Balla
In last weekend’s club Stableford competition, Ray Mannion was the winner in the gents’ section with a score of 42pts. Second place was taken by James Lavin whose back nine scoring saw him hold off Stephen Minogue in third place after both men finished on 36pts. The ladies’ competition was won by Geraldine O’Malley with a score of 35pts. She finished just one point ahead of Marie Flanagan in second place on 34pts, and Mary Conlon took third place with a score of 33pts thanks to her scoring on the back nine.
At the club AGM which was held recently, John O’Connor was elected club captain, with Delia O’Hora lady captain for 2010. Dermot McMahon will be the club president with Aodan MacSuibhne vice captain. Mary Brett will be club treasurer, Catherine McNulty will be recording secretary, and Breege Jennings PRO. Marie Flanagan will take up the role of the competition secretary and Dermot MacMahon the handicap secretary. The committee for the year will be made up of Oliver Moran, Colm Walsh, Rose O’Connor, Breege Moran, Breege Walsh, Pat Dillon, and Bob Leggett. The membership fees for 2011 will remain the same as they were for 2010. Single membership €200, family membership €285, students €70, youths €45, and green fees €10.
Ballyhaunis
In last weekend’s winter league Alan Henry with a score of 38pts was the winner of the gents’ section. Alan finished just one point ahead of Dave Hierons who finished in second place with a score of 37. In the ladies’ competition Anne Freeley was the weekend’s winner thanks to a score of 36pts. She just about held off the challenge of Fiona Prenty who finished in second place. The youths’ prize was claimed by Cian Henry.
Ballina
The final of the winter league was played last Sunday and conditions for the competition were ideal and the course was in splendid condition. The final was divided into two categories with the top 12 qualifying teams entering the final proper and the next 12 teams contesting the plate. The winners on the day were: Final winners: Sammy Gavin, Mickey Tighe, Eddie Keigher and Alan Kelly. Runners up in the final were: Mick Brady, PJ Ruddy, John Durcan and Des Farrell. The winners of the plate section were: Paddy Myers, Paddy O'Donnell, Martin Maguire and Malcolm Nash. Runners up in the Plate were: Robert Bradwell, Malachy Burke, PJ Hennigan and Paddy McCann. The club would like to sincerely thank Mr Oliver Rouse for his kind sponsorship of the final and for being present to present the prizes on the day. Next Sunday's competition will once again be played on a shotgun start basis with teams teeing off at 9am. The draw for tee positions will be made in the Pro shop at 8.45 and all players are asked to be present on time.
Friday night sees the launch of the club’s centenary book Even The Golf Balls Were Rationed, compiled and edited by the club secretary Sean Rowley. The book will be launched in the clubhouse by the president of the GUI Sean McMahon at 8pm. Members and friends are invited along on the night and light refreshments will be served.
Claremorris
In last weekend’s action in the winter league, the team of Mick Conway, Anthony Hennelly and Wille Feely were the winners with a score of 64pts. More than 40 teams took part in the competition, and if other teams want to enter the league they are asked to call Chris on 094 9371527. The AGM of the club will take place this evening at 8pm.
Westport
The plot thickens in the gents’ winter league. Two teams are still in contention of reaching the Holy Grail, of featuring in all six rounds of the league format. Liam Friel’s team continued their fine form on Sunday last, with another victory on the front nine, the turning point was a double birdie on the fifth secured by Liam and John Collins.
But there can be talk of little else in the Campion household also, as father and son plot to hold their form for the fourth round to be played on the first Sunday in the New Year. This is the debut season for Liam’s son Darren with MJ O’Malley and GAA legend Mick Higgins in the team.
The 2011 Gents committee chairmen were announced during the week - Competitions: Gerry Hughes; Handicaps: Vincent Farrell, Teams: Niall Halpin, Junior Boys Golf: Jim Brown and Joe Carty; and PRO will be Paul O’Neill. The winter junior coaching is well under way at the moment. The remaining schedule for the forthcoming weeks is posted on the junior page on the club website. Also on the club website is the official diary of events for the gents’ club in 2011. A weekly nine hole turkey Stableford competition, with re-entry, for the gents began on Monday last. The event will take place on the front nine with an entry fee of €5 and a re-entry fee of €3. Competitors can play on any day from Monday to Saturday, by registering their individual entry in the pro shop.
