Articles

An Appreciation

A traumatic milestone was safely consigned to the dark recesses and adroitly and carefully protected from public glare. However, due to let’s say an internal leak the dramatic vista was again foisted upon me at the last presentation. The shocking fear of looking over your shoulder, the realisation that time waits for no one and the road is narrowing in front of you returned to haunt me. Despair overtook me and a cry for help was emitted to all and sundry. Very few recognised the signs and my anguish went unaided. The symptoms were deep and scared. After many costly sessions of counselling I am now about able to talk about it. My designer stubble, letting the grey locks flourish wildly in spite of Roza’s misgivings, unable to sleep resulting in dawn walks and an awful deterioration in my already pretty miserable golf game.
My shock, my disbelief, the strangely raucous crowd at the presentation and public disclosure of a very personal and sensitive matter left me tongue tied. However, on mature recollection I am thrilled and utterly delighted with the aptly chosen gift. It is a beautifully crafted piece of art work and ties in with many strands of life to date. Selecting bog oak and its ageless existence was a master stroke and helped to avert thoughts of the fragility of life somewhat. Seriously lads, I am humbled and overwhelmed by your generosity of spirit and I am deeply grateful for the thoughtfulness and appreciation that it embodies. I am embarrassed by it all but madly in love again.

                                                                             Shamrocks Golf Society

Secretary: Seamus Sheridan   Captain: Kieran Rogers   Treasurer: John Clarke

 

24^th Jan. 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 theirperformance 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.

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

 

 

 

 

 

Shamrocks
Golf Society 2015

Dear Member,
Astonishing, incredible, unthinkable, inconceivable, impossible but very near!! As Neville succinctly put it “Vincent you are akin to John the Baptist preparing the way for the Emerald anniversary.” Ah! But Vincent’s quote from Lincoln “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe” assured all members that we had the right man for the job resulting in these mixed images of Captain Vicente.

On February 21st Captain Vincent will drive into office around Bernhard Langer’s designed Portmarnock Links. Is this a good starting point “The Links Portmarnock is acclaimed as a classic gem in the new framework of Irish golf? Through a beguiling commencement to the challenge, golfers may find a sense of reprieve in the playing of some early holes. Be forewarned, the sting is in the tail and the challenge that quickly unfolds endures to the death.”
March has been assigned to Royal Tara another first for the society. A look at the card will bring many back to primary school and history lessons. Do these names Lia Fáil, the Mound of the Hostages, Fir Bolg and Tuatha Dé Danan ring a bell from the distant past? Maybe we will not go there!
Just keep April free for our constitutional love affair with the beautiful figure that Lough Erne offers. Can I dare you to visit The Thai Spa for The Light Therapy Sauna, The Crystal Aroma Steam Room, The Exotic Rain Shower and The Lap Sabai Room? I fancy the Macs – Jim and John – to indulge after playing the front nine.
New ground will be broken in May with our initial visit to an unexpected landscape that is Balbriggan. Underestimate this track and your chance of winning the twinning competition with The European Club in October will be but a mere dream.
Heartiest congratulations are extended to our new President Pauric Clarke who took the chain of office on two conditions. Firstly, he wants it established once and for all that he was on the inside for years and a central figure within the clique. Secondly, he demanded that his prize would be played at Palmerstown Stud to soothe his heartbeat as he observes horse-filled fields that coast alongside the back nine – showing himself a true disciple of the Elite stable and a rendition of “Shoe the Donkey” a distinct possibility.
Our July walk will be short as we tackle Captain Vincent’s home course Headfort (Old). He has
promised us a royal day out starting with breakfast, burger on the 10th and a wine reception
before our A’la Carte dinner. He is preparing the way Neville to be sure! To celebrate Larry
Farrell’s outing we have decided to bring this competition back to Larry’s home course Mannan
Castle for this year. Let’s see it from Keats’ tinted glasses “Season of mists and mellow
fruitfulness, ….. and gathering swallows twitter in the skies.”
Stop everything! Total Focus! Bold ink Saturday 5th September into your diary now! By George no exceptions permitted. Accumulated brownie points well earned and saved will bring you to Vincent’s Captain’s Day in the Slieve Russell. I am not allowed to divulge even a hint of his plans but the message is “Miss it at your peril.” Vincent has allocated the planning and preparation of his day to our new OBO Richard McEvoy. One can only imagine what he will conjure up but his intermediary Paddy Farrell has released these images:

