ON the FAIRWAYS
ST. HELEN’S LADIES
Saturday, January 11, winter league round seven (eleven holes): 1, Rionach Donlon (Rathfarnham, 13), 20 points; 2, Nora Kavanagh (9), 18 points; 3, Susan Fitzgerald (13), 17 points.
Sunday, January 12, winter league round eight (eleven holes): 1, Janet Slattery (12), 22 points; 2, Georgina Darling (13), 23 points; 3, Valerie Breen (21), 22 points.
Saturday, January 25, winter league round nine (eleven holes): 1, Suzanne Glynn (18), 25 points; 2, Nora Kavanagh (9), 24 points; 3, Sinéad Roche-Moore (20), 23 points.
Sunday, January 26, open singles (eleven holes): 1, Nora Kavanagh (9), 28 points; 2, Janet Slattery (12), 26 points; 3, Georgina Darling (13), 25 points.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
With clearing skies and rising temperatures after a misty start to the morning, we enjoyed our weekly outing in nearcalm conditions, albeit the wind got up a bit in the afternoon.
A great turn-out of twelve teams went to post and, as usual, the competition was mustard keen in search of the elusive prizes on offer, sponsored by James and Paul from the Pro Shop.
Their sponsorship was greatly appreciated by us and they deserve all the support they can get from the Seniors.
Once again, we had a nail-biting finish before the winners could be confirmed because only one point separated the winning team from the runners-up.
Playing consistent golf and scoring well on every hole is the recipe for a good score in golf, and that was what we got from the winning team.
Clocking up the magical 100 points, 50 on the front nine, and 50 on the back nine, Denis Kirwan (16), Jim ‘Ross’ Ryan (18), Larry Shannon (21) and Jamesie Wallace (22) prevailed to take first place and the bragging rights.
A point behind in second place came Eddie Keher (12), Michael Kavanagh (17), John Coleman (21) and Mick Wade (25). The 97 points recorded by Martin McGrath (12), Tony Sexton (23), Willie Naddy (23) and Seán O hUginn (23) proved good enough to claim third prize.
Nearest the pin prizes were won by Tony Sexton on the ninth hole and Michael Gannon on the eleventh.
We welcomed Tom Foley to our ranks last Thursday and are delighted to report that he really enjoyed the welcome and camaraderie he got from the group.
Billy R is still missing and latest reports suggest he is becoming a dab hand at the cooking and that there is a possible appearance in the offing on the Daithí and Maura Show on RTE.
On the draw board for February are Denis Kirwan, Jimmy ‘Ross’ Ryan and Jamesie Wallace. A full list of our away outings for 2020 will be published next week.
NEW ROSS LADIES
January 29: 1, Ann Banville (21), 28 points (last seven); 2, Eileen Wallace (29), 28 points; 3, Anne Curtis (Adm., 21), 27 points (30 – 3).
Wednesday, February 5, is 14-hole stableford, sponsored by Albert’s Hair Salon.
ROSSLARE
Fourteen-hole fourball (lambs): 1, Colm Callery (6), Geoff Coman (9), 36 points; 2, Anthony Byrne (6), Pearse Frawley (11), 33 points.
Fourteen-hole singles (lambs): 1, Pádraig Power (15 – 4), 36 points; 2, Paul Cummings (15), 33 points; 3, Darragh Cullinane (19), 32 points; 4, Richard B. Doyle (15), 31 points; 5, David Durack (7 – 2), 31 points.
WEXFORD LADIES
Saturday and Thursday, January 25 and 30, 14-hole two-lady team competition (48 played): 1, Mary Fallon (24/19) and Deirdre Colfer (18/14), 42 points; 2, Bridget O’Neill (31/24) and Wendy Tiernan (21/16), 41 points (back four); 3, Mary Burke (35/27) and Pauline O’Neill (35/27), 41 points; nearest the pin, Irene Bolger, 1m 31cm.
