Ballina
Due to the inclement weather the competition on Sunday January 24 was reduced to a 9 hole stableford. The winner on the day with a score of 26 points was Richard Doherty. The entry sheet and details of the Spring League are now posted on the main notice board. If you are interested in participating place your name on the board as soon as possible.
The club would like to congratulate Joe Corcoran and Jonathan Doherty on their successful nominations for the Western People sports stars awards. Both are prominent members of Ballina Golf Club. In addition the club would also like to congratulate all of the other local winners. Reminder the fund-raising race night takes place in the club house this evening, Friday January 29. If you wish to purchase a horse for the event at €20 you can do so from any committee member or by calling to the office. Alternatively why not come along on Friday and enjoy all the fun of the track in the comfort of the club house. The racing starts at 9pm and a fun night is guaranteed.
Balla
Unfortunately due to the weather conditions the weekend the open scramble competition had to be postponed yet again. Hopefully, it will take place next weekend. The three ball scramble is open to members and non-members and is sponsored by Sean Canny Tyres, Breaffy, Castlebar. Weather permitting, teams can play on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, €15 per team; re-entry for same team €9. Membership for 2010 is now due, rates as follows: €285 family; €200 single; €75 students; €45 youths. Those who pay their membership before the drive in will receive complimentary green fee vouchers. A fun music quiz will be held in Mannion’s on Friday February 12 at 9pm sharp.
Ballyhaunis
The fifth round of the winter league sponsored by An Lochán bar and restaurant saw Aidan Fitzmaurice top the charts on handicap after three men tied on a score of 39. Fitzmaurice won thanks to his handicap of 12, with Sean Sloan coming home in second playing off 22, and third place going to Derek Walsh. There was also a tie in scores at the top of the ladies’ section with Laurena Freely just about holding off Margaret Dyer with both finishing on a score of 31. The junior section saw Paul Finnegan win out with a score of 36.
Claremorris
It has been decided to extend week three of the open winter league to week four because of the heavy frost over the weekend. Those who have played already can either play week three again or hold on to their score. The seniors’ competition will recommence on Wednesdays at the usual time.
The following team captains have been chosen for the coming season Senior Cup and Barton Shield: John Forde; Junior Cup: Ger Noone; Irish mixed foursomes: Michael Conway and Ann Moran; Jimmy Bruen Shield: Willie Feeley; Jack O’Sullivan Trophy: Noel McDonnell; Connacht Shield: Gary O’Mahony; Pierce Purcell Shield: James Prendergast; Cecil Ewing Shield: Frank Curley; Seniors Inter Club: Joey McDonnell. Martin Murphy is the new junior convenor for the coming season.
Westport
Following the winter lay-off, it was all systems go last Sunday for the long overdue third round of the ladies’ and gents’ winter league. The gents’ result has certainly shaken up the league standings with three of the featured winners well outside the current qualifying standard before Sunday’s play.
Vincent Rigney was a popular winner on the back 9, having come to terms with the new layout of the 13th green.
In sunny Portugal on the same day, Dermot Blythe’s team failed to repeat their opening day victory of last year, running out of stamina on the back 9. Pat Bree’s team took the honours on day one in the Algarve with solid performances by all team members Mick Loughrey and the Gibbons’ duo of Liam and Joe. Paul Dyar was happy with his third place finish on day one as team member Anthony Hoban was exhausted following his pre-match, half-time, and full time analysis of the Leinster - London Irish draw the previous evening. Talks are well under way between Westport and Castlebar in their attempts to arrange a one-off match to celebrate the Rocklands course centenary which occurs this year. A full and detailed report about the proposed match will be made available in mid-February.
