Shamrocks Golf Society 2024

‘Shamrocks Golf Society. 2024

Secretary: Seamus Sheridan  Captain: Sean McEvoy  Treasurer: John Clarke

Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú?

Welcome to a new year with two new grooms taking centre stage of the Shamrocks. Our new President Paul and Captain Sean are gearing us up for an exciting, unorthordox and awesome year of golf and good fun. They are wonderful ambassadors for the society and Paul has adorned himself with the title “El Presidente” and expects at least a bow or genuflect when members greet him. His entourage is powerful in size and importance with a strong band of inlaws and outlaws ready to exact conformity to his wishes. Do you want to take on the O’ Sullivan, McArdle or McFadden clans if lack of courtesy is shown? However, I believe he will be a “dignified” President open to wisdom and good counsel and any Trumpesque tendencies will be totally surpressed.

Captain Sean despite being domiciled in Virginia for an eternity has unreal passionate red blood running through his veins which can become particularly vocal and timeless after the midnight hour. My sources are as ever deadly accurate and can be verified if passing through Cross or Beckscourt. His grá for the society is intense and his assurance that Raphael is back on the horse alongside a hard core cast of Virginians like Billy, John & Joe, Eamonn, Bisto, Fintan and the wily Gene is most welcome.

El Presidente Paul and Captain Sean are both outstanding society members’ steeped in golf and competitiveness. However, there is a generational gap between them as recently witnessed by El Presidente Paul resorting to Old Moore’s Almanac to predict this year’s winner of his prize. This is Old Moore’s 260th year in existence and its record of being successful is high and somewhere in its print lies our winner. Great business for Nev also.

Sean took to the AI route for his prize and came up with this winner “Predicting the winner of this beautiful prize is extremely difficult but looking at the latest handicapping trends and recent results there is a winner. He will be right handed of slender statue with a natural swing and a delicate short game noted for chipping expertise and masterful putting. He is popular, sociable and a great athlete. A winner in waiting and congratulations to ?? and Captain Sean has already bought your prize.”

Obviously, I cannot divulge the name or it would spoil Sean’s day but most of you have already guessed the winner by now.

Now for the house keeping details that keep the majority of members content most of the time. A few tweaks to our handicap system were adopted at our AGM as it was accepted that the system works well. Our first tweak is 3rd place score minus 5 will be used as the threshold figure which will entitle players to have their handicap adjusted by +0.3. Second tweak is players who have scored above the threshold figure and who have not won a category or other prize will have their handicap adjusted by +0.1. These changes will work in tandem with the new WHI course adjustments that are coming into effect in April and will impact on all members across the society.

To keep members abreast of positions in the GOY standings monthly updates will be posted. The category divisions for each outing will be on the last timesheet posted before the first ball is struck. Fridays are now part and parcel of outings to accommodate the greatest number of participating golfers. Your wish is our command…………….

This year’s card has the strong hand of Kyle McGuinness’ influence and his help in getting courses at the best value was immense and deeply appreciated. Due to John’s astute minding of the family funds alongside Kyle’s key contacts we are able to retain our prize structure of overall winner with 5 Categories (1,2, 3, 4 & Senior). Membership is fixed at €50 and the daily outing fee including the 2’s also remains at €50. The revival of the twinning competition with a prize for the best overall score on the two designated courses New Forest and Powerscourt will add a bit of spice and fun to these two outings. A huge thank you to all members who supported The “Wee Jimmy” outing in Corballis which raised €2,000 for our local Rehab Health Group. Your generosity and thought for the vulnerable is amazing and hopefully we can replicate that figure in July with our Mannan outing and honour our past great member Wee Jimmy.

