February 1

The new committee members are settling in to their respective roles and we wish them all well in their endeavours in the coming year. With Seamus McDonagh marshalling the troops, it promises to be another positive year on the golfing front. The convenors are as follows: Greens: Gerry Feeney; Handicaps: Lyle Taggart; Competitions: Francie Cunningham, Alan Elliott, Kevin Gilgunn; House: Michael Glynn; Assistant Treasurer: David Kelly; P.R.O.: Tom Plunkett.

We have finally got into a flow of competitions after a long hiatus over the New Year. Vinny Gallagher and Michael Galvin won the last two Wednesday Opens with similar totals. The former enjoyed nines of 18 and 17 points respectively en route to a narrow victory over Connor Taggart, a fine return over just 16 holes. Michael secured a tidy birdie at his 7th hole and the downed putt proved the difference between first and second place.

Last Sunday week saw Tom Rawdon demolish the 15-hole temporary course which was, by necessity, in play. He garnered a massive 21 points over the first 8 holes and added a further 12 points over the next seven. His birdie at the second warmed the cockles on what was a chilly day and by round’s end, Tom knew that his score would take some beating.

The club is hosting a fundraiser for Haiti on February 27th and we urge all members and visitors to support this worthy cause. Entrants to the single stableford can pay what they wish in entering the competition and both ladies and gents are invited to compete.

Now that the weather has stabilised somewhat, it is hoped that the winter matchplay competitors can resume battle. Connor and Daragh may be recent casualties, but enough talent remains to hold our attention in the weeks ahead.

Results:

February 20: 1. Vinny Gallagher (15) 35 b.o.t.; 2. Connor Taggart (15) 35; 3. Francie Cunningham (12) 34; February 24: 1. Tom Rawdon (20) 33; 2. Barry Keeney (13) 31 b.o.t.; 3. Alan Elliott (15) 31; February 27: 1. Michael Galvin (16) 34; 2. Hugh Boyle (21) 33;

Fixtures:

Sunday February 7: Club Fourball Betterball stableford, open Wednesday February 10: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors including green fee; Saturday February 13: Captains’ Drive-in, 10.30 shotgun start, ladies & gents, Fourball Scramble, open Saturday February 27: Special Haiti Fundraiser, Ladies & Gents, single stableford, voluntary contribution as entry fee, open