After the needed month’s recovery from the Vinnie & Richie extravaganza members will visit the “Hills of Donegal” for a two night stay and play for €190. The package is Friday 2nd October golf on the famed Glashedy links, Saturday 3rd October golf on Old Ballyliffin links with two B & B’s and two evening meals included. There is also the lure of visiting museums, libraries, old castles, romantic beach walks and story telling. Places are at a premium so its first come ………
Following last year’s victory of The European Club over Na Seamrogaí all members vowed revenge in 2015. Hit the fairways, avoid the bunkers and dethrone our bagman. In keeping with Richie’s wishes our AGM will occur on December 12th at 11.00am, followed by golf at 12 and then the shower and shave for hoolie and presentation later that evening. He’s the man!!!!!!
Now for the bulletin from the AGM and it’s possible impact on you.
1. A combined competition over Balbriggan and The European Club with an overall winner.
2. Matchplay Champion automatically qualifies for this year’s competition. The final must be played on neutral 18 hole course with the first drawn having choice of venue.
3. Members will select our fixture card for 2015 after the May outing. See separate sheets for selecting your courses and possibilities for weekend away.
4. Please make prompt replies to our messaging services to pass on accurate numbers to clubs.
5. Student membership (post primary & 3rd Level) is set at €20.
6. A revamped Polo Shirt and Jumper will soon be available. (Orders to size only).
7. Allocation of members for checking of score cards after each outing:
Outing Volunteer Volunteer
February Vincent Cooney Vincent Barry
March Sean McCabe Seamus Sheridan
April Paddy Farrell Brían Clarke
May Vincent O’Reilly Chris Lokko
June John Clarke Andy Coleman
July Gerry Denning Richard McEvoy
August Declan O’Sullivan Jim McArdle
September Pauric Clarke Gavin Mackey
October Jimmy Carolan Sean O’Sullivan
Do Phádraig O Séanáin is mian linn comhghairdeas ó chroí a thairiscint, ár mothú doimhin mhórála
agus ár ndea-ghuíthe fíriúil ar do ardú mar Leas Chathaoirleach ar Bhord Peile, Co. an Chábháin. Seamróga Abú.
We hope that Paul Flanagan and his family can put the damage and trauma of their recent house fire behind them during the coming months and your presence at outings is greatly missed..
Finally, to Vincent we offer every best wish for his Captaincy and we expect him to walk on water before his year is out..
Our fervent hope for this year is to see the return of our esteemed and valued member Gerry back on the cherished fairways. Your full recovery to good health and playing golf Gerry will benchmark 2015 for all our members.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. ”
Yours sincerely,
Seamus.
Secretary: Seamus Sheridan Captain: Vincent Cooney Treasurer: John Clarke

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Shamrocks

Golf Society 2014

Secretary: Seamus Sheridan Captain: Sean O’Sullivan Treasurer: John Clarke

Captain Sean has requested that this letter starts with his favourite Mark Twain quotation “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.” Having Twain’s wisdom as gospel Sean encourages all members to seek planning permission forthwith for a cracking year’s golf.
The normal February limbering up waltz in Mannan Castle will commence our first steps of 2014 with the inclusion of the yellow ball to jazz up the competition. Our primary engagement with the festivities of “Lá Fhéile Pádraig”, weekend will invite members to The K Club to play the Smurfit course. In keeping with the party mood members will enjoy a breakfast bap before golf as part of their €40 daily fee.
As the April showers fade away the charming quality of Lough Erne will further delight and enthuse members to follow Henry James’ philosophy “It’s time to start the life you have imagined.” At our AGM it was decided to charge €55 for this outing to include entry into the 2’s and to offset the loss due to the Sterling exchange rate.
Mid May sustains the challenging competition with the Slieve Russell providing the test for all members to wrestle back Nixy’s President’s Prize from defending champion Gerard Denning – no easy task. All members must maintain hope and belief in their ability to dethrone this winning machine.
June will see a new development called “Twinning” within the fixture card. This concept will link our trip to Rathcore with our outing to The European Club in October. The best overall score from both courses will receive a special prize and in the event of a tie the best score in Rathcore will decide the winner.
You may ask why twinning? Our 1.00pm booking time in Rathcore saves us €10 per golfer which we are using to subsidize the green fee shortfall at The European Club ranked 9th in this year’s best Irish golf courses. Remember Mark’s wisdom!!!
New territory beckons for almost all members on 12th July when Lisheen Springs will host our outing. Two highly respected sources within the society have strongly recommended this venue and one has promised to grow a beard if members are disappointed. More anon………
The quotation “We aim above the mark to hit the mark.” best illustrates our August outing to the West course at Powerscourt. A real gem!! Be Here Now.