Date	Venue	Time	Saturdays’’ Card Checkers
Saturday 24th February Friday 23rd February	Seapoint Golf Club Seapoint Golf Club	10.00-11.50 10.00-10.30	Martin & Jim McArdle, Niall Kelly
Saturday 16th March  Friday 15th March	Esker Hills Golf Club    Matchplay Qualifier (15) Esker Hills Golf Club	10.30 – 12.00 10.30 – 11.00	Brían Clarke, Gerard & Conor Denning
Saturday 6th April Friday 5th April	Headfort Golf Club      Matchplay Qualifier (16) Headfort Golf Club	11.30 – 1.10 9.30 – 10.00	Neville Hall, Pat Clarke, Vincent Cooney
Saturday 11th May Friday 10th May	New Forest Golf Club                    * Twinning New Forest Golf Club	10.10- 11.30 10.00 – 10.30	Kyle McGuinness, Terry Smith, Adrian Kelly
Saturday 15th June Friday 14th June	Concra Wood President Paul Kelly’s Prize Concra Wood President Paul Kelly’s Prize	11.40 – 1.30 9.30-10.00	Sean McEvoy, Jeff Martin, Gavin Mackey
Saturday 20th July Friday 19th July	Mannan Castle Wee Jimmy’s Day Mannan Castle Wee Jimmy’s Day	10.30-12.20 9.30-10.00	Noel McCormack, Declan O’Sullivan, Sean O’Sullivan
Saturday 31st August Saturday 30th August	Slieve Russell Golf Club Capt. Sean McEvoy’s Prize Slieve Russell Golf Club Capt. Sean McEvoy’s Prize	9.40– 11.40 9.30-10.30	Paul Kelly, Calvin Daly, David O’ Gorman
Saturday 21st September Friday  20th September	Powerscourt East Golf Club              * Twinning Powerscourt East Golf Club	10.24 – 11.54 10.00 – 10.30	Vincent Barry, Sean McCabe, Aidan Farrell
Friday 11th October Saturday 12th October	Strandhill Golf Links Enniscrone Golf Links	11.30 -12.30 11.20 – 12.40	Usual Suspects
Saturday 9th November Friday 8th November	Lough Erne Golf Resort Lough Erne Golf Resort	8.00 – 9.20 8.30 – 9.00	Rhys Clarke, Niall O’Reilly, Kieran Rogers

Anticipated thanks to all members who are delighted to spread the workload and offer their collective brain to the checking of cards and compiling results at the various outings. The courses are an attempt to keep things fresh but within budget and the signature holes are memory treasures. Does the 17th at Seapoint recall thrills or woes, what image have you of the 4th hole in Esker Hills and let’s leave Headfort to your own device? Surely the par 3 9th garden hole is a gem in New Forest while the trials and tribulations of Concra’s 4th resonates with many as does Mannan’s 3rd hole. The 13th in the Russell speaks for itself with many watery tales and the same fate may befall some more members on Powerscourt’s 16th par three while the hazards of the 10th in Lough Erne are painful for most of us. Nearly 50% of our signature golf holes are par 3s and are they “An eight iron all day?”

The weekend away is a real golfing treat with two outstanding golf courses challenging our best efforts. Friday is Strandhill at 11.30am and then onto Enniscrone for a good night’s sleep before our 11.20 tee off on this famous links. Our sleep with 2 B&B & 2 Evening meals is in the centre of Enniscrone at The Ocean Strand Hotel. The overall price per person sharing and golf is €330 with single supplement extra per usual. Good golf, plenty of banter and just taking time out is assured and your presence is always welcome as we approach our 30th year in existence. The historical tour of Enniscrone is also available starting at Ropers then taking in Mary Anne’s before visiting The Pilot and settling in Muddy Burns. The sky is the limit……..

Reverting back to Old Moore’s prediction compliments to Paul on rowing in behind the traditions and culture of this production which shows his presidential vision and leadership style. Captain Sean’s decision to go AI is interesting and I would advise that he takes on our own AI guru David Rooney on side to ensure his insights on its ethical dimensions are upheld. Commiserations to our pre-determined winners of the President’s and Captain’s as Moore’s predictions are often delayed and inaccurate while AI is yet untested. Therefore hope springs eternal for us mere mortals as we contest the Majors. Under rule CF2024 an ambidexterious golfer cannot win a Major.

I got wise advice from Paddy Joe to remain understudy to President Paul and to retain the teacher – pupil relationship with Captain Sean.

As we wave goodbye to 2023 and look forward to 2024 we remember members and their families who are grieving the lost of loved ones. I leave you in hope from the refrain of Louis Armstrong’s Wonderful World

“I see trees that are green, red roses too

I watch them bloom for me and you

And I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”

Slán go fóill

Sheamy

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                                          Shamrocks Golf Society 2023

Secretary: Seamus Sheridan  Captain:  Martin McArdle  Treasurer: John Clarke

 

Good morning,

                         As 2023 opens its calendar I hope you had a peaceful and contented Christmas. With the golfing season set to resume our fixture card is complete and ready for off in early February. Before we go there let us pause on the great line of Presidents and Captains who have led us so well from our birth in 1997. They have created a rich history that has promoted the society’s growth on and off the course into a lovely social gathering. I know our present incumbents Gerry and Martin who are integral to our success will carry on the legacy. A quick glance at their golfing pedigrees speaks volume.

