Balla
It was Captains Day (John O’Connor ) in Balla last Sunday in glorious sunshine (despite the weatherman’s warnings ). Many of the golfers had trouble on the 18th but not the eventual winner Pat Walsh who romped home with a score of 112. Patrick McDonnell came home second, with Martin Boyle third, and Stephen Minogue took the gross prize. The past captain winner was John Parsons, with Luke Timmiss winning the first 18 and Pat Mohan the second 18. The youths’ section was a toughly fought out affair with Enda Holian just holding off Liam Timmiss. Breege Jennings won the ladies’ section with Mary Brett in second and Mary Fahy third.
Ballina
Ballina Golf Club is on the Irish Junior Cup trail again. The 101-year-old north Mayo club pulled off a resounding victory by winning the Connacht Junior Cup on Sunday last, defeating Athenry in the final at Loughrea, thus qualifying for the All Ireland finals of the Cups and Shields at Castlerock, Derry, in September. It will be remembered that in 2008 Ballina became only the fourth Connacht club to win the prestigious national trophy.
Ballina had qualified for the final with solid wins over Claremorris and Rosses Point in July. The foundation for Sunday’s win was laid early on, with Jonathan Doherty and Jonathan Kelly winning comprehensively against Peter Dolan and Blaine Niland, 3/2 and 5/3 respectively. Liam Casey came up against Athenry hotshot Brian O’Reilly and battled to the end before going down 3/2.
Ballina needed one more match. Noel Dee was finding Joe Beirne a handful in the last match and Philip Summers staged a dramatic fight back against Kenneth Lawrence to be only two down with two to play. However Lawrence played the shot of the day, a fine unwavering four iron in wind and rain, to the edge of the par three 17th to close out the match 2/1.
This Saturday is an open inter-firm team competition, which will be played over an 18 hole Stableford format with teams of eight contesting and the best five cards counting. Entry fee for the competition is €80 per team. This Sunday is Lady Captain Day.
Ballinrobe
In the ladies’ members prize competition last weekend Barbara King was the winner with a score of 42pts. The Cat 1 prize was taken by Siobhan Hunt on 35 pts, Cat 2 by Geraldine Ryan with 41pts, and Cat 3 by Martina Lee who scored 37pts.
In the gents’ competition Darren Egan was the winner with a score of 42pts, Tom Ferrick was one point behind in second place, and Brian O’Reilly took the gross win on 33pts.
Ballyhaunis
Paul Finnegan won the stroke competition sponsored by the Legacy Wedding Band with a score of 64 nett. He finished three in front of Alex Eaton with Shane Gilmartin third. The ladies’ competition was won by Nuala Fitzgerald with Kung Fanning second, Cian Henry took the junior prize.
Castlebar
The Gifts Supreme sponsored competition was claimed by Jonathan Rice with a score of 43. Colin Dawson pushed him all the way coming home in second place one point behind, with Matt Flynn finishing third on 41pts. The gross prize was taken by Pat McDonnell with Cian McGowan the junior winner.
Claremorris
Golfstyle sponsored the competition in Claremorris last weekend which was won by Mike McGrath with a score of 41pts. The Cat 1 section was claimed by Brian Farragher, with Kevin McDonagh taking the Cat 2 win, and Thomas Mannion victory in Cat 3. The ladies’ competition was won by Nancy McHugh with a score of 71 nett.
Westport
Details of the annual Mayo Boys Open Competition were announced during open week at Westport Golf Club over the weekend. This very popular event which is traditionally played at the end of August attracted competitors from in excess of 16 clubs last year, with an even bigger entry expected this year, following Rory McIlroy’s US Open victory.
Westport Golf Club is delighted to offer junior boys the unique opportunity to play competitive golf over the same course where McIlroy won his first senior title; the Irish Amateur Close back in 05.
As ever with managing such a big event, the club would hope that all local golfers will avail of the early time slots, allowing those who are travelling longer distances the comfort of a later start.
Regretfully, the timesheet will be adhered to strictly and unlike normal competition play, entries will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Entry fee: €10 members Westport GC/ visitors €15.
