ON the FAIRWAYS
ROSSLARE
Ninety players took part in the 36-hole Junior Scratch Cup, sponsored by Top Golfer, in Rosslare on Sunday week.
In very good conditions, which is most unusual at the moment, an incredible 23 clubs from throughout the country were represented.
Playing off the very back stakes, scoring was difficult. The winner with 152 (75, 77) was Mark Clifford (Lucan).
He won by four shots from Michael Kavanagh Jnr. (Woodenbridge) with 156 (81,75).
Other results: Rory Deane (Rosslare), 157 (79, 78); Nigel Cullen (Enniscorthy), 158 (79, 79); S. Clinton (Coollattin), 158 (76, 82); Brian Fives (Waterford), 159 (80, 79); Michael Stewart (Rocmount), 160 (80, 80).
Overall nett: 1, Rory Deane, 147; 2, Kevin Collins, 150; 3, Mark Fitzpatrick, 152.
In the open singles on Saturday week, Brad Cohen (Wexford, 3) won with 38 points. He had sixes at the first and 17th but also had birdies at the third, twelfth, 16th and 18th in halves of 18 and 20 points.
Other results: 2, Colm Waldron (14), 38 points; 3, Eoin Stack (Dungarvan, 4), 37 points; 4, Rhys Clarke (Wexford, 0), 37 points; gross, Gary Collins (+3), 35 points; vet., Frank McGee (11), 36 points; front nine, Ken Noonan (13), 22 points; back nine, Pat Wright (19), 21 points.
Wednesday open singles: 1, Gary Collins (+3), 38 points (this represents a score of 5 under gross); 2, Conor Kelly (2), 37 points; 3, Brad Cohen (Wexford, 3), 37 points; 4, Rhys Clarke (0), 36 points.
Burrow course results, twelve holes: 1, Paul McLaughlin (15), 28 points; 2, John B. Murphy (15), 26 points; 3, John Kelleher (23), 26 points.
ROSSLARE LADIES
The Intermediate team, managed by Joan Bowe and Carmel Quinlivan, will play Mount Juliet in Carrick-on-Suir on April 22. Joan and Carmel together with their team would love your support.
One week later on April 29 the Challenge Cup team, managed by Doreen McGovern and Catherine Haugh, play Athy in Borris at 3.30 p.m. They too would love the support of the lady members. Wishing both teams exciting matches, good weather and good luck.
Due to the poor weather conditions on Tuesday, the planned strokes T.T.T. (G.O.Y./medal) sponsored by Selskar Bookshop was postponed to today (April 17).
A singles stableford competition sponsored by Drinagh Garden Centre was held in lieu. Thank you to our sponsors.
Tuesday, April 10, singles stableford sponsored by Drinagh Garden Centre: 1, Paula Stafford (15), 37 points; 2, Ann Kelly (17), 34 points (back nine); 3, Teresa Cowman (14), 34 points; 4, Bena Hall (15), 33 points.
Burrow course, twelve-hole competition: 1, Mary Fowler (36/23), 24 points; 2, Alma Roche (36/22), 22 points.
Wednesday, April 11, open singles stableford: 1, Stephanie Glynn (29), 41 points.
WEXFORD
Pride of place this week goes to club member Rhys Clarke who had a fabulous win at Portmarnock in a Seniors’ Open Scratch Cup.
On a more sombre note, our Barton Cup team went down to Rosslare in the first round. The team featured Leo Connolly, Ian Nolan, Brad Cohen, Richie Browne, Gary Lynch, Ray Cullinane, Seán Flood, Larry Gainfort, Joe Cashe and Roy Sexton.
Best wishes to our Pro Shop lady Sue who has been out of sorts lately due to a heavy Friday schedule. Congratulations to Niall and Gaby on the birth of their son, Dominic.
The latest Joker winners were Jimmy, Liam and Tony who won the grand amount of €50.
Last week we ran off five competitions despite the weather. The course is in great condition after all the rain and grateful thanks to Jake, Johnny and Joe for the work put in to achieve this.
Tuesday’s 14-hole singles was won by Seán Farrell with 30 points.
Wednesday’s 14-hole fourball was won by Roy Sexton and Chris Grant with 37 points. Hot favourites Black Pudding and Little Paddy failed to register.
Friday’s competition was an open three-person team event over 14 holes. The winners were David Durack, Larry Forristal and John Ffrench with 54 points.
Saturday’s competition was the annual Holmpatrick Cup qualifier in aid of the National Council of the Blind of Ireland.
The winners, who are going forward to represent the club at this prestigious event, were Seán Farrell and and Peter Corish with 44 points.
Sunday’s competition was the annual foursomes qualifier. The leading qualifiers were Larry Gainfort and Darren Robinson.
BUNCLODY
Pro-Am qualifier, April 7 and 8: 1, Stephen Gahan (19), 48 points; 2, Barry Walker (21), 44 points; 3, Pat Moore (11), 39 points.