 

Gerry our lowest handicapper for many years was a serious operator in amateur events in his heyday. He played in the West of Ireland a number of times and passed on all his experience to our members as his father figure role developed. A few whipper snappers like Aidan, Andy and Rhys have usurped his position as the lowest handicapper but they still have a long journey to travel to match his conquests. His massive input into handicaps over the years, his wisdom and wise counsel are traits that have served us brilliantly. Hail Caesar! Our first President Larry Farrell was the epitome of the society’s philosophy and mission. His prominent role as the society’s photographer, storyteller and racing tipster sat easy with him. He was a gentleman with a bucket list of experiences and his passing was a huge blow to his family and our own members. I believe Chris Sorensen’s phrase is apt for the late Larry

“No one ever really dies as long as they took the time to leave us with fond memories.”   

 

Our incoming Captain Martin is surrounded by deep experience and advisors. His links are vast and extensive, and I hope his ears are not overburdened by well-wishers and guardian angels. Picture his dilemma: Father Jim throwing in his thruppence worth, Gerard Denning offering more modern options, John & Brian acting as his social apostles and in- law Paul filtering the information. His listening ear has handled an unreal level of ideas which he has handled with aplomb. I am told lines like this tripped off his tongue “Hey Declan I will think about that”, “Dad, that’s a great idea for my Captain’s Day”, “Can you organize that Noah?” and “Terry, you will find it on google maps”. Can he handle the support and remain his own man?

His golfing prowess has stunned and baffled sport psychologists, medical experts and all the other brands of modern-day gurus. No born golfer has ever overcome the handicap he encountered in his veins. His blood type and colour is unheard of and off the wall. He is in the ABO group with his A red blood cells fine, but the O cells are a mix of green and gold cells. Despite this he has won “Majors” and his successful forays are a marvel that remain unexplained. The fact that he was coached in Terry Coyle as a Gaels protégé could be a possible reason why he has defied science. Unbeknown to his coach he was transferring his weight in training drills and generating the power for his golf game as he modelled himself on Woods, Els, Faldo etc while the Gaelic passed him by. The Gaels loss – Shamrocks gain.  

 

With the World Cup behind us I wondered about all time sporting greats and who was the greatest. Straight away comparisons fly like Pele v Best, Maradona v Messi, Woods v Nicklaus, José v Seve and Jim v Martin. The usual rigmarole pours forth to say unfair comparisons such as different eras, modern times, latest technology and extensive backroom teams. I know my greatest, but please read on.

 

This year’s fixture card proved quite difficult to arrange with rising costs and timesheet availability major issues. A few examples of how expensive green fees have become can be gauged from these two examples The European Club quoted €90 with Portmarnock Hotel coming in at €75. At our AGM in December it was decided to address this issue with a few changes to our membership and green fee rates this year. It was decided to charge €50 for membership and also €50 per outing. The only silver cloud behind that decision is that the 2’s are included in the €50 fee and it will stop you looking for change etc.

Lough Erne will remain at €55 as a token to Brexit. To offset increases in our charges an extra category prize was introduced which will require birth certs to be produced. It is the Senior Category and the age limit has been set at 60 years or greater. Only official documentation will qualify and appearance without headgear totally unacceptable.

This year’s card is outlined below and again your help in marking and scoring cards would be greatly appreciated. If a date is unsuitable to you please inform before outing and we will find a willing replacement. To avoid any confusion the Seniors will be marked in grey.   

Date	Course	Name	Name	Name
Saturday 11thFeb	Seapoint 10.00-12.00	Vincent Cooney	Neville Hall	Pat Clarke
Saturday 11th Mar	Lough Erne 11.20 -1.20	Gerard Denning	Conor Denning	Brían Clarke
Saturday 22nd April	Glasson 11.10 -2.00	Terry Smith	Adrian Kelly	Liam McIntyre
Saturday 20th May	St Margaret’s 12.30	Gavin Mackey	Eamonn McDonnell	Sean McEvoy
Saturday 17th June	Concra Woods 11.00	Sean McCabe	Sean O’Sullivan	Declan O’Sullivan
Saturday 15th July	Mannan Castle 9.30	Paul Kelly	Niall Kelly	Martin McArdle
Saturday 12th Aug	Slieve Russell 11.00	Andy Coleman	Rhys Clarke	Vincent Barry
Saturday 9th Sept	Headfort Old Cap7.30	Jim McArdle	Aidan Farrell	Noel McCormack
Saturday 18th Nov	Corballis 10.00	Kyle McGuinness	Kieran Rogers	Philip Rogers

