A round-up of news in brief
Duo top score in Lahinch
Weather conditions might not have been the best at Lahinch's Castle on Sunday, but that didn't stop low scoring as the Mid West Golf Alliance held their third outing of the season. The presence of Tim Rice who is plying his trade on the European Challenge Tour, and Irish international Cian McNamara added greatly to the quality of the competition.
On the day two players tied on 67 in the gross section, with Charleville's Ed Hayes and John Kavanagh of Castletroy - who was third on the previous outing - occupying the top spot one shot better than Limerick's Pat Murray (second the last time out) who fired a 68. In the nett category victory went to Limerick six-handicapper Darragh Madigan, who fired a 65 for a one-stroke win over his fellow Limerick clubmate Peter English (6) and East Clare's Eric McNamara (5). The Alliance doesn't resume until Sunday, January 15th 2006.
Cahill honoured at Abbeyleix
The golfer of the year title at Abbeyleix has been awarded to Maria Cahill, who is a relative newcomer to the game. She only took up golf four years ago and started with a handicap of 45. However, in that short time she has already reduced her handicap to 12. During the past 12 months she has played some superb golf.
Having started 2005 playing off 22, she has cut another 10 shots off that. Although Maria has never won any of the club's major competitions, she has been a consistent performer in the weekly events. Another notable winner at the Co Laois club this year was Kathleen Kavanagh, who again proved her worth in matchplay competition, winning the Bramley Cup for the seventh time. Not only that, but she also got her name on the Peg Guirey Trophy for the ninth time.
Callan players to the fore
Callan golfers were to the fore at the recent South Eastern Senior Alliance outing to West Waterford. Three-handicapper Mark Shortall was the winner with an impressive score of 68, which was two better than New Ross' Andrew Ronan (5), while the Alliance's captain Paul Madigan, who plays off two and like Shortall is from Callan GC, was third. Séamus Power of the host club, playing off plus one, was the winner of the gross section with 71, but only winning on a countback from his fellow West Waterford clubmate and scratch golfer TW Power. The Alliance is back in action on December 29th in Rosslare.
Byrne hits hat-trick of aces
Some golfers dream of having just one hole in one during their playing days. But for one of Thurles' lady golfers it is becoming a regular occurrence.
The lady in question is Pauline Byrne, who plays off 16 and who has amazingly had three holes in one in 2005 alone. Byrne, who is also the club's competition secretary, has aced the par three 115-yard fifth hole, the 145-yard eight hole and the 11th hole which measures 156 yards.
Botham role for Kerry club
Cricketing legend Ian Botham has been elected "International Captain" by the members of The Ring of Kerry Golf and Country Club in Kenmare. Botham, who has generously given so much of his time to charitable causes, has been a member of "The Ring" for the past three years. Sue Ryan, the club's sales and marketing manager, explained Botham's appointment is far from being a token title. "The role of international captain is very important in the promotion of the club's interests overseas. The previous holder, Michael O'Sullivan, carried out these duties from his base in London and Michael was most enthusiastic about his mantle being taken over by Ian Botham," said Ryan.
Plans are ongoing for the Ring of Kerry to host an Ian Botham PGA Charity pro-am in 2006.
Byrne tops on Boyne outing
Simon Byrne from Hermitage led the field home at the Boyne Links Alliance outing to Laytown and Bettystown last week. Byrne fired a 68 to win by one shot from Clontarf's Eamonn Brady with John Dwyer (Ashbourne) and Greg Massey (PGA National) sharing third place on 70, with Conor Russell (Townley Hall) in fourth place. The best nett of the day was an excellent 41 points from local Joe Delaney off an eight handicap, with Martin Quinlan (Carton House) on 40. Former Seniors champion Tom Fox took third place on 38. The amateur gross went to Tony Goode (Lucan) with 38 points from Greg Bowden (Hermitage) while the team prize was won by John Dwyer (Ashbourne) with locals Pat Rooney and Joe Delaney on 49 points.
Galls in command
It's not every day (or every year for that matter) two brothers get to be captain of two different golf clubs. Dominic Gall is completing his tenure as captain of Kilcock GC while over the Wicklow hills in Charlesland GC his brother Des has just taken up the reins as captain. As their respective tenures overlap for a few weeks, the stewardship of these two clubs will be the responsibility of the Gall family.
Fingal Golf Centre offers
Still unsure as to what presents to get for Christmas? Aideen Rogers, professional at the Fingal Golf Centre in Cloghran, Swords, Co Dublin has some special offers. Four golf lessons are available for €120 or you can join one of the three golf societies attached to the centre: the Strivers club for women beginners, the Strivers-Sirs club for men or the Stormers society (women better-player society). Rogers can be contacted at 01-8400898 or email: info@aideenrogers.com
Carrick-on-Shannon scrambles
Carrick-on-Shannon GC have come up with a novel idea to keep the enthusiastic golfer busy in the winter months. From now until the end of April the club will run a three-person scramble - open to men, women and mixed teams - every day for just €20 per person. The reward is that the best three cards each month will go forward to a grand final at Carrick-on-Shannon on May 5th-7th and the prize for the overall winners is a trip to the Dundrum House, Tipperary Pro-Am later in the year. Details are available from the club at 071-9667015.
skeenan@irish-times.ie
