Benny Tierney Wins Peter Byrne's Captain's Prize

It was a case of “the glorious thirteenth” for club captain Peter Byrne as the weather was magnificent as he hosted a marvellous Captains Day. With the course in pristine condition the members teed off from 7am until 12-30 pm in search of one of the 12 places that would get you to the last 9 holes in pursuit of the wonderful crystal prize that awaited the overall winner. The Captain had also introduced for the very first time a best dressed award which certainly brought out the contrasting colours and styles that only added to the occasion.

John Reel (21) was the early clubhouse leader but was joined by Tommy Bradley (26) who had 40 points also. A lot of fancied players filtered through unable to break the leading mark until Tony Fenton (19) came in with 43 quickly followed by young Ryan McGivern who had one point less. As the tailenders were due to come in there were anxious eyes at the big scoreboard to see if 36 points would make the cut. The seven players on the playing to your handicap mark were all cut adrift by the very last man in Benny Tierney (11). The All-Ireland winning goalkeeper the last line of defence for years was on the offensive as he topped the leaderboard with 44 points. In total 16 players from 37 points to 44 qualified for the last nine holes at 5-30.

Using holes 13-18 and 1,6 and 7 in front of the clubhouse the large attendance for the playoff saw some terrific golf produced. The top three contenders were last out with the general consensus being that “the unflappable Tierney” would not wilt under the pressure. Tony took the lead after hole 16 but threw it away a hole later. By the time Benny had come in front of the audience at the clubhouse he was in the groove firing a majestic tee-shot well over the water at the first that was to prove a watery grave for pursuer Tony. With the large gallery watching the final hole the seventh, Benny found the bunker, ribbed his second through the green into the other greenside bunker as news filtered through that it was young Ryan McGivern who was the nearest challenger. Ryan calmly recorded a par to Tony’s bogey. Out of the second bunker Benny missed the putt for a “double bogey” but it did not prove costly as his 65 points for the 27 holes was one better than that of Ryan. Sean Campbell (11) finished third with 61 pts relegating Tony to fourth on the countback. Colin Pilkington won the gross prize.

Seamie Fearon (26) won the front nine with 22 points with the back nine going to Jim McDonnell (10) 23 pts. Daniel Hughes (17) won the third nine with 21 pts. Leading qualifier was Tommy Bradley with current club President Seamus McCoy winning the past captain’s prize. The best dressed award was won by David Pilkington.

The ladies were also out in force with Ann McGivern with 36 pts winning from Anne Murphy 30 pts. 

The Captain’s visitors also enjoyed a great day with a double for Mannan Castle as former club President Tom Brennan took the honours from former club Captain Denis McArdle.

On Saturday morning the juveniles played and produced a great competition. Eddie English with 42 pts was the winner from Conor McKinley 38 pts.

The clubhouse was packed with members and friends for the presentation of the wonderful array of prizes which were a credit to the Captain. The music, food and flower presentation that followed were all in keeping in what was a very memorable special day for a very popular captain. The Captains prizewinner was also delighted with his win having journey from a family function to be in attendance.

JUVENILE SUMMER GOLF LESSONS ON TUESDAY
From Tuesday July 15 and every Tuesday through the summer there will be juvenile lessons for club members only at 11 am. The juveniles will be split up according to age for the lessons with the various age groups given a specified time for their lesson which will be followed by a competition to suit the needs of the groups.

Conor McKinley won the first competition last Tuesday edging out his cousin Barry for top spot.

The Crash Repair Wednesday Cup was not so popular last week due to the horrible wet weather but it still took a level par 9 holes from David Pilkington (8) to win with 22 points off the green markers. Next Wednesday is off the front white markers.

The July Medal will be played for over Sat & Sun next weekend.