Senior 14-hole singles stableford, Monday, January 27 (29 played): 1, Beppi O’Connor (16), 25 points (back seven); 2, Pauline O’Neill (35), 25 points; 3, Mary Fallon (24), 23 points; 4, Pat Flanagan (32), 22 points (back seven).
Well done to all the prize-winners, particularly lady Vice-Captain Beppi!
This week’s competition is a 14-hole single stableford. Do you want to improve your golf in 2020? On Tuesday, February 11, at 7.30 p.m., there will be a talk with Elaine Dowdall and Aisling O’Leary where you can hear plenty of tips to improve your game. All are welcome to this interesting event in the clubhouse.
We are now accepting new girls for our Junior girls’ section, from the age of eight or older. If you know of anyone interested in taking up the sport, please contact the Wexford Golf Club ladies’ section.
Come jiving on Friday nights. There will be a modern jive dance class with dance instructor Fran Cullen from 8-10 p.m. in the clubhouse on Fridays for the next five weeks. The cost is €10 per night, and you just need to turn up on the night!
Our next Bridge morning is on Wednesday, February 5, with coffee at 10 a.m. and Bridge starting at 10.30 a.m. All players are welcome.
The ladies’ section of Wexford Golf Club wishes to extend their sincere sympathy to the family of past Captain and former President, John Pierce, who passed away at the weekend. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
COURTOWN
The Wednesday sweep played on January 29 over 13 holes was won by Vinny Kavanagh (14) with 28 points.
Ray McGrath (11) was second on 27 points (countback). Eddie Copeland (15) was third, also with 27 points (countback), and Michael Wall (25) was fourth, also on 27 points.
The Paschal Storan Cup which is based on the weekly results in the Wednesday sweep runs up until March 25 when the final day’s play will take place, followed by the annual dinner and presentation of prizes.
The winner of each week’s sweep competition receives five points with the runner-up getting three, third place getting two points, and fourth place getting just one point.
The leading contenders as things stand are Richard Conroy and Vincent Lumsden who are both on ten points. Pursuing them are Des Roche and Jim Peppard, both on eight points, while hot on their heels are Vincent Kavanagh, Shane Willoughby and Peter McAteer, all on seven points.
Behind them, but not out of the race, are Graham Mackey, Tom Ryan, Brendan Sheehan, Robert Hogan and John Creagh, all with five points.
Everyone else has a little bit of work to do to catch the leaders, but there’s still plenty of time left to make up lost ground.
Week three of the weekly nine-role Race to St. Patrick’s Day was won by Lynn Copeland with 21 points (countback), with Edward Copeland coming second also on 21 points (countback).
Saturday and Sunday was a ladies’ and gents’ singles competition. The gents’ competition was won by Robert Hogan (18) on 32 points. Second was Mark McKernan (14) on 30 points (countback), and third was Tom Foster (13), also on 30 points (countback). Best gross was Colm Sheehan (2) with 26 points. The ladies’ competition was won by Denise Kavanagh (11).
Sunday also saw the final round of the group stages of the winter league. The leading four pairs within each section qualify for the winter league final to be held on Saturday, February 15, with the other pairings taking part in a plate competition on the same day.
The final day’s play will be followed by the winter league dinner and presentation of prizes in the clubhouse.
The leading pairs in each of the five sections who qualify for the final are - Section 1: Pádraig Flood and Stephen Ryan, 24 points (section winners); Danny Whitty and Joe Keegan, 21 points; Darren Moore and Alvaro Temprano, 20 points; Richard Conroy and Cian Browne, 13 points.
Section 2: Martin Griffiths and Mark Morris, 19 points (section winners on last day’s result); Larry D’Arcy and Denis Howell, 19 points; Cathal O’Donohoe and Karl Caulfield, 17 points; Dave Whelan and John Holmes, 15 points.
Section 3: Joey O’Brien and Tommy Kinsella, 25 points (section winners); John James Dunne and Darrell Cushen, 19 points; Paddy Sinnott and Pat Timmons, 18 points; Arthur Nolan and Robert Hogan, 17 points.
