ON the FAIRWAYS
NEW ROSS
We had an excellent turn-out in the Christmas hamper competition when 110 players took part in ideal weather conditions. The scoring was good with only one point separating the first three prize winners.
Coming home in first place was John Hartley (23) with an excellent return of 39 points. The runners-up spot went to Ger Freyne (19) with 38 points, whilst Paul Brennan (14) shot 37 points to finish third.
The gross prize went to Tommy Liston with 27 points. Category 1 saw Joe Doyle (7) win with 30 points. Category 2 went to Fabian Flood (11) with 36 points and, after a countback over the last six holes, John Hartley (16) won Category 3 with 35 points.
The popular nine-hole competition for turkeys and hams saw John Murphy procure his Christmas dinner with a score of 17 points. This competition continues with the entry fee only €4 and re-entry €2 - entries taken by James or Paul in the Pro Shop.
Also going well is the Split The Pot fundraiser where the lucky winner can pick up a nice few Euro depending on the support by members.
The Christmas Classic began last Sunday (December 16) and runs right up to and including New Year’s Day. The format is a two-person champagne scramble with gents, ladies, mixed and also a non-G.U.I. prize. Invite your friends and relations from other clubs to compete and make this a financial success for the club.
A reminder that the A.G.M. of the club takes place this Thursday evening, December 14, in the clubhouse.
We have all heard of the big shoot-out in that wild west film (The Gunfight at OK Corral). Well, it had nothing on the golfing shoot-out at Faithlegg Golf Club last week.
Members of the outgoing committee resumed rivalry with each other from their previous encounter in Waterford. The young eager-beaver Sheriff, Donal Hosey, assembled his Wexford/Armagh team featuring strong back up from Deputy Sheriffs Andy Ronan, Brian Teague and Larry Shannon, and they came out with all guns blazing.
Opposing them were the veterans led by the ‘man from Palatine’, in Carlow, Marshal Davy Doran. His sheriffs were three Kilkenny law men in John Murphy, J.J. Hoyne and Jamesie Murphy.
After the heart-warming coffee and mince pies, the scene was set and the first shots were fired with Davy Doran and John Murphy bisecting the fairway with cracking drives on the first hole, showing that they meant business.
This set the tone for the day and Sheriff Hosey and Co. were not impressed by this start by the veteran team. They were less impressed when the final results were announced, being beaten by 94 points to 87 and losing the Euros into the bargain.
He immediately called for a re-match in the rubber to be played in the new year, citing the fact that his Deputy Sheriffs were inexperienced at this level. But when the chips are down it’s a survival of the fittest - these old gun slingers are never beaten until the Fat Lady Sings.
Many thanks to manager Karl Cullen and his staff at Faithlegg for looking after our lads so well - it was much appreciated.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
We had fine but rather cold weather for our Christmas outing on Thursday. Fourteen teams took part in the golfing competition in very heavy conditions after the incessant overnight rain.
We welcomed our incoming Captain, Martin Carroll, to join in the festivities and he enjoyed the camaraderie and the fun associated with the Seniors group. We introduced our new formula of the champagne scramble format with all teams picking the best drive except when playing your own ball on the par threes which constitutes four drives per each team member on these four holes. Playing off the green markers was a decided help in carding good scores as there was little or no run on the ball.
With prizes for all teams, the competition was fierce before Paddy Shannon (11), Willie Byrne (15), Willie Whitty (17) and Frank Boyle (23) took the Hennessy Brandy with a great score of 94 points.
A point behind (93) and in second place were John Murphy (17), Paddy Mahony (19), Richie Byrne (21) and Robert O’Dwyer (21). The third prize was won by Jim ‘Ross’ Ryan (17), Willie Kelly (18), Mick Brennan (19) and Jim ‘Dublin’ Ryan with 92 points.
On the same score and in fourth place came Jimmy O’Neill (19), Seán O hUginn (19) and Patsy Farrell (20). Nearest the pin prizes went to Paddy Shannon, Willie Whitty and Liam Glasheen.
Well done to Tony Harford on procuring a great selection of prizes - no player left empty-handed. Compliments go to the restaurant for the terrific meal served up after golf, and everyone was well fed and watered.
Thanks also to Anthony, Breda, and Cora in the bar who have looked after us so well in 2017. Their help was much appreciated.
We have our normal outing this Thursday with the draw for teams at 9.40 a.m. sharp.
BUNCLODY
Open singles, Wednesday, November 29: 1, Leslie Carroll (11), 38 points; 2, Eamonn Maher (11), 39 points.
Weekend singles, December 2 and 3: 1, Tom O’Loughlin (20), 29 points; 2, Johnny Ryan (18), 27 points (back nine); 3, Tony Gleeson (8), 27 points.
Winter league week four: 1, Tom Swaine (18), 29 points; 2, Eoin Hutchinson (15), 26 points; 3, Vincent Murphy (9), 25 points; best lady, Bríd St. Ledger (20), 21 points.
