ONtheFAIRWAYS
NEW ROSS SENIORS
Artic winds and driving sleet showers did not deter seven teams venturing out last Thursday when either the fireside or the comforts of the club house bar seemed more appealing. A hardy lot these seniors who braved the winter weather in order to play their weekly competition. We shortened the competition to 9 holes and it was more than enough in heavy underfoot conditions.
Even so, some commentators said we were stone mad going out in the prevailing weather which one would only experience somewhere in Alaska. Playing a champagne scramble format with no limit on drives the scoring returns were excellent and all were pleased with their game and the warmth of the club house afterwards and the welcoming bowl of soup.
Taking the honours for the last time in 2017 were Jim ‘Ross’ Ryan (17), Steve Travis (19), Jamesie Wallace (22) and Donie Cody (23) with 53 points after a count back over the last six holes.
On the same tally (53 points) and in second place came Dick Cuddihy (15), Willie Naddy (20), Richie Byrne (21) and John Joe Murray (21). Third place went to Andy Ronan (15), Richie Aylward (19), Aidan O Connor (20) and Martin Burke (26) with 48 points. Nearest the pin prize on the ninth hole was won by John Joe Murray.
We now cease activities until Thursday, January 4, but all seniors are asked to support the Club Christmas Champagne Scramble running up to and including New Year’s Day. Booking is now open on line so perhaps you can invite your friends and relations from other clubs to take part in this novel event.
The Split the Pot fundraiser is something all members should support as it only costs €2 to enter with a chance of a nice cash prize.
Congratulations to our Seniors member, Francis Coughlan, on scooping the latest jackpot of €190.
We hope to see three of our popular members, Eddie Keher, Denis Kirwan and Fr Willie Byrne all back in action in the New Year as all of them are recovering from hip and shoulder problems respectively.
Also, many thanks to Dick Cuddihy, John Murphy and Steve Travis who re-organised the players categories and the placings on the draw board. We now play off our official GUI or club handicap until further notice.
Many thanks to all our newspaper sports columnists, local and national, for the excellent coverage they gave to our activities throughout 2017- it was much appreciated by all.
They and all our members are wished a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2018.
COURTOWN GOLF CLUB
Wednesday Sweep - The Wednesday Sweep Christmas dinner and golf was held at Courtown Golf Club last week.
Some 47 players sat down to a wonderful dinner, including president Vinnie Kavanagh and captain Niall Nolan.
Later we had a great evening of singing, music, and wine, organised to perfection by Paddy Stack and Tom Lynch. The winners of the golf were: 1, Richard Hounslow; 2, Pat O’Shea; 3, Joe Turner; 4, Alan Lawlor. Golf resumes on Wednesday, January 1.
ROSSLARE
The AGM of Rosslare Golf Club took place on Monday last. The President John Furlong presided over a big attendance. The following were elected for 2018:
President: Bob Quilty, Captain: Jim Cullimore, Vice Captain: Michael Dempsey, Lady Captain: Norrie Goff, Lady Vice Captain: Niamh Byrne, Hon. Sec: Carol O’Brien, Hon Treas: Sean Mernagh. Committee: Keith Deacon, John Galvin, Matty Grannell, Jim Hennessy, Aidan Jameson, Mary McDonald,Donal OKeeffe, Boyd Scott, Paddy Lonergan (ex officio), Niall McGuinness, Ken Maher and Colman Doyle did not seek re-election
4 Ball Turkey 14 Hole - 1st: Stephen Rossiter (15), Pat Wright (19) 42 points; 2nd: Derek Evans (10), Boyd Scott (15) 39 points.
BLACKWATER GOLF SOCIETY
Ballymoney - 1st: Michael Byrne 36 points, off 15; 2nd: Peter Goff 35 points, off 14; 3rd: Sean Whelan 32 points C/B, off 11; Cat 1: Paddy O’Connor 32 points, off 11; Cat 2: Tom O’Brien 32 points, off 18; Cat 3: Eddie O’Dowd 32 points, off 23; F9: Nicky Curran 18 points, off 16; B9: Patsy Doyle 16 points, off 17; 2s Club Winners: Sean Whelan (Hole 5) and Stephen Murphy (Hole 8), 28 played.
