Mayo Teachers’ Golf Alliance
The Mayo Teachers’ Golf Alliance 2008 – 2009 season's sixth outing took place recently at Belmullet (Carne ) Golf Course. A special thanks to Erris Tourism for providing the course. Patsy Sheridan from Balla was the overall winner and the ladies’ winner was Antoinette Casey from Castlebar. Take note that the time sheet for the next event, which takes place in Enniscrone Golf Club, on Saturday March 21, is contained on the Mayo Teachers’ Golf Alliance website. The website address is www.mayoteachersgolfalliance.ie New members are very welcome and should contact Michael Herr, sec/treasurer at 096 31779 (H ), 086 8223830 (M ).
Westport Golf Club
On Friday last, in the final hour’s business, traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange noted some positive movement on the share price at Allergan Pharmaceuticals. The stock price finished at 36.52; up .64 on the day. There could only be one reason and it wasn’t the $825bn financial stimulus package recently passed by the US Congress. No, it was the story surrounding one of the winter league finals at Westport Golf Club. Although playing the “form” team of Martin Helping, the NYSE saw some confidence in a leaked memo outlining Christy Madigan’s strategy and they weren’t wrong.
Neil Chambers, who had practised with Eugene Patten and Colm O’Neill on Friday afternoon, was a comfortable winner against Mick Loughrey 4/3. For Mick it will be a long road to Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day, as he tries to figure out what went wrong. Martin Halpin grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory when losing on the 18th to Noel McHugh. Noel had a “Lazarus” experience after the ninth hole, when coming back from five down. Business insiders are expecting some high volumes to be traded in Allergan stock in the days to come, following the semi-final draw which was finalised on Sunday last. Christy Madigan and his team will face Austin Gibbons. Bill Hopkins defeated leading qualifiers Davy Walsh also on Saturday morning last. Dave lost the opening match on Thursday and Alan Myburgh playing with Tommie Moylette could not overcome the two shot advantage that Bill and John English had at the beginning of the match. For the record Sean Durkan was three up on Joe O’Haire when their match was called in. The reward for beating the leading qualifier is a semi-final match against Pat Moran.
This year’s captain’s drive-in will take place on Saturday March 14. Respective Captains, Mary McNicholas and Sean Fitzgerald, along with club president Hugh Murphy will begin proceedings with the traditional drive off the picturesque first tee, at 1pm sharp. Following the formalities, member are invited to take part in a “two club plus putter” nine hole competition. Those interested are advised that there is a timesheet in operation, in order to facilitate a shotgun start. Presentation of prizes will take place immediately after the competition followed by some light refreshments. Next Sunday’s gents competition will be a single stableford with a similar gents’ competition taking place on St Patrick’s Day.
Balla Golf Club
Tommy Walsh won the last round of the Winter League with a score of 40 points, Noel Hoban came second with a score of 39 points, while Padraig Joyce came a close third with 38 points on the day. Julie Loftus was the winner of the ladies’ round with a score of 36 points, Elaine O’Hora came home in second place not far behind with a score of 35 points on the back nine, with Mary Brett finishing third also on 35 points.
The Winter League competition was won by team six, Stephen Minogue, Elaine O’Hora, Dara Cawley and Alan Brett. Team 14 of Pat Walsh, Geraldine Evans, Tommy Walsh and Gerard Flanagan came home in second. Sponsors of the Winter League were Cox’s, Nigel Reape, and the Credit Union, Balla and Castlebar.
The captain’s drive in will take place on Sunday March 15 at 11.30 p.m. All members, sponsors, and friends are invited. Note that only paid up members will be eligible for prizes after March 19. The overall individual men’s winner in the Winter League was Jimmy Sheridan and the overall ladies’ winner was Marie Flanagan.
Ballyhaunis Golf Club
The Winter League competition at Ballyhaunis Golf Club – sponsored by Brian Hunt Machinery - reached its conclusion over the past weekend. After the weekly league stage, which had been running since the start of last November involving just under 100 members, four teams emerged to contest the semi-finals last Saturday. The teams were The Champions led by David Hannon, The Sensations led by Mariette Potgieter, The Wizards led by Tom Meehan, and The Aces led by Alex Eaton. Following the exciting semi-finals on Saturday the Aces emerged to face the Sensations on Sunday morning. The final was a very close affair and the result was very much in the balance until the last group had finished. Mariette’s team just piped Alex’s team at the post. Mariette now holds the proud distinction of being the winning captain for two years in a row.
The 2009 Ballyhaunis captain's drive-in was held on March 8 and was very well attended. After the drive-in and photo call a scramble was held which was very exciting and closely contested. After the scramble and presentation a very enjoyable social evening was held in the clubhouse. The management committee, under the leadership of captains Róisín Hill and Kevin Henry and president Siobhán Herr, are wished every success in 2009.