 

The card is a mixture of the tried and trusted with St. Margaret’s our only first timer. Saturday bookings around Dublin are getting harder and harder to source with only late afternoons being made available for booking. In September I was told New Forest had no dates for this year bar two which were unsuitable. Therefore,  earlier and earlier booking is required to get courses and how to tap into morning tee times is beyond me. I would like to highlight our November outing which was selected to acknowledge and honour their 2023 Captain which is none other than our own cherished member Ciaran Flanagan. This is a wonderful achievement for Ciaran and reflects the esteem, admiration and respect that Corballis’ members hold him in. In recognition of his Captaincy I would request that all members “Save this Date” please.  You will note that the October outing is confined to the weekend away which is heading West into the turbulent waters of Golfgate.  Friday 13^th & Saturday 14^thOctober will present the challenge of Ballyconneely 27 Hole Championship Links starting at 11.30 am with Clifden Station House providing our all- in food and accommodation package. A short journey from the golf course is the renowned Keogh’s Pub  famous for its seafood chowder and something darker as well. Our Saturday friends who are up for the challenge can enjoy their “Power Contest” from the comfort of Griffin’s, King’s or Guys relaxation sofas and soft seats with favourite soups available on tap. I nearly forgot to say that our two days golf plus 2 B & B’s & 2 Evening Meals will cost you €300 per person sharing. Can our famed singers please learn all the lyrics that precede  “I’ve been all over this world Boys I ain’t never seen nothin’ like a Galway girl.”

 

Our handicap committee will meet before our first outing to see if any tweaks are needed for the forthcoming year. In terms of Golfer of the Year it has been decided to include the latter stages of the Tom Clarke match play competition for points towards the GOY. The finer details will be revealed before the draw after the qualifiers in Lough Erne and Glasson decide the contestants who will try to unseat defending champion James Cooney. Again, let us all adhere to the play by dates for the smooth running of the competition. With viruses, flus and colds most prevalent at the moment we are still sticking to the timesheet and envelope collection system. Captain Martin has labelled his year “The Grey One”. His stated ambition is to inveigle the once all time greats of the society to don the jersey for 2023. You know who you are and your attendance is encouraged, welcomed and eagerly sought. After the round you can always console yourself with “I did it my way” and the Senior Category prize could be yours. Let us enjoy a great season of golf, good health and companionship. Best wishes to everyone for 2023 and in particular to Captain Martin and President Gerry – an impressive duo on a par with Frodo and Sam.  

Finally, consider the greatest “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”.

 

 

                                 Shamrocks Golf Society 2022   

Secretary: Seamus Sheridan  Captain:  Sean McCabe  Treasurer: John Clarke

 

Hi,                                                                                                                                            Jan’ 22

   Our comfort zones were definitely challenged and upset during 2021 with death impacting on many members and their families. We offer our deepest sympathies to Brian & Stephen McBreen on the death of their father Eymard, Michéal Clarke on the loss of his mother Mary, Joe Gavin on burying his dad Andy, Michael Farrell on the death of his father Patrick, Aiden and Thomas Liggan on the loss of a brother and father – the late PJ, Aidan Farrell and Gavin Mackey on the passing of their beloved Vanessa and Niall McCaul on the death of his father Gerry.  May they rest in peace.

 

Tuesday 9^th November plunged our worlds into disbelief, sadness and grief with the untimely death of “Wee Jimmy”. Our sincere sympathies are extended to Kathleen, his sons Jamie and Jack, his mother Rita, sisters Deirdre, Imelda, Mairead, Roisin, golf mentor Noel, extended family and his many friends.  Jimmy, our 2013 Captain and an ever present at outings was a fine golfer, a thorough gentleman and a real friend to many. His love of the society and members was a given and his heartbeat will be profoundly missed. The finality of his passing has started to dawn and impact on members and our pervading heartache and sorrow have left us searching.