Sunday, September 10 - Coollattin - 1st: Kevin O’Toole 38 points, off 18; 2nd: Paddy O’Connor 33 points C/B, off 11; 3rd: Patsy Doyle 33 points, off 17; Cat 1: Peter Goff 31 points, off 13; Cat 2: Tom O’Brien 27 points, off 18; Cat 3: Simon Kelly 26 points, off 21; F9: Mick Cullen, B9: Aidan Whelan.
2s Club Winners: Michael Byrne and Aidan Whelan. Saturday, September 23 - New Ross - 1st: Sean Whelan C/B 33 points, off 11; 2nd: Darren O’Brien 33 points, off 14; 3rd: Patsy Doyle 32 points, off 16; Cat 1: Kevin O’Toole 30 points, off 16; Cat 2: Don Malanowski 27 points, off 18; Cat 3: Paul O’Reilly 27 points, off 25; F9: Johnny Cullen 20 points, off 13; B9: Stephen Murphy 18 points, off 15. 17 played.
This ends our season of outings for 2017. Our AGM will be held early in January 2018 to sort matters for the year ahead. Happy Christmas to all and a happy New Year.
WEXFORD
There was no Senior’s or weekly Thursday competitions last week.
This week’s competition on Thursday, December 21, is a 14 Hole Singles Stableford competition. If you are looking to play golf over Christmas then there is plenty of opportunities with Open Ladies and Gents Singles Stableford competitions on Friday, December 22 and 29; Open Ladies and Gents Fourball on Wednesday, December 27, and Ladies Singles Stableford on Thursday, December 28, and Thursday, January 4.
Do not forget that our new Christmas menu is now available in the clubhouse from 10 am to 6 pm daily, catering for over the counter sweet bites, soup and sandwiches, light bites, main courses, desserts and sharing baskets.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all, may this holiday time be filled with plenty of love, cheer and happiness.
NEW ROSS LADIES
Last Wednesday we had our Chrismas Fun Day! The morning started nastily but improved with the sunshine breaking through mid morning. The Scramble was just enough on the day and some very fetching hats were sported too.
Winners were: 1st: Kathleen Walsh, Maeve Butler and Annette Byrne; 2nd: Teresa Foley, Rita Furlong,Lilian O’Hanlon; 3rd: Mary Dungan, Tess Ryan, Mgt Fitzpatrick; 4th: Bridget Murphy, Ellen Howlett, Chris Leahy.
The last Turkey Competition the extra added for last week was won by: 1st: Mary Shannon (17) 28 points; 2nd: Mary Maher (15) 26 points.
Later in the clubhouse a great crowd gathered for our last presentation and to mark the Season. The singing was super with new found talent in our ranks of Get Into Golf ladies! Adeline Foxe played her guitar well into the evening so the carols and Christmas songs got great airplay.
Special mention was made of Ann Healy who spearheaded the Get Into Golf Initiative, organising a great team of volunteers to help the new comers.
Another innovation that was highly successful introduced in 2017 by Lady Captain Marie Therese Wall was Sharpen your Shortgame. Well done Marie Therese!The beautiful prizes were well received and there is no doubt that this competition will feature annually on our calendar.
Winners included - 1st: Eileen Wallace; 2nd: Patricia Quinn; 3rd: Kay Kelleher; 4th: Joan Foley; 5th: Jean Russell.
Lots of ladies won golf balls for their individual scores in this section.
Many thanks to everyone who contributed to making the day a success. Well done to the girls who donned great costumes and really added to the festive atmosphere in the club house.
Next Wednesday, December 20, the Club Christmas Classic is available, ladies! Lovely prizes on offer so get a partner and book immediately before all the good slots are gone.It is a two-person Champagne Scramble. Conditions of play were outlined in an earlier email.
New handicaps after this years review will be enforced from Wednesday.Those affected will be contacted and they will be posted in locker room for Wednesday.
