the seventh to win the gross with 37 points. Diarmuid O Raighnaigh (13) won the veterans with 38 points.
Team of four: 1, A. Duggan (6), Dave McGee (8), Jim Hore (13), John Harnett (18), 90 points; 2, Eamonn Purcell (13), Martin Buggy (19), Rich Howlin (20), Bobby O’Dowd (20), 88 points.
John Brady had scores of 72 and 78 but failed to qualify for the matchplay stages at the Irish Close in Galway.
There was widespread sorrow throughout the club during the week at the untimely death of Pat Roche. Pat, who was sick for some time, was an active club member, both on and off the course. He was a member of the competition committee for many years and also played on numerous club teams.
To his wife Kitty who is also an active club member, and two daughters, sincere sympathy is extended. May he rest in peace.
ROSSLARE LADIES
Last Tuesday was our second-last major of the season, the President’s (John Furlong) prize to the ladies. A total of 106 ladies played in what was forecast to be bad weather, but turned out fine.
The morning started off with a severe mist, difficult to see where your ball was landing, but it was still a case of ‘the early bird catches the worm’. Carmel Quinlivan and Niamh Byrne were among the first players to tee-off, playing together. Carmel (21) won with 70 (back nine) and Niamh (9) came second with 70.
The gross was won by Lynn Cronin (14), who was also out early, with 73. There was a great turn-out for our President, John Furlong, who presented a huge array of prizes. All the winners were delighted and well done to them.
He was most generous and insisted on also getting a special prize for the Burrow course members (won by Julie O’Brien), and another for the Ladies in Golf 2017 (won by Stephanie Glynn). John was also most generous in his speech, complimenting the ladies on their contribution to the club.
We would like to wish our neighbouring club Wexford the very best of luck with their Minor Cup team which has reached the Mid-Leinster regional finals against Mullingar in Tramore on September 2.
The Thursday Seniors’ competition, run by Sheila Crosbie, will be re-starting on Thursday, September 7, for any ladies over 50.
Tuesday, September 5, is a singles v. par competition sponsored by P.K. Tiles.
Wednesday, August 23, ladies’ open singles (C.S.S. 33 points): 1, Anne Cullimore (22), 34 points.
Tuesday, August 22, President’s prize (John Furlong) to the ladies, 18-hole singles strokes (C.S.S. 75): 1, Carmel Quinlivan (21), 70 (back nine); 2, Niamh Byrne (9), 70; gross, Lynn Cronin (14), 73; 3, Till Kennedy (26), 71; 4, Bernadette Cuddihy (24), 72; 5, Pauline Cafferkey (23), 73; Seniors, Eileen Doyle (21), 74 (back nine); 6, Jackie Gilroy (25), 74 (back nine); Cat. A, Paula O’Leary (13), 74 (back nine); Cat. B, Jane O’Shea (RG, 19), 74 (back nine); Cat. C, Eilis Kavanagh (36), 74; front nine, Neasa Uí Raghnaigh (32), 35; back nine, Eileen Brosnan (15), 35.5; super Senior, Pat Byrne (32/21), 13 points; Burrow course overall, Eileen Jackson (30/20), 28 points; Burrow course members, Julie O’Brien (3/24), 27 - 1 points; Ladies In Golf 2017, Stephanie Glynn (36/24), 19 points.
WEXFORD LADIES
On Sunday, August 20, the eagerly anticipated and much enjoyed yearly Advance Cleaners scramble was held. Despite the wet weather, the spirits and scoring could not be dampened.
Results: 1, Geraldine Broaders, Eamon McGuire, John Kirwan, Brian Kirwan (7), 53; 2, Trish Hanton, John French, Billy Hanton, Brad Cohen (5.4), 55.6; 3, Ann Conway, Paul Mullen, Mark Mullen, Mick Rossiter (6.3), 57.7; gross, Carmel Murphy, Paddy Murphy, Eoin McMahon, Nicky Reville (4), 60 (front six).
Well done to the winners of the Seniors competition held on Monday, August 21.
Results: 1, Sally O’Neill (20), 31; 2, Madge Murphy (19), 30; 3, Martina Foley (34), 29.
On Thursday, August 24, the Solheim Cup open came to Wexford Golf club. It was sponsored by ANA Architects.
The winning teams were: 1, Mary Cashe (24), Susan Kelly (21), Mary B. O’Leary (27), Geraldine Broaders (20), 103 points; 2, Deirdre Colfer (24), Louise Fanning (20), Norrie Goff (15), Emily Power (25), 102 points; 3, Una Seaver (31), Tara Dunne (4), Pat Flanagan (30), Geraldine Draper (27), 99 points; 4, Aishling O’Leary (2), Anna O’Leary (18), Triona Hogan (9), Richella McCarville (13), 95 points (back six).