COURTOWN LADIES
Tuesday, April 10, brought the first of our sponsored competitions of the year. It has been a long, long winter and as we head into the summer season of golf we can but hope that the sun will eventually shine and good weather will be the outlook for the remainder of the year.
Our sponsor was Cois na hAbhann. This is the second year of their sponsorship and Courtown ladies are extremely grateful for the support. The prize table was fantastic and just the incentive needed to get the ladies back out on the course. The lucky winners of the 14-hole competition were: 1, Ann Bernie (18), 25 points; 2, Therese Steedman (27), 24 points; 3, Catherine Quinn (18), 23 points.
The winner of the ten-hole competition was Rita Reynolds. Unfortunately, due to a prior commitment, the representative of Cois na hAbhann was not available to attend the presentation on Tuesday.
Courtown ladies extend a huge thank you to Cois na hAbhann for the continued support. Congratulations to all our winners.
It was a busy week on the inter-club front, with the Challenge Cup team managed by Mary Osborne travelling to New Ross to play Carrick-on-Suir. A tough match ensued, with Courtown narrowly emerging with a victory.
Our Irish mixed foursomes team met St. Helen’s Bay in the first round of the championship and had a good win. Well done everybody.
On Tuesday, April 17, the sponsor of the competition will be Pettitt’s SuperValu. We are looking forward to another great day.
Thursday, April 19, we have the G.U.I./I.L.G.U. nine-hole championship qualifier. We look forward to having a full timesheet for this fun event.
64 SOCIETY
Thirty members played with five visitors in Macreddin on Saturday.
The course was very wet and the greens were sanded, but it did not deter the hardy golfers of the society.
Results: 1, John Grannell (8), 35 points; 2, Donal Keenan (15), 33 points (last nine); 3, Paul Kehoe (14), 33 points; gross, Colm Sheehan (4), 27 points; 4, Alan Gray (14), 32 points; first nine, Niall Nolan (15), 19 points; second nine, Brendan Sheehan (7), 16 points.
Golfer of the year after six outings: 1, Brendan Travers (10), 70 points; 2, Colm Sheehan (4), 66 points; 3, Paddy Dore (21), 63 points; 4, Paddy O’Dowd (10), 63 points.
Following the outing, at our presentation in the 64, Captain Jimmy Woods thanked all those who played and those who helped organise the outing.
Our next outing will be the Captain’s prize which will be held on September 8.
DONOHOE’S SOCIETY
Donohoe’s Society played Blackwater on Sunday with less numbers than normal, 13 players in total.
Results: 1, Anto ‘Bud’ Kelly, 34 points; 2, Jim Breen, 34 points; 3, ‘Prof’ Nolan, 32 points.
The birdie money was shared by ‘Prof’ Nolan and Paul Breen.
We play Quinnagh House next Sunday for the first time this year. Please be there by 8.45 a.m.
BALLYMONEY
The weekend saw a singles stableford (mixed) with most play on Saturday, as rain early on Sunday morning deterred some regulars.
The winner was Ken Layton (15) with a fine 42 points. Richard McDonald (10) was second with 39 points.
Troy Kenny (18), fresh from his exploits on Saturday in the All-Ireland fourball matchplay versus Druids Glen, was third with 38 points, holding off Paul Sutton and Charlie Logan on countback.
Anthony Fortune and Marty Lawlor were unlucky with their All-Ireland fourball team in the match against Druids Glen on Saturday.
Both Ballymoney pairings played well in Druids Glen and both matches went down to the wire. Two matches were won at home and the crucial third match ended in a narrow win for Druids Glen.
Best of luck to them in the third round.
COURTOWN
On a wet and miserable Sunday afternoon, one of our teams had another good result when the Provincial Towns won four matches at home and one away match when playing St. Helen’s.
On the teams front we are having a good start to our season. Next Saturday our Duggan Cup team will be out opposite Blainroe, and we wish them all well in their efforts while representing Courtown.
In a change to our diary, next weekend’s competitions will be as follows: on Saturday we will have a ladies’ and gents’ singles, and on Sunday there will be an any combination invitation fourball sponsored by our caterers, Mossel Bay Catering.
Gents’ open singles, Wednesday, April 11: 1, Paddy Stamp (20), 35 points; 2, Ollie Quigley (13), 32 points (last nine); 3, Eamonn Byrne (13), 32 points.
Any combination fourball, April 14: 1, Mark Read (14), Philip Sherwood (21), 35 points (last nine); 2, Martin Byrne (18), Steven Doyle (15), 35 points.
ENNISCORTHY
Monday open, singles stableford, April 9, sponsored by E.G.C. (16 played): 1, Jason Rackard (0), 40 points; 2, Adam Jordan (6), 39 points.
Midweek nine-hole, singles stableford, April 11, sponsored by Donal Donegan of Donegan Print, Enniscorthy (71 played): overall, Bill Whelan (10), 22 points; Category A, Paul Lynch (4), 21 points; Category B, Larry Doyle (St. Helen’s, 13), 20 points (last six); Category C, David McCafferty, 18 points; Category D, Brian Redmond (20), 20 points (last six).