Section 4: Colman Doyle and Ciarán Doyle, 21 points; Leslie Masterson and John P. Maher, 19 points; Kevin Ivers and Iain Campbell, 12 points; Terry Noone and Paul Dobey, 17 points.
Section 5: Fergus Rapple and Paul Fagan, 22 points; Richard Barnwell and Gerry Lennon, 18 points; Alan Gray and Seamus O’Donohoe, 15 points; Mark McKernan and Peter Timmons, 15 points.
This Wednesday is our regular open Wednesday sweep, and Thursday is our Seniors’ opens (ladies’ and gents’ competitions). With the course in such excellent condition and with the greens running so smoothly, we look forward to welcoming not only our own members but also many visitors from around the county and beyond. Booking, as always, is available through the club office or on the BRS online booking system.
The club held a very successful social night in the form of a table quiz on Friday, with over 90 quizzers taking part. A big thank you to everyone who attended and to our quizmaster, Paddy Stack, and his team of helpers for organising the evening.
NEW ROSS
Last weekend we were treated to decent golfing weather - dry conditions with just enough breeze to keep your concentration.
The weekend competition was an open ‘stroke-ford’ format played over 18 holes and sponsored by our Adamstown friends. A total of 129 played, between members and visitors.
Results: 1, Pat Whelan (19), 11.5; 2, Liam Wall (16), 12; 3, Ray Shannon (15), 13.5; gross, Michael Kelleher, 17; Cat. 1, Corey Bolger (9), 14.5; Cat. 2, Davie Morris (15), 14.5; Cat. 3, Seán Murphy (18), 16.
Next weekend we will have the final round of the winter league.
BALLYMONEY
Wednesday nine-hole competition (mixed): 1, Neil McDonald (28), 23 point; 2, Tom Doolan (12).
Weekend singles stableford (mixed) 15-hole (13, 14 and 17 omitted): 1, Rob Bradley, 35 point; 2, James Byrne (Dublin), 34 points; 3, Richard McDonald, 32 points, holding off Jake O’Shea and Andrew Byrne on countback.
All at the club would like to wish the best of luck and a speedy recovery to Honorary Secretary Charlie Logan on his upcoming operation.
WEXFORD
Tuesday club Seniors: 1, Seán O’Keeffe (28), 35 points; 2, Tom O’Sullivan (21), 34 points; 3, Billy Roche, 32 points.
Wednesday, January 29, 14-hole stableford fourball: the winners were Christy O’Gorman (11) and Michael McMahon (25) on 37 points, and they had the audacity to beat our President Larry Byrne (10) and Vice-Captain John Pitt (20) who had 36 points.
Friday, January 31, 14-hole open three-person team event: 1, Richie Browne (6), Brian Morris (7) and Brian Bolger (20), 70 points.
Saturday, February 1, 14-hole fourball champagne scramble: 1, Brian Judd (19) and Michael Swan (22), 38 points (back seven); 2, Roy Sexton (7) and Chris Grant (14), 38 points; 3, Mark Goodison (5) and Colm Cosgrave (15), 37 points (back seven).
Sunday, February 2, 14-hole stableford singles: 1, Michael Moran (19), 34 points; 2, Alan Lawlor (10), 32 points (back seven); 3, James Murphy (11), 32 points (back seven); gross, Andrew Farrell, 26 points; 4, Christy O’Gorman (11), 32 points (back seven); 5, Adam Farrell (24), 32 points (back seven); 6, Kenny Walsh (11), 32 points.
There was plenty here to test the competition committee, with five prize winners on 32 points.
On Friday night we had the first of the dance classes in the clubhouse, with Fran Cullen as the instructor. The lessons were in modern jive, and classes will be held each Friday for the month of February at 8.30 p.m. Details for March lessons will follow later. Why not come along and get into the swing?