ROSSLARE
Scotch foursomes, 14-hole turkey: 1, Stephen Healy (10), Conor Brett (11), 50.63; 2, Michael Geraghty (11), Pat Doyle (16), 51.13; 3, Bobby O’Dowd (20 - 2), Eamonn Purcell (13 - 2), 52.75.
Fourball, 14-hole turkey: 1, Willie Ennis (15), Ned Kinsella (19), 37 points; 2, Stan Jackson (13), Colman Doyle (19), 37 points.
COURTOWN GOLF CLUB
Because of weather conditions our Christmas Fayre has been moved to next Sunday, December 17, there will also be a nine-hole draw for partners.
Results - Ladies and gents singles, Saturday and Sunday, December 2 and 3 - 1st: Ollie Quiglet (13) 35 points (last 9); 2nd: Paddy Stack (19) 35 points; 3rd: Tommy Kinsella (17) 34 points; Gr: Des Roche (6) 30 points.
Ladies - 1st: Denise Kavanagh (12) 30 points. Wednesday Sweep, December 6 - 1st: Danny Whitty (15) 29 points; 2nd: Paddy Donohoe (6) 27 points; 3rd: Joe Sinnott (18) 26 points (last 9).
Seniors Ope Thursday 7th - 1st: Mark McGrath (21) 32 points; 2nd: John O’Riordan (16) 32 points (last 9).
WEXFORD GOLF CLUB
Thirty one ladies played in last Monday’s Seniors competition (December 4), the winners were:
1st: Margaret Hearne (16) 28 points; 2nd: Maisie Purcell (16) 25 points; 3rd: Louise Boshoff (16) 24 points; 4th: Sally O’Neill (21) 23 points (B6),
Well done to Margaret Hearne who is continuing her good form with a hole-in-one on the third hole.
The winners of the 14 Hole Singles Stableford competition held on December 2 and 7 were:
1st : Ger O’Brien (22) 30 points; 2nd: Mary Walsh (23) 29 points; 3rd: Sally O’Neill (21) 27 points (B7).
Nearest the pin was Kay McCabe with 1m 40cm.
The ladies Christmas party was held last Friday night. A great night was had by all; a delicious meal, followed by a show put on by Ladies of the club and dancing til late. A presentation was made on the night to Maragaret Hearne for her achievement in winning the Junior Section of the ILGU Mid Leinster Championships in August. Well done Maggie from everyone in the club.
This week’s competition is a 14 Hole Fourball competition.
Photo: Presentation to Margaret Hearne, at Wexford Golf Club’s Ladies Christmas Party, for her achievement in winning the
Junior Section of the ILGU Mid Leinster Championships. Left to Right: Patricia Hanton (Lady Captain), Margaret
BALLYMONEY GOLF CLUB
Wednesday 9hole competition (mixed) - 1st: Stephen Greene(16) 20 points; 2nd: Gary O’Grady (22) 19 points.
Weekend singles Stableford was played as a 9 Hole competition on the back nine on Saturday (bad weather on Sunday meant no play). Results not to hand at time of writing.
NEW ROSS LADIES
Another competition fell foul of weather this week. Because of the season that it is, we decided to add a once off extra Turkey competition that is available to ladies till Tuesday, December 12 (today). €6 entry except for those who played in the cancelled event who can play for €3. All ready for fun Scramble on Wednesday, December 13. Thank you to the men who agreed to giving up some of their Fourball slots to facilitate the big crowd of women eager to get out for our last competition of the year.
Times for each team now on BRS so check now for your tee off. It is a tight schedule so it is imperative everyone is ready for the off at appointed time. The handicap allowances will be outlined in the entry book.
Please pray to your favourite saint for some kind of clement weather otherwise it will be skittles in the bar.
The evening will bring our final prize giving of the year ..... Golfer of the Year, Sharpen your Short game winners, Get into Golf winners as well as Turkey winners. Some carol singing will accompany the mince pies and mulled wine or tea/coffee. Spot prizes galore too up for grabs so if you snooze you lose!
Reminder that we are now into Round 2 of winter League which ends December 2O. Results for round 1 posted in the locker room and already there is a team out in front so don’t forget to get your second round completed before Wednesday week.
Club Christmas Classic kicks off December16 and runs until the end of December. Prizes for ladies will be on offer so be sure to support this important club event. It is a two-person Champagne Scramble and booking is open online now.
ROSSLARE LADIES
Last Saturday’s Open Fourball (December 2) was won by Teresa Cowman (14/10-1=9) and Teresa Conway (22/151=14) with a score of 37 points over 14 holes. Well done ladies! Eleven pairs played - only one prize.
Last Tuesday’s ladies singles Stableford turkey competition was won by Chris White (15/10) with a terrific score of 29 points over 12 holes. Well done, Chris. Congrats also to Pauline Cafferkey, Doreen McGovern and Teresa Cowman who won delicious festive treats from ‘La Cuisine’, Wexford Town. Enjoy, ladies!
