ONtheFAIRWAYS
NEW ROSS
The October medal was played for in inclement weather conditions but a good deal better than what was to come later.
Sharp shooting was the order of the day as three players tied for the coveted piece of silver, all shooting nett 71s. In the end it took countbacks over the last nine holes and again over the last six to find an eventual winner.
Seamus Phelan (13) took the medal by virtue of a better back nine and a final tally of 71 nett. In second place, again by virtue of a better back nine, was George Foley (14), and John Howlin (11) clinched third spot, again shooting 71 nett.
The gross prize was won by Derek Ronan whose 75 was an excellent score considering the conditions.
The weekly nine-hole competition is proving very attractive, and Richie Aylward was the latest winner with 20 points, prevailing by one from the evergreen John Murphy.
Entries are now being taken for the winter league which is being played over five competitions, and all wishing to take part can put the €25 entry fee in the competition box. The draw for tee-times takes place this coming Sunday (October 29), so make sure your entry is in before then.
The Split The Pot fundraiser is going strong, and for €2 you have a chance of picking up a nice few Euro just like latest winner, Miceál O Neill, who collected €66.
On a sad note, all members of New Ross Golf Club extend their deepest sympathy to the family of the late Larry Furlong from McMurrough Island, and late of 7 Mary Street, New Ross, who passed away last week.
One of nature’s gentlemen, Larry was a member of the club for many years, figuring on various teams and committees, and serving as President in 1985. He will fondly be remembered by all who knew him but more so by his wife, Margaret, and the extended Furlong family.
Larry was laid to rest in Rathgarogue Cemetery after Requiem Mass in the Parish Church, New Ross, last Friday. Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar a anam dílis.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
‘After the storm there comes a calm’ - the age-old proverb was true to its name last week. With Miss Ophelia and her hurricane battering the country on Monday, there seemed little chance that our planned visit to Faithlegg on Tuesday could go ahead.
But, lo and behold, a drying wind on Monday night meant that we got the green light to proceed to Faithlegg. Here the course was as dry as a bone with only a scattering of branches left behind by that Ophelia lady.
As usual, we got a warm welcome from the Director of Golf there, Karl Cullen, who was instrumental in having the course cleared for tee-off at 10.30 a.m. sharp.
Fourteen mixed teams went out playing a champagne scramble format on what was a glorious autumn day, and absolutely perfect for a round of golf. There was a great camaraderie between the mixed teams and scoring was sky high, all shooting well into the 90-plus points range
Taking the honours, and the vintage Bordeaux Wines, plus the bragging rights with 96 points after a countback over the last nine holes (46/44), came the New Ross pair of Jimmy Ryan (17) and Jamesie Murphy (24), accompanied by Tony Brennan (18) and John Fitzgerald (23) from Faithlegg.
The New Ross trio of Mikey Lee (18), Larry Shannon (20), Martin Hartley (22), and Michael Griffin (20) from Faithlegg, finished second, also on 96 points.
Johnny Browne (12) and Martin Burke (26) teamed up with Peter O’Leary (15) and Arthur Dagg (20) from Faithlegg, scoring 95 points to take third place.
Many thanks go to Karl Cullen, Frank Walsh, Tony Brennan and John Fitzgerald for their gracious words of welcome to us on our annual visit and for making sure we enjoyed our golf, the morning coffee and the meal afterwards.
Replying on behalf of the New Ross group, Jamesie Murphy said it was always a pleasure to visit Faithlegg and keep up the bond of friendship that has developed between the two clubs down the years. It was great to be able to get a round of golf in on their championship course and it was much appreciated.
We had no game last Thursday due to adverse weather conditions but we resume hopefully this week with a champagne scramble in aid of St. Vincent De Paul. The entry fee is €5 per person and there will be a raffle as well, so bring along few extra Euro and be as generous as you can to a good cause.
PAULINE’S SOCIETY
Our recent outing to Williamstown on October 7 was run on a different format due to a low turn-out, and as a consequence handicaps will not be adjusted.
We would appeal to members to make a special effort to support Captain Alan Nixon in his sterling work in organising the administration of each outing.
Our next outing will be on Saturday, November 4, and will be played, weather permitting, in Mountain View golf course.
Any outstanding subscriptions should be paid by now, and names where possible for the above outing should be entered into the sheet in Pauline’s Bar.
