ON the FAIRWAYS

At the Enniscorthy drive-in were Ina Kent (lady President), Tom Clifford (Captain), Bernie Whelan (lady Captain) and Pat Higgins (President).
Wednesday March 03 2010
WEXFORD LADIES: February 11, 14 holes stableford: 1, Ann Conway (35), 31 points; 2, Lily Rowe (26), 30 points; 3, Val Jenkins (33), 29 points; 4, Triona Walsh (27), 28 points; 5, Ena O'Donoghue (34), 25 points (back five).
February 18, 14 holes stableford: 1, Emma Murphy (8), 33 points; 2, Margaret Atkinson (12), 29 points (back seven); 3, Bridget O'Neill (29), 29 points; 4, Brenda O'Brien (31), 28 points; 5, Pat Flanagan (27), 26 points (back seven).
February 25, 14 holes stableford: 1, Breda Devoy (29), 27 points; 2, Brenda O'Brien (31), 26 points; 3, Emma Murphy (8), 25 points (back five); 4, Mary Maguire (26), 25 points (back five); 4, Margaret Hearne (13), 23 points (back seven).
Tomorrow's 14-hole stableford competition is sponsored by Teresa Cullen Pottery, and the first presentations of the season take place in the clubhouse on Thursday, March 11. Best wishes go to our Captains, Nicky Murphy and Therese Glasheen, for the drive-in on Sunday, March 7.
ROSSLARE LADIES
Wednesday, February 17, open Seniors 18-hole competition: 1, Gráinne Dunphy (22), 34 points.
Saturday, February 20, 16-hole fourball: 1, Sheila Doyle (22/17) and Carmel Lonergan (30/23), 43 points.
Tuesday, February 23, Sweepstake: 1, Nadine Hennessy (30), 29 points; 2, Pat Byrne (31), 20 points.
Thursday, February 25, open Seniors competition: 1, Sheila Hendrick (36), 40 points; 2, Betty O'Brien (36), 39 points; 3, Kit Codd (16), 35 points.
GUILLEMOT SOCIETY
There was a small turn-out on Sunday last in Rathaspeck.
Results: 1, Paddy Monaghan; 2, Bertie Walsh; 3, Susan Evans. Juniors: 1, Mark Evans.
Our next outing will be announced after the A.G.M. Could all members please attend the meeting as the future of our society depends on it. You will be notified of the arrangements in due course.
ST. HELEN'S LADIES
Congratulations to Bossy Breda's with a marvellous score of 96 and Furlong's Furies with a fantastic score of 90 who qualified to play the final of the Winter League on Saurday next. Some hard battles were fought to reach these finals and what an exciting finish. Well done to all participants in the Winter League.
With very pleasant weather conditions for golf, and the course once again in great condition, thanks to the efforts of our greenkeeping staff, great scores were brought in by our ladies.
Saturday, February 27, single sweep (15 holes): 1, Leonie Furlong (16), 34 points (countback); 2, Nora Kavanagh (26), 24 points.
Sunday, February 28: 1, Rachel O'Connor (11), 30 points (countback); 2, Georgina Darling (20), 30 points.
COURTOWN
It was great to see that the course was open on both Saturday and Sunday over the weekend, but as we turned in on Sunday morning for the 13-hole fourball, and what was for some of us the last round of the Ulster Bank Winter League, we were shocked to learn of the very sudden and untimely death of one of our members, Michael O'Connor, who died suddenly on Saturday evening while playing indoor football.
On behalf of all in Courtown, we extend our sympathy to his family. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Results: 1, Brendan Breen (3), Barry Fitzgerald (8), 34 points; 2, Mick Morrissey (4), Noel Ivanoff (10), 33 points (last six); 3, Myles Gibbons (13), Fergal Noonan (17), 33 points (last nine).
ST. HELEN'S
Winter League semi-finals, Saturday, February 27: Bossy Breda's defeated Lynch's Lurchers and Furlong's Furies defeated Parkinson's Preachers.
Saturday, February 27, singles sweep stableford (eleven holes): 1, Mark Corish, 31 points; 2, Mark Doyle, 26 points.
Sunday, February 28, singles sweep stableford (15 holes): 1, Fran Anderson, 33 points; 2, James Morrissey, 31; gross, John Holt, 26 points (countback).
