Jane O’Riordan defies the wind to win
The weather conditions in which we played last week’s competition certainly blew away any cobwebs which may have been lurking in the odd golf bag. The Sunday players remained relatively dry as there was only a little mist, however the breeze, which was very strong all morning intensified throughout the afternoon making the going quite difficult. The Monday ladies didn’t fare much better, while it was a mild, mainly dry day with the wind being a little less severe than on Sunday, nevertheless it had never fully abated. Early February brought us the first rainfall we had seen for several weeks but luckily enough, as it fell mainly during the night hours it did not interfere with the timesheet bookings although the ground was very soft in places underfoot due to the precipitation.
No matter what the weather throws your way though, if it’s your day to shine your good golf will overcome it, this was certainly the case for those in the winners enclosure last week. Overall winner Jane O’Riordan (31) playing on Monday rose to the challenge by defying the wind returning an excellent 37 points one point ahead of Brid Lonergan (26). Brid has been playing rock steady golf in recent weeks and has featured regularly in the prizes. In third place was Ladies Club Competition Secretary Deirdre Butler (10). Playing in the difficult Sunday conditions Deirdre had a very good score of 29 points off her handicap, just pipping Carrie Gormley (25) into fourth place on count back.
MELLERICK’S PHARMACY SPRING LEAGUE
The Spring League began last weekend with a total of ten teams taking part. It’s great to see so many ladies taking part it will add hugely to the competition. As re-entry is open until next Saturday the results of the first week will be published later. Our sincere thanks again to Mary McCarthy and Carrie Gormley for taking on the task of organising the competition.
Thursday ladies
Last Thursday certainly proved very challenging as the elements gave us several seasons in a short space of time. The rain began following our arrival at the club but thankfully cleared relatively quickly, by the time we were on the back nine the sun had put its hat on and rain gear was dispensed with. Alas, the bright skies did not last and all too soon hailstones were pelting down upon us. The sudden changes were as amazing as they were unexpected, they had not been forecast. Eighteen ladies arrived and despite the weather they all played, the winning team of Breda O’Connor, Eileen O’Neill and Claire de Lacey undaunted by the conditions produced an excellent gross score of 38 which converted to 29.8 nett. Second place went to Chrissy O’Farrell, Catherine Kenny and Pauline Hyland 31.3 nett. In third position were Eucharia Crowley, Fiona Collier and Marie Dunne 32.2 nett. In fourth was the team of Audrey Cremen, Mary Crowley and Marie Walsh 32.9 nett.
Last Thursday was close to Valentine’s Day so our organisers Vera and Kathleen had some extra special prizes of wine and chocolate, Marie Dunne also sponsored some beautiful pottery bowls of hyacinths. We send our thanks to all three ladies, despite the weather an enjoyable morning was had by all.
MEN’S REPORT
There was a great turnout of gents last week for the weekend competition. We had a slight change to our usual format in that Friday was also a competition day to facilitate those playing in the Spring League. Results of voucher competition 15h Stableford: Friday 4th Saturday 5th February: Category A (0-10.2) 1 Noel O’Mahony 34pts (08). 2 Pat A Scanlon 33pts (10). Category B (10.3-15.0) 1 Niall Cremen 35pts (13). 2 Ger Bowen 34pts (14). Category C (15.1+) 1 Mark Troy 35pts (24). 2 Jerome Casey 32pts (15). Sunday, 6th February: Category A (0-10.0) 1 Barry Mason 36pts (10). 2 Alan O’Mahony 32pts (10) Category B (10.1-14.8) 1 Billy BH Howard 31pts (14). 2 Mick Allen 31pts (12). Category C (14.9+) 1 Dan Kelleher 33pts (17). 2 Jim Sheehan 31 pts (21).
THURSDAY SENIOR GENTS
Numbers for our weekly social golf continue to be strong with forty hardy souls togging out on Thursday last. Despite a forecast for fine weather there was a strong, cold westerly wind blowing and as the first teams were preparing to tee off a nasty hail shower swept the course sending us scurrying for shelter.
The winning team of Oliver Doyle, Alan O’Shea, Denis Crowley and Ml Reidy returned an excellent five under gross 35 for a nett 25.7. Second place went to Leo O’Mahony, Paudie Scanlon, John Whelton and Joe Tobin who had a spectacular return of six birdies for a gross 34 and a nett 26 even. There was clear water between the first two teams and that of Pat Phelan, Liam Fenton, Moss Murphy and Sean O’Riordan in third on 28.9 nett with Niall Cremen, Denis Goggin, Jim O’Leary and Don Murray a further point three of a shot back in fourth place.
PRESIDENT’S AND CAPTAIN’S DRIVE IN
The annual drive-in will be held
on Sunday, 27th February commencing with a 9-hole mixed competition, followed by the drive-in at 4pm. Party food will then be served by
Monica and her team.
We look forward to seeing a big turnout of members on what should be a very enjoyable occasion.