The summit of our year will take place on September 6th when Captain Sean will host his prize around the enthralling Concra Woods. Will Brian Clarke complete back-to-back titles or can Paddy Maguire turn back time on his most famous victory?

Already Elite betting has seen smart money for Pauric Clarke, Michael Kearney, Neville Hall and John McFadden from the early shoppers. Of course all will be winners on the day with the prize presentation and food booked for the Hotel Bailie to complete Sean’s Captain’s Day.
October is a busy month with the aforementioned European Club on the 25th, which is suitably placed to allow our weekenders recover from their sojourn to Kilkenny and Tipperary. On Friday 3rd October members will play Mount Juliet at 12.00 noon before travelling to Thurles to bed down in the Annner Hotel. Following a good night’s rest they will make the short trip to Dundrum House to play Philip Walton’s creation. This all in package (2B&B’s, Golf and Dinners) will cost €180. A wee ditty comes to mind “Always tell the truth. You may make a hole in one when you’re alone on the golf course someday.”
Our final fling for 2014 will be November 29th when all-important decisions for the society will be made at our AGM. There will be golf too with just 3 clubs required – maybe it should be like this all the time.
Bar Mannan and Virginia all competitions will count for handicap reduction and increase. The Golfer of the Year competition will be completed on Captain’s Day.
Our lively productive AGM looked at celebrating our 20 years in existence in 2017. It decided to seek members’ views in selecting the 8 to 10 best courses we have played since our inception. After a poll the best 8 to 10 courses will form our card for 2017 and to help pay for this a €10 increase in membership was approved for the next three years. This €10 will be ring fenced each year for green fee purposes in 2017. The meeting also investigated a foreign trip away in 2017 and Michael Kearney undertook to explore its feasibility and the likely take up. The following house keeping arrangements are in place for this coming year:
• Our AGM decided to donate a 2’s roll over to a local charity.
• A New Year resolution for every member: A prompt reply to text messages would
greatly assist committee and our booked courses
• Our AGM approved a two-year term for Presidency from 2015.
• The AGM extended matchplay qualification to 32.
• The daily fee was set at €40 by AGM with the odd required exception.
• Our AGM approved to increase the membership fee to €50 with €10 ring fenced
to subsidize your voted fixture card in 2017 celebratory year.
• The AGM approved the possibility of a foreign trip in 2017

Finally, we wish Sean a fantastic year as Captain – a richly deserved honour – and here’s to great golf, plenty of craic, good health and enjoyment. A last thought to carry you through 2014 “You’re only given a small spark of madness. You mustn’t lose it.”