The winning visitors from Mount Wolseley were Breda Brophy (27), Yvonne Moore (26), Catherine Murphy (24) and Ger O’Reilly (28) with 95 points. Nearest the pin was Helen Robinson with 2 ft. 7 ins.
The Eleanor Conway Scotch foursomes competition will take place on Thursday, August 31. The presentation of prizes will be at 9 p.m. One of the sponsors’ prizes will be a draw (excluding main prize-winners) and winners must be present.
Marie Byrne’s lady President’s day was held on Sunday. There will be a full report and results in next week’s paper.
ST. HELEN’S
Sunday, August 20, open singles (C.S.S. 74, 34 points): 1, Andrew Darling (11, Charlestown), 36 points (countback); 2, John Walsh (17), 36 points; 3, Paddy Casey (10), 35 points.
Wednesday, August 23, singles sweep (C.S.S. 74, 34 points): 1, Tommy Duggan (13), 37 points; 2, Joe Kelly (9), 36 points.
Friday, August 25, nine-hole summer league final: 1, Pádraig Bail (7), 20 points (countback); 2, Nick Hayes (9), 20 points.
Saturday, August 26, President’s prize (G.O.Y.; C.S.S. 72, 36 points): 1, Pat ‘Buzzer’ O’Brien (7), 41 points (countback); 2, Vincent Murphy (20), 41 points; 3, Stephen Kearns (9), 39 points (countback); front nine, Nick McBride (14), 20 points (countback); back nine, Derek Sinnott (13), 23 points; past President, Pat Murphy (19), 32 points; visitor, Niall Ellard (5, Rosslare), 31 points; nearest the pin (eleventh), John Butler (13).
Sunday, August 27, monthly medal (G.O.Y.; C.S.S. 73): winner, Stephen Kearns (8), 73 nett; Class 1, Seán Moore (9), 77 nett; Class 2, Michael Grant (18), 74 nett; Class 3, John O’Keeffe (22), 74 nett.
Fixtures: Wednesday, August 30, open singles; Saturday, September 2, open singles (Rhonellen Group); Sunday, September 3, hampers.
PAULINE’S SOCIETY
The hilly heights of Carrick-on-Suir golf course provided the venue for our most recent outing.
With fairly strong winds threatening to keep the scoring low, Robert Ryan took on the challenge with gusto and returned a score of 43 points to take first place, followed closely by Frank McGuinness with 39 points.
Third place went to veteran Michael Jordan on 37 points. John Nixon took nearest to the pin on the fourth, and Brendan Dunne was nearest on the difficult 16th.
Our next outing will be in Wexford golf course on September 9. Those members intending to play should be in attendance not later than 10.30 a.m.
The usual list is on display in Pauline’s, and it would be appreciated if as many members as possible could indicate their intentions to play by signing on before 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 5.
NEW ROSS
Poor weather conditions prevailed for the running of the weekly competition, in this case the P.G.A. Tankard. However, these senior golfers seem to be able to master any conditions as another veteran, Tony Harford, finished up a clear winner of this coveted prize.
Playing off a 14 handicap, Tony brought in a great score of 38 points to win from Kieran McGrath (14) who finished with 36 points. Third prize with 35 points was won by Liam Connolly (8), and the gross went to Michael Ryan Jnr. with 35 points also.
Category 1 went to Eamon Dungan (6) with 32 points, Category 2 to Denis Kirwan (12) with 34 points, whilst Category 3 went to Noel Dunne (17) with 35 points.
The Tuesday evening fourball is still going strong and the latest winners of the Tom O’Brien Construction (Nicky Furness)-sponsored event were Declan Clarke (12) and John Walsh (16, St. Helen’s) with 38 points.
Second on 36 points were Seamus Phelan (13) and Cathal Kennedy (16, Waterford), whilst Colm Kehoe (9) and Liam Wall (15) scored 35 points to finish in third place.
This Tuesday (August 29) sees a change of format by the C.E.O. of the Tuesday evening fourball, John Murphy, where one score will count on the first seven holes and two scores on the last seven. Sponsor this time is club member Eddie Kent, to whom the club are grateful for his help.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
With the three-person scramble taking place last Thursday, we resume as normal this week with a 9.40 a.m. draw for teams. All players please be aware that the course is closed for works for a week from Monday, September 11.
In the meantime, the Seniors have made contingency arrangements for that period. Anyone not travelling on our 21st birthday outing to Ballykisteen on September 12 and 13 can avail of a game in the Autumn Seniors Alliance at Dungarvan on Monday, August 11 - timesheet with Jamesie Murphy (085-1846172).
We hosted a very successful outing for the Alliance in New Ross on Monday, August 21, with 119 players taking part in tough conditions and the bunkers out of play. But who was the player who lost out by not signing his card? Tough luck Willie, but rules are rules.