This should be done by Tuesday, October 31 (Halloween) at 8 p.m. Looking forward to seeing as many as possible there on the Saturday.
NEW ROSS LADIES
Storm Ophelia blew herself out by Wednesday but not before causing damage to some trees on the course.
However, with help from volunteers on Tuesday, ladies were able to play a 14-hole stableford competition on October 18. Sponsorship was provided by Brian Bailey.
Results: 1, Marie Therese Wall (20), 27 points; 2, Teresa Byrne (20), 27 points; 3, Liz Bennett (9), 25 points.
This Wednesday (October 25) we have a 14-hole scramble sponsored by Barrow Office Supplies, John Street. Thank you to Margaret and Paul Crowdle for your support.
Next weekend there is a Halloween fourball open for ladies and men starting on Friday, October 27, and running until Sunday, October 29. Get your partner now and opposition and book online.
There are no short game lessons this week because of Halloween so the next one is Thursday, Friday and Saturday, November 4, 5 and 6.
There is an ongoing nine-hole competition so, remember ladies, if there is a fine day why not get out and try your luck?
The A.G.M. of the ladies’ section is on November 9, so any motions for that meeting must be posted up, proposed and seconded by October 25.
The winter league will start before Christmas this year, so if you are interested in taking part please put your name on the sheet in the locker room before Wednesday, November 8, so draws can be made for teams.
BUNCLODY
Men’s open singles, October 11: 1, Andrew Cullen (8, Cill Dara), 37 points; 2, James Dunne (10, Cill Dara), 35 points; 3, Jordan Cullen (10, Cill Dara), 35 points.
DONOHOE’S SOCIETY
Donohoe’s Golf Society played Carrigleade on Sunday, October 22, with only eleven players in action.
Results: 1, Jim Breen, 31 points; 2, John Cahill, 29 points; 3, ‘Cockney’ Murphy, 28 points.
The birdie money was won by Jim Breen with a birdie and an eagle on the 17th.
Congratulations to Nicky Cahill who won the par three player of the year without even hitting a ball.
Next week we play Rathaspeck Manor for our last official outing of the year, with the final yellow ball competition taking place. Please be there by 8.45 a.m.
BALLYMONEY
Wednesday nine-hole competition (mixed): 1, Anthony Doyle (24), 22 points; 2, Thomas Doolan (24), 21 points; 3, Anthony Fortune (15), 19 points, holding off Stephen Greene on countback.
Due to bad weather the weekend singles stableford was played on Sunday. The competition was played over twelve holes.
Richard McDonald won with 27 points, while Frank Layton with 25 points held off Charlie Logan for second place.
The draw for the winter league was made on Sunday. Team details are available at the clubhouse.
COURTOWN
In spite of Ophelia’s best efforts, and they were indeed strong to say the least, Courtown weathered the storm fairly well undamaged.
There was a small amount of damage caused to both the 13th and the 17th greens, but otherwise all we had to contend with was fallen debris.
On behalf of our Captain John Fitzgerald, greenkeeper James Timmins and the membership in general, we say a special thanks to all who had time to come along during the week to help with the clean-up operation. Due to all your hard work we were able to hold a competition on Saturday and Sunday, albeit reduced to twelve holes.
Our lunar golf event for next Friday evening is completely booked out. We will bring details of its success or otherwise next week.
Round two of our Colman Doyle Finance winter league saw some small changes in the pecking order but nothing major as yet. When I saw the results come in immediately following round two my heart sank, as from being in a comfortable second position in section two we were suddenly at the very bottom with only an average of 17 points for the round.
However, it seems that some of my team players had submitted cards only for the weekly competition and apparently did not post cards for the winter league.
Please note that cards have to be returned for the winter league following every round. The best six cards are taken into account and then an average score is entered for each team.
After round two the teams are as follows - section one: Donal’s Dynamos 48.2, Quigley’s Quorum 47.8, Butler’s Bandits 46.7, Wood’s Tigers 46.3, Hughes’ Heroes 45.8, Mutr’s Marvels 45.
Section two: Noel’s Knockouts 51.7, Darcy’s Dynamos 48.8, Larry’s Lads 47.8, Eamonn’s Eagles 46.2, Cathal’s Crew 42.7, Doyle’s Demons 42.5.
ROSSLARE
The threat of Storm Ophelia on Sunday week had a big bearing on the hamper competitions in Rosslare, with quite a few cancellations on the sheet.