Missing since Wednesday: a pair of wine coloured glasses. Please leave them in the bar at the club house if you find them.
Winter League Round 2 has been extended till January 9 so no excuses for bad scores, girls! The leader board makes interesting reading already.
Best wishes to all for a Happy Christmas, continued good health and, of course, good golf in 2018.
Maeve Wilson Lady Captain 2018
64 GOLF SOCIETY
64 Golf Society Christmas Outing 2017 - 34 members played on a very pleasant day for golf, and on a course that played very nicely despite the weather conditions of late.
1st: Colm Sheehan (4) 36 points; 2nd: Ollie Quigley (13) 34 points (last 9); 3rd: Brendan Sheehan (7) 34 points; Gross: Malachy Travers (23) 29 points; 4th: Paddy Deathe (10) 33 points (last 9); 5th: Donal Keenan (15) 33 points; 6th: Colman Doyle (24) 32 points; 7th: Karl Caulfield (8) 32 points; 8th: Noel Ivanoff (8), 32 points; 9th: Jimmy Woods (13) 31 points; 10th: Seamus O Donohoe (12) 31 points; 11th: John Fitzgerald (11) 31 points; 12th: Paddy O’Dowd (10) 31 points.
“2” Club: Colm Sheehan (4) 7th, Malachy Travers (2) 14th, Paddy Deathe (10) 3rd.
Following the outing and after our Christmas dinner in the club house, our captain Jimmy Woods thanked all those who played. He congratulated the winners and all those who helped to make the day a success.
Our next outing is to the European Golf Club, Brittas Wicklow, in January. All members will be notified in the usual manner.
ROSSLARE LADIES
The main club A.G.M. was held in the clubhouse last Monday evening (December 11) with Carol O’Brien, Norrie Goff and Doreen McGovern on the main committee, and also Mary McDonald representing the ladies.
A well-attended, well structured meeting chaired by out-going President, Mr. John Furlong. We thank the many ladies who were present to show our support and appreciation to our fellow lady golfers who have contributed to the running of the club over the last year on our behalf. We welcome the incoming President Mr. Bob Quilty and incoming Captain Mr. Jim Cullimore and wish them the very best for the year ahead.
The Ladies Seniors was a 12-hole Stableford competition and 12 ladies played on December 7. Well done to Ann Connolly (36) who won with a score of 24 points and to Grainne Dunphy (25) who came second on the day with a score of 19 points.
Due to the inclement weather, only 10 pairs played in last Saturdays Ladies Fourball (December 9th), which was won by Sheila Doyle (23/16) and Maura Foran (23/16) with a great score of 38 points over 14 holes. Congrats ladies!
On Tuesday, December 12, the weather was mixed and 32 ladies played. Well done to Carmel Morrissey (25/17) who won with a terrific score of 33 points.
Also, in the prizes were; Catherine Howard (16/111=10) 31 points and Ann Connolly (again!) (36/24) 30 points all receiving a turkey voucher to the value of €25. Well done, ladies!
A gentle reminder to spend all monies in pro-shop accounts before the fast approaching deadline - 31st December 2017 - two weeks remaining!
......and a slightly stronger reminder to ‘adopt a green’ and repair pitch marks on your chosen one during your weekly round of golf. Thank you. Much appreciated.
As one year comes to an end and a new one fast approaches, let us all celebrate together - book a table with Siobhan and Dave on (053) 9132460 or email caterer@ rosslaregolf.com to ring in the NEW YEAR with fellow golfers, family and friends on Sunday, December 31, at 7.30 pm in the clubhouse - which promises to be a wonderful evening!
NOLLAIG SHONA DHAOIBH GO LEIR
Tuesday, December 12 – 12 Hole Singles - 1st: Carmel Morrissey (25/17) 33 points; 2nd: Catherine Howard (16/11-1) 31 points; 3rd: Ann Connolly (36/24) 30 points.
Saturday, December 9 – Open Fourball – 14 Holes - 1st: Sheila Doyle (23/16) and Maura Foran (23/16) 38 points.