Results: overall, John Dowling (18, Carrick-on-Suir), 38 points; 2, John O’Grady (15, Waterford), 37 points; Cat. 1: 1, Liam Flynn (13, Clonmel), 36 points; 2, Phil Kinsella (13, West Waterford), 35 points; 3, Paddy Grace (9, Callan), 34 points; Cat. 2: 1, Kevin Treacy (19), 35 points; 2, Richie Power (18, Clonmel), 35 points; 3, Michael Wall (15, Waterford), 35 points; Cat. 3: 1, Ollie Fitzpatrick (22, Clonmel), 34 points; 2, Tom Flood (20, Clonmel), 34 points; 3, Aidan O’Connor (20), 34 points.
NEW ROSS LADIES
Wednesday, August 23, saw ladies compete for prizes sponsored by lady Captain Marie Therese Wall’s BER. Thank you for that great support.
It was 18-hole stableford and the Centenary Cup was presented to the winner.
Results: 1, Bernadette Murphy (33), 39 points (last nine); 2, Maria Burford (13), 39 points; 3, Bridget Murphy (26), 38 points; Category 1, Teresa Foley (17), 35 points; Category 2, Kay Kelleher (25), 34 points; Category 3, Mary Rose Ryan (34), 33 points.
On August 30 we have our very popular Solheim Cupstyle day sponsored by Swiss Financial Services. The timesheet is quite full with lots of interest from outside clubs.
Six holes of foursomes followed by six fourball betterball, finishing with six holes singles is the format.
The entry is €10 for members and €15 for visitors. Many thanks to Adrian Maher for his ongoing support of this event.
The highlight of lady President Ann Curtis’s year was Saturday, August 26, when a huge crowd turned out to play for her magnificent prize. The mixed event was held one week earlier and her prize to the men was run off on Friday and Saturday.
Great scores were recorded in all sections and we were blessed with lovely golfing weather. Saturday’s festivities went on late into the night with great music, dancing and singing.
The Curtis family came to join in the celebrations with the Mayo branch in particularly great form!
Very famous characters from the world of TV joined us too on the night! ‘Aggie and Mrs. Browne’ from Riverview!
The icing on the cake was that the winner was our hard-working, popular lady Captain Marie Therese Wall who edged out a great challenge by Teresa Foley in the last ten.
Results: 1, M.T. Wall (21), 40 points; 2, Teresa Foley (17), 40 points; gross, Mary Kavanagh, 27 points; 3, Geraldine Mackey (12), 39 points; 4, Martina Reidy (31), 36 points; 5, Eileen Cullinan (16), 36 points (last nine); 6, Adeline Foxe (28), 36 points; 7, Liz Bennett (9), 33 points; past Presidents, Marie O’Connor (31), 33 points; committee prize, Mary J. Maher (28), 30 points; first nine, Agnes Whelan (30), 17 points; second nine, Mary Maher (16), 19 points; 29-36 handicap, Bernie Murphy (31), 32 points.
Mixed: 1, Ann Conway, Jacqui Morgan, Joe Kelly, 27.1; 2, Junior Cashin, Liz Bennett, Ann T. Curtis, 29.3; 3, Lillian O’Hanlon, Eddie Kent, Marie O’Connor, 29.7.
Get Into Golf scramble: 1, Kathleen Woodcock, Kathleen McGuire, Mary Murphy; 2, Liz Moloney, Mary Caulfield, Margaret Quigley, Dolores Kelly.
A great day’s golf was witnessed in Tinneranny on Friday when the Mary McKenna team squared up to Royal Tara for the return match of the Leinster final. What a display of guts and courage!
Our girls gave their all but sadly the rub of luck went against us in the end. It was an honour for the rest of us to be there to cheer you on girls, and no doubt next year we will rise again to bigger and better things.
The atmosphere in the club was electric and due in no small way to the great turn-out of support from our members.
Our visitors were very complimentary about our course and the kind welcome they received in the clubhouse, especially from Anthony and his staff.
It was lovely to meet the great Mary McKenna herself and have her share her time in our club. A thousand thanks to the panel who represented us so well through the campaign and to the two managers who kept the wheels on the wagon for so long.
Royal Tara will represent Leinster in Woodbrook in the All-Ireland final in two weeks’ time.
Our lady Captain Marie Therese Wall and ex-officio Mary J. Maher qualified from the club to represent us in the Countess of Granard All-Ireland final in Malahide last week. Out of 92 teams our girls came fifth which was no mean feat.
Three pairs scored 41 points and the next scores were 37 points, the second of which was the New Ross score. The girls won beautiful prizes and the proceeds went to N.C.B.I.
Kay Kelleher travelled to Carlow yesterday (Monday) to represent New Ross in the P.G.A. She was due to play alongside Paul from the New Ross Pro Shop.
The Borris Cup team travel to the Carlow venue to try their luck next Friday. We have a good record in this competition so hopefully they will bring home the silver. Best of luck ladies.