The jackpot was not won this week, and it will now be €743. The winner of the weekly prize was Seán Moynihan.
Unfortunately, on Saturday we were informed of the sad news concerning the passing of John Pierce who was former Captain, President and Trustee of our club.
John was a member for many years and he contributed greatly to Wexford Golf Club. As well as the aforenamed executive positions that that he held, he also played a vital role for many years as the man who knew everything about our irrigation system for the greens and tees.
He also played a big part in the social scene in the clubhouse. Readers who can recall his Tops of the Town performances with his great friend Luke Wadding would have seen that he was a man of great talent.
His funeral Mass will be held today (Tuesday) afternoon in Castlebridge. As a mark of respect, Wexford golf course will be closed this (Tuesday) afternoon. We extend our condolences to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
ST. HELEN’S
Following our recent A.G.M., our incoming officers and committee are: President, John O’Keeffe; Secretary, Dermot Walsh; Treasurer, Michael Cooney; gents’ committee: Captain Kieran Whelan, Vice-Captain Peter Smith, ex-officio Pádraig Tiernan; Secretary Nick Hayes; Competition Secretary Daithí Murphy, Handicap Secretary Stephen Kearns, Treasurer Paddy Dunne, Communications Secretary Vincent Murphy, also Brian Buttimer, Danny Kenny and Gerry Smith.
The winter league qualifying rounds have come to an exciting conclusion. The final round, played on Saturday, produced some great scores in very trying conditions.
The line-up for the knockouts is Temperance Row (through to final); Redmond Place play 1798 St. (winner to final, runner-up to Q3); Harpers Lane, Cornmarket and Bull Ring (first and second to Q3).
Saturday, January 5, singles, eleven holes: 1, Eric Byrne (13/8), 27 points; 2, Peter Edwards (14/9), 24 points (countback).
Saturday, January 11, sweep, eleven holes and winter league round seven: 1, Rhodes Murphy (15/9), 21 points; 2, Brian Moore (29/18), 20 points (countback).
Sunday, January 12, sweep, eleven holes and winter league round eight: 1, Dillon Crowley (14/9), 27 points; 2, Adrian Meyler (14/9), 26 points (countback).
Saturday, January 25, sweep, eleven holes and winter league round nine: 1, James Fitzpatrick (19/12), 29 points; 2, Michael Goggin (4/6), 26 points.
Sunday, January 26, singles, eleven holes: 1, Ryan Burke (21/13), 25 points (countback); 2, Adrian Meyler (14/9), 25 points (countback).
Saturday, February 1, sweep, eleven holes and winter league round ten: 1, Niall Ellard (5/3), 30 points; 2, Michael Goggin (6/4), 26 points.
Sunday, February 2, singles, ten holes: 1, Pádraig Bail (12/7), 27 points; 2, Michael Goggin (6/3), 23 points.
Fixtures: Wednesday, February 5, Wednesday club; Saturday, February 8, fourball (any combination); Sunday, February 9, open singles, eleven holes.
COOLLATTIN
Wednesday, January 29, 15-hole open men’s singles: 1, Tom Culkin (16), 33 points; 2, Richard Bermingham (17), 32 points (countback).
ENNISCORTHY
The gents’ open Seniors is on the second Thursday of every month. The next one is on March 12.
The age group categories for this year are as follows: 50 to 65, 66 to 75, and 76+. It is he most popular and best attended gents’ Senior open in the region. The ladies’ equivalent is on the third Thursday of every month.
Some of the significant dates for your diaries in 2020: Captain’s prize, July 11 and 12; lady Captain’s prize, June 27.
Membership subscriptions for 2020 are due for payment on or before February 28.
Members can pay by standing order, direct debit, through online banking or over the phone.
We are starting a brand new group in our hugely successful ‘Ladies Get into Golf’ series. If you know any complete beginner ladies who want to try a new sport in a fun and friendly environment, then this is a great place to start.
For further details contact the Pro Shop or Maeve on 086-8889246.