I am hearing Clifford T Ward’s lyrics resonate within each of us  

“I miss you, I really do

I really do.”

 

Saturday July 16^th has been allocated to honour “Wee Jimmy’s” memory, his commitment and influence on our society. It is planned for his former club Mannan Castle and we see it as the “Outing of 2022.” It is an opportunity to acknowledge and recognise the respect and regard we held Jimmy in. His presence abounds in his legacy and memories. Further and fuller details to follow.

 

President Gerry & Captain Sean will drive into office on Saturday 26^th February. They first requested and then demanded Portmarnock Hotel Golf Course to demonstrate their driving prowess. Reliable sources have admitted overhearing Sean whisper loudly that he will outdrive his “Auld Master”. He has added a little spice to that tee off. The influence of Niall McCaul was pivotal in the selection process of our March outing. He had me pestered, badgered and harassed to bring “The lads” to his classic parkland and get lost in its warm glow and friendly nature – strictly Niall words. The April offering is the revamped Glasson that is earning rave reviews along the shores of Lough Ree. Our last trip there proved very successful with positive vibes about returning. Another wish granted by the genie. May will see a return to Greenore to complete the East Coast swing with accommodation for 40 golfers only on Saturday. The retired men of leisure can chase their dreams on Friday with slots booked from 9.50am.

President Gerry will host his prize in the Slieve Russell on the only available date in June.  Gerry’s profile as a golfer and as an administrator within the Shamrocks is remarkable. A joy to play with but more importantly the chance to watch him play the game with simplicity class and style. As a former West of Ireland competitor his commitment and dedication to our society has given “Us” credibility and status within golf clubs. Our fixture card is his baby and his modernisation of it brings Michelangelo’s phrase “Still Learning” to mind. His design and crafting of our handicap system is another feather in his cap – “Never mind the ………moaners.”  Here’s to a wonderful day and your reign El Presidente Gerry.

Please check if this possible rota for the year is practical for you.

Portmarnock Hotel    26thFeb	Martin McArdle	Jim McArdle	Billy McLoughlin
Dundalk                   26thMar	Paul Kelly	Niall Kelly	Kieran Rogers
Glasson                     23rdApr	Neville Hall	Gerard Denning	Conor Denning
Greenore                  21st May	Adrian Kelly	Terry Smith	Andy Coleman
Slieve Russell            4thJune	Vincent Cooney	Declan O’Sullivan	Calvin Daly
Mannan Castle          16thJuly	Noel McCormack	Brían Clarke	Shane Dillon
Concra Wood            13th Aug	James Cooney	Vincent Barry	Kyle McGuinness
Headfort                 24thSept	Joe Gavin	Sean McEvoy	Sean O’Sullivan
Lough Erne.                8thOct	Aidan Farrell	Danny Hanley	Jeffrey Martin
Seapoint                   19th Nov	Paddy Sheanon	Rhys Clarke	Damian Madden

 

August will undertake a wee trek to Blayney and imagine a balmy sunny day with the ball skipping along fairways while the serenity of the lapping water and bird song will play down the euphoria of birdies, even eagles and the occasional par. Captain Sean recommended a sizeable gap for his day so that everyone has the opportunity to hone their game for Headfort New on 24^th September. He also asked for an early start time so that he will enjoy every minute of his day into the long night planned with Sully and the recuperated Michael Farrell. Sean is an accomplished golfer with length and a fair degree of accuracy on his day. This is derived from his hurling skills that were cemented under the watchful eyes of Benny and Bubbles. His taking of the divot after the hit is his hallmark and I believe this skill adds to his length. Despite his long residence across the border with Daily Royal Fanaticism he has held onto his Breffni§ faith and the red blood of the Shamrocks. “An Chabháin Abú !” His years of dedication and commitment on and off the course for the society is now rewarded by his elevation to Captain.

October is a full month with Lough Erne on the 8^th followed by a trip to Downings Bay Hotel for 2 nights B & B and 2 Dinners after the challenge of smelling the roses of the highly regarded St Patricks Links and the proven Sandy Hills. The word is St. Patrick’s is the best creation in Ireland in recent years apart from Adare Manor. Remember overlooking all of this on its heavenly pitch is the Harbour Bar – Michael James are you ready for the next round. Despite every effort to reduce costs and affordability the best price garnered was Golf €110 and Hotel full board €223 giving an overall price of €333.  November will close our season at Seapoint which is in impeccable condition and another links to keep us in our comfort zone.