In Cat. 1 (up to 12 handicap), the winner with 36 points was Mark Fitzpatrick (8). Mark had a blow-out at the second but birdied the ninth to turn in 20 points.
Against the wind he added 16 points on the way home to win on the breakdown from John Bourke (12).
In contrast to the winner, John had a hole-in-one at the second but failed to score points at the ninth and 16th which proved costly. Third, also on 36 points, was Michael Sutton (12).
Bobby O’Dowd (20) made a return to the winners’ enclosure when he won Cat. 2 (13 handicap upwards) with 34 points. He put together halves of 15 and 19 points to win on the back nine from Dominick O’Sullivan (16) who turned in 20 points. Toddy Murphy (20) was third.
Saturday fourball: 1, David McGee (8), Jim Hore (13), 42 points; 2, Mark Fitzpatrick (8), 40 points.
The annual dinner dance takes place in the clubhouse on Saturday night (October 28). To book please ring Siobhán in catering as soon as possible.
ROSSLARE LADIES
Hurricanes, storms, wind and rain - last week the southeast coast was battered and bruised but luckily Rosslare Golf Club escaped lightly.
One tree fell beside the car park, landing just beside the second green. Hence, on the day of ‘the calm after the storm’, Tuesday, an incredibly lovely day, we started on the third hole and played only 16 holes.
It was to be our last 18-hole competition and scores for the ring competition were still accepted. Well done to Carmel Quinlivan on coming first with 32 points.
Saturday, Storm Brian, put an end to any ladies playing that day, but luckily the club was back in action again the next day with no damage done to the course.
We are asking everyone to bring your divot bag on course. Last year we didn’t need to use the mats until the new year due to everyone’s diligence repairing divots and pitch marks - every little bit helps!
Next weekend is the bank holiday with lots planned: Saturday, Yellow Bellies v. Blow-ins with the annual dinner dance on that night; Sunday, Billy Kelly Memorial Cup, mixed Scotch foursomes, sponsored by Kelly’s Hotel; Monday, open ladies’ fourball and gents’ fourball - all are welcome both on the course and in the clubhouse.
Tuesday, October 31, is a ladies’ singles stableford competition over 14 holes.
Saturday, October 14, open fourball: 1, Carol O’Brien (17/15) and Marie Garahy (19/17), 38 points.
Sunday and Tuesday, October 15 and 17, 16-hole singles stableford: 1, Carmel Quinlivan (19/17), 32 points; 2, Susan Evans (12/11), 30 points (back nine); 3, Deirdre Walsh (30/27), 30 points; 4, Niamh Byrne (8/7), 29 points (back nine).
WEXFORD LADIES
Last week was very quiet, with the arrival of Storm Ophelia meaning there was no Seniors competition held on Monday.
Only six teams managed to get out and play in the 16hole champagne scramble, with most of the teams playing on Saturday, October 14, and only two on Thursday.
The winners of the sweepstake were Martina Gately (17), Maisie Purcell (16) and Helen McGuire (20) with 71 points.
Despite the weather there was one player who was not put off her game. Congratulations to Tara Dunne who had a brilliant hole-in-one on the sixth hole on Thursday. Well done Tara.
This week’s competition on Thursday, October 26, is a 16-hole singles stableford. Fingers crossed the weather will be kinder.
ST. HELEN’S LADIES
Bernadette Tully of St. Helen’s Bay was the overall winner of the P.G.A. final played in Druids Glen, Co. Wicklow, on Friday, October 20.
ENNISCORTHY
Gents’ open Seniors, singles stableford, October 12, sponsored by Stephen Fitzpatrick (S.S. 72 - 36 points; 114 played): overall, Patrick Mulvey (18), 37 points (last three); Cat. A: 1, Michael Walsh (16), 37 points; 2, Archie Stevenson (15), 36 points; Cat. B: 1, George Leech (12), 36 points; 2, Joe Murphy (18), 35 points (back nine); Cat. C: 1, Joe Kavanagh (Arklow, 28), 36 points; 2, Seán O’Leary (22), 33 points (last nine).
Starting from yesterday (Monday), there will be a ninehole turkey competition running from Monday to Friday every week. Each competition will consist of 30 entries for one turkey and re-entry will be allowed. The prize for each competition will be a voucher for either Stafford’s or Wickham’s butchers.