Wednesday club, February 24, singles stableford (eleven holes): 1, Tomás O'Riordan (14), 27 points - 2 = 25 points; 2, Paddy Kearns (10), 26 points - 1 = 25 points; 3, Brian D'Eath (17), 20 points + 5 = 25 points.
Fixtures - Wednesday, March 3: Wednesday club, meet at the clubhouse at 10 a.m. for the draw. Friday, March 5: Friday wine competition. Saturday, March 6: Winter league final, Bossy Breda's v. Furlong's Furies (singles stableford competition for non-qualifiers), followed by prizegiving and social evening. Sunday, March 7: singles stableford. See the club website - www.sthelensbay.ie - for further details.
BALLYMONEY
Possibly due to the attractions of the televised clash of Ireland and England at Twickenham and two large golf societies out on Saturday, a much smaller field than usual took to the course.
Despite a few early showers, conditions were very good and, with the usual wind from the south blowing in the opposite direction, some very good scores were posted.
Following on from his fourth place of last week, Joe Lee (11) racked up 37 points for first spot. A group of players finished on 36 points and, on countback, David Murphy (7) took second place from Robert Durning (14).
Sunday next sees a threeball scamble with the same format as last year in place. Teams can have one guest (G.U.I. member) if they so wish. Hopefully we will see some Spring weather and a big turn-out of members for what is a most enjoyable format.
ENNISCORTHY
The golfing year at Enniscorthy was officially launched last weekend when both the lady Captain, Bernie Whelan, and men's Captain, Tom Clifford, teed off on the first hole.
It was one of the noisiest arrivals of any captaincy when decibels approaching health and safety levels were recorded as they arrived on their choice of transport. A motorcycle motorcade roared into the normally tranquil idyll of the club car park, with Bernie arriving on a 'Boom'.
Apparently, it was no secret that this was to be the favoured means of conveyance as both Tom and Bernie are avid motor heads, with Bernie's husband, Pat, a big fan of the motorbike.
In his address prior to the tee-off, President Pat Higgins told the assembled crowd how Tom had served diligently in several positions at various levels on committees over the years. He went on to wish Tom on the members' behalf all the best for his tenure as men's captain and hoped he would have a happy year.
The drive-in is one of the major functions within the calendar of any Captain and the large attendance was proof of how these Captains are held in high regard.
Ina Kent, lady President, commended Bernie to the audience and spoke of how she was well known throughout the Leinster ladies' golfing fraternity, serving as an executive committee member on the Midlands District I.L.G.U. and was noted for her hard work. Ina went on to wish Bernie all the best in her role and hoped she would see the ladies bring home the bacon.
The course was in excellent condition for the event, and the weather contributed to an enjoyable nine-hole friendly scramble followed by light refreshment afterwards in the clubhouse.
NEW ROSS
Winter league round five, Sunday, February 28: 1, Marty Murphy (19), 36 points; 2, Tom Purcell (16), 32 points; 3, Jim Murphy (14), 32 points; gross, Aidan Moore (2), 27 points; Cat. 1, Jim Byrne (8), 30 points; Cat. 2, Frank Doyle (11), 31 points; Cat. 3, Val Molloy (14), 31 points; Cat. 4, Reiner Opperman (18), 30 points.
Overall winners of winter league: 1, Ger Whittle (12), 124 points; 2, John Hartley (19), 123 points; 3, Tony Coppolla (19), 119 points.
WEXFORD
Wednesday's singles stableford (played over 14 holes) competition was won by the consistent Jimmy O'Grady (22) with 33 points. He scored three points at no less than six holes.
In second spot was Michael Sweeney (10) with 32 points (won on the back seven). He had threepointers at five holes. Davy Farrell (10) came third with 32 points, in spite of having three birdies on his card.
The two-person team event (played over 14 holes) on Saturday produced popular winners in Jim Roice (18) and John 'Stella' Walker (16) with 46 points. The format of the competition was for both scores to count at the par fives.
In second place were John B. O'Connor (16) and Pat 'Baker' Murphy (8) with 45 points, notwithstanding collecting seven points at the index one hole.
The two-person team event (played over 14 holes) on Sunday was a tougher test. All three teams in the prizes had the same score at the par fives, but the more dependable doubles won out.
In first place were Martin Bergin (12) and Nicky Doyle (16) with 42 points. Second were Billy Bolger (18) and Mick Goggin (11) with 41 points (winning on a countback that went to the back six). Daithí Murphy (12) and John Quirke (18) came third, also with 41 points.