Inflation, recouping lost revenue and demand has increased all green fees this year and made booking courses most difficult. To avoid a repeat next year all courses will be booked by August but we have no control over pricing. The nearness of some venues is to reduce travel expenses and to avoid Trim – Terry’s bogey town.

A warm “Bulaidh Bos” is accorded to Brían Clarke for his meticulous work and thinking that he has devoted to implementing the new handicapping system. He has retained the virtues of our old one alongside the merits of the new one. He has prepared an enclosed sheet outlining the rationale and functioning of the new system. A short review is promised at the AGM.     

Membership and daily charge remain at €40 with Lough Erne again the exception. Gavin is beavering away with Polo shirts and Jumpers and they will be available shortly. Gerard Denning , your wait and yearning is over. God and Derek have listened. Our matchplay qualifiers will revolve around Dundalk and Glasson and defending champion Paul McEvoy will smile as 31 golfers strive to remove him from his perch. Of course the return of presentations is a real plus and lets salute Saturday evening 26^th February in Boris manner.

I feel this sentiment is appropriate  “Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come.

Whispering ‘it will be happier….”

Regards             Seamus

 

 

 

 

 

   Shamrocks Golf Society 2020

Secretary: Seamus Sheridan  Captain:  Gerard Denning  Treasurer: John Clarke

 

Dear Member,

                     As we serenade Gerard Denning to the top of the Shamrocks for 2020 the phrase “Out with the old in with the new “comes to mind to stress how quickly it passes. At first glance the baby- faced Gerard with his warm welcoming smile portrays a quiet reserved man. Underneath his genial persona lies a stunningly razor-sharp wit and humour that creates laughter and good fun whenever released. His comic videos displayed on What’s App are a joy to view and expresses his sense of devilment and good nature. You have been warned and take him on at your peril. As a former matchplay champion he is also a competitive golfer and his Captaincy is well deserved and warmly anticipated. His latest video bore all the hallmarks of a supremely confident golfer hungry and eager to get his ‘Drive – In” out of the way and let his game do the talking. The intense build up to his inaugural presentation is such that he has appointed Billy McLoughlin as his chief lieutenant for the greater Virginia area to ensure members have a fire proof mode of transport over to it.   

                     Our AGM made a few important small decisions in relation to Handicapping and the Tom Clarke match play. To promote competitiveness especially among our single figure golfers this new rule was passed for 2020. If a player is not in the prizes and not outside the 5 shot rule, he will get .1 back for playing well. To reduce concessions in the match play only enter it if committed and plan your match with your opponent directly after the draw. If two players from the same home course reach the final the match may be played there with agreement from both players. In all other circumstances the venue will be on neutral course called by the first drawn finalist. To promote better information flow for all members a new What’s App group is being designed by Martin McArdle and Andy Coleman on a trial basis. Members will receive results after each outing, details of each presentation – even though they are always after 7.00pm Mass – plans for the next outing and match play qualification, draws, results and shocks. Our Weekend Away will also figure prominently and the success of it will depend on members not abusing the forum.

                      Our courses this year represent the trusted quality ones within easy reach of every member with a few new courses to broaden the outlook of members and improve the ever-lengthening CV. Glancing at the calendar I challenge any of the younger brigade to shoot better than 42pts on Palmerstown House in March. This is a cracking course and can you prove me wrong. Are you already focusing on Howth before St. Margarets grabs the required attention? Will the test of Glasson silence the talkative ones like Gorman, Byrne, McArdle, Skelly and Cahill and bring Young McCormack to the table? Please don’t forget to pencil in your date with Seapoint, Lough Erne, Greenore and Headfort. Our President Jim is again delighted to host his prize at Cavan’s best championship course in June and a full turn out from members to pay rightful respect to this affable Shamrock would be wonderful. Captain Gerard is taking us to explore the wonders of Concra Woods as it skirts around the shores of Lough Muckno for his big day. A little reminder not to take this beautiful course for granted “One of Ireland’s most beautiful and evocative settings for golf.” Forget the prize and simply enjoy your walk around this masterpiece in sunshine.                      P.T.O.

Surely, the greatest obstacle in 2020 will be Carne on 2^nd and 3^rd of October during our weekend away. I will let John Garrity, commenting on his ‘World’s Top 50 Courses’ describe it “For the first time in Top 50 history, two courses share the top ranking. Carne’s rise can be explained by the recent opening of its new Kilmore 9, a spectacular side of golf winding through the Mullet Peninsula’s most breathtaking dunes.”

