Cloverhill Golf Club - John Takes Command
The weather failed to stop a record attendance at the club's AGM which was held for the first time on a Sunday afternoon. Outgoing Captain Charlie O Hare was lavish in his praise for the assistance and support he had received from the committee and members for what has been a memorable year in office. The outgoing Captain was delighted with the continuing progress the club made under his direction. Charlie singled out Colin and his workforce for the superb condition the course was kept in all year "There is no club making the progress that Cloverhill is making and it is all down to the good relationship which exists between the hard working Colin and an equally hard working club committee" It is with great pleasure that I hand over the reins of Captain to John Byrne who will continue to lead the Club to better things.
Dubliner, John an adopted son of Dundalk (for the last 30 years or more ) has always been a leader of men and is delighted and honored to be given the opportunity to be Club Captain. "I would hope to build on the legacy of all the past officers of the club by helping the clubs continual growth, without losing it's homely and friendly atmosphere. 2011 is a very important year for the club, as a growing membership and public perception needs to be built upon to keep Cloverhill up there as one of the most progressive clubs in the area" John announced that his Vice-Captain would be Brian Ryan, Dundalk.
Treasurer Raymond Martin painted a healthy picture on the financial front with a very detailed and precise report. Outgoing secretary Brendan Hughes expressed his regret at not being in a position to stay in office for the coming year. The Captain thanked Brendan for his outstanding work.
The election of officers then took place with Charlie O Hare stepping up to the role of President. Seamus McGivern who has previously filled the role of Captain and Treasurer took over the job as Secretary. Having returned such a healthy bank balance Raymond Martin was retained as treasurer. In coming Captain John will be delighted with the voluntary additions to the committee with outgoing, Declan O Neill, Barry McKeown, Jim McKay, Peter Byrne and Joe Pilkington retaining their positions to be joined by Colin McParland, Graham Johnston, Shane Muckian, Cathal Hughes, Liam Harte and Seamus McCoy.
There was an update from Colin with regards to the proposed work on the course for the coming year. Colin outlined the areas of the course which needed attention and the said proposals for those areas. Hopefully by the time the Captains Drive-in comes round on March 13 to herald the start of a new golfing season the internal out of bounds at holes 5, 6 and 18 will be done away with. A new tee-box for the ninth hole was to be looked at to replace the existing mat on if feasible.
The issue of Sunday morning and the time sheet was a topic for discussion with Captain John explaining that a starter will be in place to oversee that the time sheet is strictly adhered to. The enthusiasm and infusion of new blood and ideas certainly bodes well for the coming year at Cloverhill. All we need now is for the weather to clear so we can get back to finishing off the Winter league and getting in a few shots before the Open Christmas Scramble to be held in the club on Monday Dec 27. The four person Scramble at £40 per team will have a shotgun start at 10-30 am. Anyone wishing to help outgoing Captain Charlie's chosen charity Newry Hospice by putting in a team can contact the clubhouse at 30 889374 to book a slot.