Fixtures: Friday, March 5, Spring Alliance. Visitors ¤15. Members ¤5. This is a popular comperition played over 18 holes and is very competitive.
The season starts in earnest on Sunday next at 5 p.m. when lady Captain Therese Glasheen and the real Captain, Nicky Murphy, swing into action at their drive-in. Comments on the elegance or otherwise of the latter's stance and follow through will not be entertained.
TEMPLARS SOCIETY
The first outing of the year takes place on Saturday, March 13, at Bunclody golf course. Timesheets are now available so contact Val at 086-8947388.
Please note that membership for the year is also due on or before the first outing. Looking forward to seeing everyone and getting back into the swing of things for 2010.
ROSSLARE
The winter league came to a close in Rosslare with a 100% turn-out for the three days. This is the tenth year of this event and the new format proved a roaring success. Thanks to Johnny and Cormac for all their work.
The winners with 241 points (99 + 57 + 85) were Cormac Power, Ross Young, Richard Hehir, Charlie O'Gorman, Joe Scott and Siobhán Redmond. They won by one point from long-time leaders Paud O'Brien, Pat Murray, Ken Maher, Danny Lacey, Robert Rowe and Kevin Driver (102 + 60 + 78). In third position on 237 (93 + 62 + 82) were Liam McNamara, Stan Jackson, Robin Gardner, Jim Hennessy, John McNicholas and Ann Kelly.
Best individual (singles): lady, Betty O'Brien, 33 points; gent, Tom McGrath, 35 points.
Best fourball: Eddie Fortune and Killian Kelly, 34 points.
Best scramble: Rich Howlin, Nancy Tierney and Michael O'Brien, 43 points.
The Captain, John Kelleher, lady Captain, Eleanor Wardlaw, and Johnny Young presented the prizes.
On Thursday last the open Seniors singles produced some very good scoring. Leading the way on 41 points was Ian Stewart (Curragh, 2). Ian had birdies on the fourth, ninth, 15th, 16th and 18th in a three under par round of 69.
In second position, beaten on the back six, was the man in form, Jimmy Dempsey (20). Third on 40 points was Liam Ryan (19).
Saturday, February 27, fourball (16 holes): 1, Liam Duggan (5) and Willie Morris (13), 41 points; 2, Anthony Duggan (5) and Joey Lacey (21), 40 points; 3, Denis Noonan (3) and Mark Fitzpatrick (11), 40 points.
The Pettitt, Walsh and Gaynor matchplay competitions will begin shortly. You may enter in the Pro Shop, ¤7 per player per competition. The draw is on Sunday, April 4.
There was widespread regret throughout the club at the death of Jim Doyle, or J.V. as he was affectionately known. He was a long-serving member of the club, having joined in the 1960s. A great competitor, he won a President's prize and quite a few more competitions and was always good for a sing-along with his good friend, Tom Cullimore. To his wife Mary, sons and daughter, sincere sympathy is extended.
NEW ROSS SENIORS
They were out in force again on Thursday last when the ultra-eager teams went in search of the usual weekly prizes. The conditions were heavy underfoot but the day was fine but cold.
With winter rules still in operation and placing everywhere, some good scores were recorded and where we had all team members registering on the 18th hole - this certainly separated the men from the boys.
One team threw away a prize by not adhering to a golden rule in golf - that is you must record individual handicaps as allotted by the G.U.I. on your score card.
How can you determine who genuinely scored on any hole if you ignore this very basic rule and therefore an individual or team face automatic disqualification for such an omission, and that is what happened last Thursday.
The winners who brought in a terrific score of 95 points were Denis Kirwan (12), John Watson (15), Tom Kent (19) and Brian Dolan (28). In second place came Dick Cuddihy (11), Tom O'Neill (17), Dick Cahill (20) and Frank Boyle (21) with 92 points.
Third place was filled by Tony Harford (10), Michael Brennan (18), Paddy Bennett (19) and Jamesie Wallace (21) who scored a total of 91 points. Nearest the pin prizes went to Michael Brennan and Jamesie Wallace.
In view of recent events, a detailed analysis is to the undertaken regarding players' current handicaps which when completed should result in a more level playing field for all. The draw for teams is at 10.45 a.m. sharp each week.