Rumours are rife that the Mac brothers, O’Dufaigh and Gavin are chomping at the bit to play early on day 2 with Brían and Damian planning a Dawn Assault on it before Sunday morning’s breakfast. To the younger brethren and the not so young beware of The Lobster Pot as well. You are guaranteed two good nights’ rest and food in the Broadhaven Bay for an all in package (2 B&B & Dinners plus golf) for €200 per person sharing. Spending money is optional.

                      Are we ready for the Captain’s challenge this year? Will it be more sobering and trending towards the domestic? Rumours of Moda, Weatherclad, Eggshell and Satin have been mentioned but healthy food options like buck wheat, mushroom fajitas, avocado hummus, lentils and chickpeas are some of the winnable vouchers being flagged. Gerard fervently believes the society requires and deserves fit healthy golfers for members’ golf to develop and flourish. His healthy plan envisages confining the days of late night presentations, coolers before or after the game and the 19^th hole to the bin. The cucumber in gunpowder fish bowls will be replaced by green tea, ginger tea or apple cider vinegar drinks. Already, he has sent Wee Nev, Kieran Rogers, Adrian Kelly and Brian McBreen to Operation Transformation and he has mapped out a strength and conditioning regime for Patrick Maguire, Darren O’Reilly, John Clarke and Ciaran Flanagan. By the drive in you will see 8 new frames, powerful specimens, fit as fleas and golfers playing out of their skins. What a GURU is our Gerard. We are a very unique society and imagine how lucky you are based on this statistic “If you manage to meet 100,000 people in your life, chances are that 3 of them will have Denning as their last name.”

                       The twinning competition will be held at St. Margarets and Greenore.

The first qualifier for the match play will take place at Palmerstown House with 15 qualifiers and St. Margarets Golf Club.

More good news is below with the rota for checking cards and deciding winners.

                                      

Seapoint Golf Club	Jim McArdle	Martin McArdle	Ciaran Byrne
Palmerstown House Golf	Gavin Mackey	Eamonn McDonnell	Calvin Daly
St Margarets Golf Club	Neville Hall	Vincent Cooney	Pat Clarke
Howth Golf Club	Sean McCabe	Sean O’Sullivan	Shane Dillon
Slieve Russell Golf Club	Declan O’Sullivan	Paul Kelly	Niall Kelly
Glasson Golf Club	Noel McCormack	Jimmy Carolan	Jeffrey Martin
Lough Erne Golf Club	Kieran Rogers	Billy Mcoughlin	Oliver Kierans
Concra Woods	Andy Coleman	Brían Clarke	Damian Martin
Greenore Golf Club	Aidan Farrell	Vincent Barry	Darren O’Reilly
Headfort| New Course	Michael Kearney	Joe Gavin	John Duffy

 

I will leave you with an option created from Lee Trevino’s viewpoint “There are two things you can do with your head down – play golf or pray.”

Sheamy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shamrocks Golf Society 2016

“Hello, how are you,”

2016 is a hugely significant year from many perspectives and viewpoints – The centenary celebrations of the Easter Rising, The Battle of the Somme, the ending of Gallipoli Campaign and William Shakespeare’s death 400 years ago in April 1616. We have the All-Ireland championships all summer long, the European Football Championships in mid summer, The Rio Olympics in August, The Ryder Cup in September but surpassing all of these historical and sporting events is our own 20 years celebrations of the Shamrocks Golf Society.

Remember, as Shamrocks, we belong to either of the species Trifolium repens (white clover) or Trifolium dubium (lesser clover) and we have strong medicinal properties. Be proud of our genealogy with our emblem in Montreal, Panathinaikos A.O., AC Omonia and of course we fly daily with Aer Lingus. Our ebullience is further fuelled by Captain Kieran’s energetic, vigorous and dynamic approach to golf and life in general. He brings a very lengthy involvement with the society to his Captaincy (The Foundry) and over the last few years his two seriously capable young golfing sons David and Philip are notable additions to our ranks. I feel Lincoln’s words are an apt summary of our Captain Kieran “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Lads, they are some team for this special year.