Gents’ monthly Seniors singles stableford, April 12, sponsored by David Garahy of Garahy’s Pharmacy, Enniscorthy (88 played): overall, Brian Redmond (20), 41 points; Category A (50-65): 1, D. O’Neill (20, Borris), 38 points (back nine); 2, John Maher (12, Courtown), 38 points; Category B (66-75): 1, John O’Neill (17), 36 points; 2, Dermot Kelly (17), 35 points; Category C (76+): 1, Mick Dee (19), 40 points; 2, Larry O’Shaughnessy (26), 37 points. Next month’s competition sponsor is Charlie Kavanagh.
Gents’ monthly medal number one, 18 holes singles strokes (blue tees), April 14 and 15, sponsored by Nicholas Cahill of NCRS Auto Repairs (97 played): 1, Graham Donohoe (+2), 67; 2, John Colclough (13), 69; gross, Jason Rackard (0), 74; 3, John Warren (20), 69 (back nine); 4, Michael Coffey (7), 70; 5, James Sheridan (11), 71 (back nine).
Our All-Ireland fourball team were out recently against Coollattin and unfortunately will not be progressing any further in this competition. With several very close matches, as can be seen below, even if only one more hole was won in any of the three lost matches then we were through to the next round.
Away: Jim Gahan and Ger Turner lost 4/3; John Furlong and Pat Mulvey lost on the 20th; Dave Mahon and John Warren won 4/3; Home: John Ryan and Michael Murphy lost on the 19th; Willie Murphy and Len Hall won on the 19th. Well done to all concerned on a valiant effort. Congratulations to our Barton Cup team members who started the defence of their title by defeating Borris on Sunday in tough playing conditions.
The gents’ nine-hole midweek on April 18 at 3 p.m. is sponsored by Paddy O’Connor.
The gents’ singles sponsored by Garry Flood of Flood Landscapes, Cloughbawn, is on Saturday and Sunday, April 21 and 22, starting at 8.30 a.m. and 7.20 a.m. respectively.
For the full report please look at the club website in the news section.
NEW ROSS
Despite the wet start to the early morning, we had an excellent turn-out of 124 players for the Spring Cup.
The event was sponsored by J.D. North’s Pub, New Ross, who also gave a voucher for a drink of choice to all who played.
Three-person scramble sponsored by Cllr. Fidelis Doherty: 1, Liam Connolly (7), Alan Nixon (19) and Dixie O’Neill (18), 61.5; 2, Martin Carroll (15), Richie Aylward (19) and John Aylward (17), 63 5/8ths; 3, Kenny Irwin (22), Andy Ronan (15) and Willie Byrne (17), 64.25.
Spring Cup: 1, David Fitzgerald (19), 65 (last nine); 2, Martin Carroll (15), 65; 3, Paddy Delaney (17), 67; gross, Michael Ryan, 73; Cat. 1, Seamus O’Leary (8), 68; Cat. 2, Denis Kennedy (13), 68; Cat. 3, Ger Freyne (18), 69.
We played Callan in the national mixed foursomes but were beaten on a 4-1 scoreline. Thanks to all those who gave their time including players, club officials and team managers Teresa Byrne and Donal Hosey.
NEW ROSS LADIES
Wednesday week’s competition fell foul of weather again and conditions were tough. It was sponsored by Paul Rogers Solicitor.
Results: 1, Tess Ryan (24), 36 points; 2, Adeline Foxe (25), 32 points; 3, Marguerite Sutton (22), 30 points.
A reminder that there will be no draws for the month of April on a trial basis only, and your opinions on this would be more than welcome.
Congratulations to the Minor team which won in Carrick-on-Suir. Conditions were wet, muddy and cold for both players and caddies. The fire was a warm welcome in the club afterwards.
Results: Marguerite Sutton 6&5, Carmel Fenlon 4&3, and Margaret Murphy 3&2. AAdeline Foxe and Anne Banville, who were also doing well in their matches, were called in. Well done ladies on this great start to the season.
Hard luck to the Irish mixed foursomes team members who were up against Callan and were unfortunately beaten. Thanks to all the players who participated, managers and supporters.
Regarding any lady member playing off 36 and thinking they would benefit from a higher handicap, please contact the Handicap Secretary, Marie Burford, before the end of April.
To help preserve the condition of our course we have started an ‘adopt a hole programme’ where all members are asked to enter their name apposite a hole number on the sheet on the noticeboard in the locker room.
Every time you play the course, please take the following actions on the hole you have adopted: bring a bag of sand and repair all visible divots on fairways and rough; repair all pitch marks on greens; rake bunkers, remove any stones and replace rakes.
Please collect any visible litter and if you feel there is anything out of place, please report it. Take pride in our course.
Remember, an ongoing nine-hole competition is an option for everyone to keep an edge on your game! Play as often as you like.