The ladies section A.G.M. was held in the clubhouse last Tuesday evening at 7.30 pm. The well run meeting progressed smoothly from item to item on the agenda, concluding with floral bouquets being presented to the out-going Lady Captain and Lady President in recognition of all their hard work and dedication over the last year. We thank them both.
New Committee - Officers - Lady President: Kitty Roche; Lady Captain: Norrie Goff; Lady Vice-Captain: Niamh Byrne; Secretary: Vandra Deacon; Treasurer: Dorcas Maher; Handicap Secretary: Valerie Doyle; Ex-officio: Doreen McGovern. Committee: Joan Bowe, Catherine Haugh, Eleanor O’Connor, Karen O’Keeffe, Mary O’Shaughnessy, Anne Redmond.
We wish all 13 ladies the best of luck for the season ahead.
Another busy week ahead on our golfing calendar; today (Tuesday, December 12) ladies singles Stableford 12-hole turkey competition, Thursday ladies Seniors competition - special thanks to Sheila, Molly and Grainne, Saturday ladies Fourball 14-holes, and Sunday ladies alternative day.
Tuesday, December 5 – Singles 12 holes - 1st: Chris White (15/10) 29 points; 2nd: Pauline Cafferkey (21/14) 28 points; 3rd: Doreen McGovern (12/8) 26 points (B6); 4th: Teresa Cowman (14/9) 26 points (B3).
Saturday, December 2 – Open Fourball – 14 holes - 1st: Teresa Cowman (14/10-1=9) and Teresa Conway (22/151=14) 37 points.
ST HELEN’S BAY
Results - Wednesday, December 6, Mixed Scramble 1st: Aidan Furlong (14), Seamus McCormack (16), John Williams (25) and Frances Reid (21) 35.1; 2nd: Michael Keating (23), Nick McBride (14), Tom Devitt (27) and Trish Williams (36) 36.
Saturday, December 9, Hampers (11 holes) - 1st: Joe Kelly (5) 29 points; 2nd: Niall Walsh (8) 24 points (countback).
Fixtures - Wednesday, December 13, Wednesday Club; Saturday, December 16, 11 Hole Sweep; Sunday, December 17, 11 Hole Sweep.
ENNISCORTHY
The gents open seniors is on the second Thursday of every month. There are changes to the age groups for this year and they are as follows, 50 to 65, 66 to 75 and 76+. The most popular and best attended gents senior open in the region.
Gents open seniors is on December 14. Sponsored by Mr Morgan Dunne and Councillor Paddy Kavanagh. The annual Christmas party will be held after the 9 hole single stableford competition. There is a shotgun start at noon and the competition fee plus dinner is €20. There are just a few spaces available.
Open 4 person team 14 holes on December 26 and 27 starting at 8.50am. Not live yet.
Open Ladies and gents 9 hole stableford on December 28 and 29 starting at 8.40am. Not live yet.
Open Ladies and Gents Fourball on December 30 and 31 starting at 8.40am. Not live yet.
Please dates/times correct at time of writing but may be subject to change.
The winter series is ticking along now and the winners from week three for cat. 1 were Sean Hegarty and Eddie Doyle, cat. 2 were Thomas Kielthy and James Sheridan and cat. 3 were John Conville and David Bradley.
The top three in the current leaderboard for cat. 1 (0-9), are Paul Connolly - 65, James Morrissey - 65 and Sean Hegarty - 62; cat. 2 (10-18) are Declan Lyons – 70, James Sheridan - 69 and Paddy Fitzpatrick – 69; cat. 3 (19-28) are William Murphy - 62, John Ryan – 61 and David Bradley – 60.
The children’s Christmas Party was held in the clubhouse last Sunday. There was a disco, goodies, baddies, balloons, pressies and refreshments for the children and Santa arrived as expected. All the children had a great time and can now look forward to the upcoming big day.
Two of the club AGMs are on January 14. Mens golf is at 2.15pm and the main AGM for all members is at 3pm. Anyone who wants to have a motion in to be discussed has to have it in with new acting Honorary Secretary, Christy O’Connor, 14 days prior.
There was a quiz night last Thursday in the clubhouse. 20 per cent of the funds raised went to the Enniscorthy Community Workshop for their Special Olympics team who participate in golf lessons every summer in the golf club that we sponsor.
The remaining funds went towards off-setting Enniscorthy Golf Club’s 2017 team expenses, bringing in two major cups has a cost unfortunately.
18 teams took part and well done to all team and raffle prizewinners. Thanks to everybody who took part and to Vice Captain Tim Morrissey and his team for organising same. There was a cruel twist in the last round where a all or nothing round was played i.e. keep answering questions until your confidence in your answers runs out.
Wherever you stop then that is your score. With the scoring so tight everyone went for it and tried to get all 10 answers but if one was wrong then you got nothing which is exactly what happened to 17 of the teams. The winning team of Eddie Dempsey, Denis Dunne, Willie Murphy and John Ryan stole a march on everyone else and came in from sixth place to be the winners.