From small, carefully crafted and imaginative steps back in 1997 we have continued to prosper and flourish into a healthy bunch of Trifolium repens or dubium. Now is the time to acknowledge the drive, vision and collegiality of Paul Kelly – our first Captain, the late Genie Clarke and of course Nixy for propelling us forward. We are now over 60 strong in personnel and grateful thanks to all present and past members for your positive involvement in our development and wellness. You are the Shamrocks Golf Society!!

Our fixture card for the year ahead is simply an array of superb courses. In your selection of these courses you have brought challenge, variety, diversity and pure quality to the card. Democracy is truly reflected on the card and as one notable wit remarked “ You don’t have to drive through Trim to get to courses this year except for Rathcore.”

Following our AGM it was decided to introduce category prizes for this year on a trial basis. At every outing there will be an overall winner followed by a winner in each of the four designated categories.

Category 1 (0-14), Category 2 (15-18), Category 3 (19-23), Category 4 (24-28).

The snip is 3 for the best scorer on the day with each category winner reduced by 1 shot. Due to handicap changes numbers in each category will be pretty fluid. Golf club golfers are requested to notify Gerry Eagleton of changes to their handicap in order to process the lowering or raising of society handicaps. Remember a club player cannot play above his GUI handicap in the society.

The evolution and integration of young students into the society is a most welcome and desirable development. They have added a certain spice to outings and their

performance in general has been outstanding. We therefore would welcome more students and I would ask you to spread the word among your peers. Students are eligible to win any prize except the Captain’s and President’s prize.                                P.T.O

We are most grateful to Andy Coleman for his texting service, which allows us to give clubs accurate numbers before each outing and to avoid penalties. Andy would appreciate if members would text back promptly their intentions before each outing and he asked me to use William Shakespeare’s quote “Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.” Our membership fee for 2016 is again €50 while the daily outing will cost €40 with Lough Erne again the exception at €55 including the twos. In the unlikely event of no twos on any given day the pot will be donated to our local Cancer Fund.

Our twinning competition this year will focus on returned scores from our outing in April at The Heritage and our trip to Rathcore in October. There is a special prize for the best overall individual score from both courses – hopefully the pressure of leading going into the second day doesn’t deflate hopes and ambitions like last year. Please bring this motto to the courses this year ” A diamond is merely a lump of coal that did well under pressure.” Members must return 2 cards before the President’s Prize and 3 cards before the Captain’s Prize to be eligible to win either prize. The Golfer of the Year award is being extended to Saturday 12^th November because our Captain’s Prize is taking place in August. Our matchplay qualifiers are listed for Headford Old on March 26^th with 15 qualifiers joining defending champion Shane Brogan in the draw with the remaining 16 qualifiers coming from our April 26^th outing to The Heritage. To assist the smooth running of the Tom Clarke Cup all qualifiers are requested to play their matches on time and to keep Michael Jordan’s sentiments to the forefront “Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.”

                    The weekend away is a real blockbuster that will require patience, discipline, cuteness and tons of stamina. We are staying in Scott’s Hotel in Killarney for 3B&B’s & 2 Dinners for €220 with golf costing around €170. On Thursday 6^th October we play Killeen at midday, Friday 7^th we are in Waterville at 10.30am and on Saturday 8^th October we play Dooks at 11.00am. All I can say is 3 amazing courses and a humdinger of a town. We are willing to collect €50 monthly from participants to spread the cost over the year and by October accommodation and golf will be paid for and then a raid into the communion money will look after the rest. Please note date change from card.

                   On Saturday 10^th September we plan to boost our celebratory year with a 4 person Team Event in Virginia in aid of our local Cancer Comfort Fund. In memory of deceased members and all our families who have suffered from cancer’s devastating effects we hope this event will make a significant contribution to the fund. To achieve this, the input of every member is vital and the broadening of the net in entering teams is the key. A team will cost €80 and inviting friends and golfers from outside our ranks will greatly help to swell the coffers. This is a once off event and let’s make it a great day out “You can’t take good health for granted.”

                   In conclusion, I wish every member good health, pleasant golf and sheer enjoyment from the 2016 fairways. As a Trifolium repens or dubium avoid the temptation
to drown the shamrock and if you are having a tough day on a course remember this advice from the The Auld Fart himself “every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.” He also reckons that many of our members as golfers have perfected Peter Cook’s view “I have learned from my mistakes, and I am sure I can repeat them exactly.”

He is some sage!

“I hope that you’re well”

Yours,

Sheamie.