Yours truly,

——————–
Seamus Sheridan
Secretary

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SHAMROCKS

GOLF SOCIETY 2013

Dear Member,

1st January 2013 I met Captain Jimmy to celebrate his birthday and have a chat about his coming year. I left not with a hangover but three thumping demanding headaches. Firstly, he wants “Jimmy Winning Matches” as his anthem for the year and it must be played before and after each presentation. Luckily due to the generosity of spirit shown by Jim McArdle this request can be resolved. Jim will again sing“Jimmy Winning Matches” before and after each presentation provided he is backed by Lúna.
Secondly, he wants Sir Alex Ferguson to join him for his Captain’s Day in Lough Erne. The updated situation is that Sir Alex wants life membership of Lough Erne, a lakeshore chalet at the resort and a place on Paul McGinley’s Ryder Cup backroom team. Negotiations which are at a delicate stage have been handed over to Brian Flanagan OBE and he has offered him a chalet at Skeagh, a place on our handicap committee and life membership of the ‘doubtful starters’. We await developments……..
Jimmy’s last demand was a sposorship deal with Nike. I passed this onto Paul Kelly and our treasurer John Clarke. Paul has offered to commission a Championship Villa jersey come August while John went to Holywood to accept cast offs from Rory’s Jumeirah wardrobe. Now you know why Jimmy has been seen in the gym very often recently in the company of mentor Gerry Eagleton.
Now for the definites! We commence on Saturday 16th February with a traditional waltz around Mannan Castle at the sedate time of 9.30am. See this as a Valentine’s gift for yourself after treating your ‘special love’ to sweet scented roses, mouth watering chocolates, superb food, extraordinary gift and more.
Besides bed, find a better place to be in on Saturday 23rd March when we will all get the chance to play the O’Meara course on Carton Estate. I will let this review make up your mind “Its idyllic landscape is steeped in natural beauty with mature trees blanketing the gently rolling hills and verdant pastures. The 14th through the 16th holes are a memorable stretch since they play along the banks of the river.” Word of warning we start on 1st tee at 8.00am so find the blankets early and stay single minded.
The early “Burrows” of Laytown and Bettystown stretch out on the back nine to a more challenging test of narrow entrances, subtle greens and accuracy of the tee. Will Ronan win this competition? Another worry is how long will Clare’s beat rule the new manager?
President’s Day in the May sun will again draw us to the superb Slieve Russell championship course where length, accuracy, solid putting and local knowledge will play a big part in winning. Nixy reckons that the golfer who brings this motto “Just for today I will be better than I was yesterday” will capture his prize.
A wee trip up the M50 in early June will rekindle past memories of the
quality of the mature parkland challenges of Luttrellstown Castle. As you pass up the 11th fairway the lure of the “Castle”and the image of Victoria and David tieing the knot might put the urge on our younger members to take the plunge or cause some senior members to get the seven year itch. Could Martin Luther King’s words “… is your heart right? If your heart isnt right, fix it up today” apply here!
July 6th will take us to the new venue of PGA National Palmerstown Golf Course. This Christy O’Connor Jnr designed course is truly a golfer’s paradise. It offers impressive bunkering, imaginative water features and challenging fairways over 18 beautifully appointed holes. Come along and see for yourself because “You can never cross the ocean unless you have the courage to lose sight of the shore”.

Another first awaits members in August where the intricacies and vagaries of links golf will be tested by Corballis. It reportedly has four of the best ocean holes in Ireland on the same pristine stretch of land as “The Island”. No wonder Bernard Langer used it repeatedly over the years for practice before the Open Championship! A good forerunner for the first Friday in November
Captain’s Day in Lough Erne will be a wonderful occasion with or without Sir Alex but lets keep it Jimmy’s day. Presentation of prizes and food after the battle will take place in the Bailie Hotel with free admission to the disco for the night owls “Exhaust the little moments ”.
Head to the South East young men for the weekend away playing the highly rated Bunclody course.“Bunclody Golf Club is fast becoming another glittering jewel in Ireland’s crown of fine golf courses. The Championship course runs over 7000 yards on the banks of the river Slaney and has a diversity of golf holes, rarely seen on one golf course” – watch out for the 16thhole. After nestling down in The Maldron Hotel in Wexford awake on Saturday morning to “the hidden gem of Irish Links Golf Courses – Rosslare. It stands on a narrow peninsula with the Irish Sea on one side and the huge expanse of Wexford harbour on the other. The dog-leg par 4 first begins a round that has many golfing highlights, the par 5 seventh, the famous “Barber’s Pole” index 1 par 4 eleventh, the short par 4 thirteenth and the devilish par 4 sixteenth eventually leading to the long narrow eighteenth”. How about that then? – Are you chomping yet? This all in package of 2 B&B + 2 Dinners + 2 rounds of golf is costing €190.
“The Island delivers a real links test – unforgiving but always fair. This is one to delight even the most experienced links aficionado, so if you miss this beauty, you will be missing a real treat.” Remember it is Friday 1st November during mid term and a chance to experience “Heaven is here now”.
Last request to members is take up the challenge of the 3-club competition in Virginia on 23rd November and depose the reigning champ Paddy Joe. What 3 clubs do you bring? Also, remember to put them back into the bag before your next day’s golf!!

Great news from the AGM:
• Membership remains at €40
• Daily competition fee €40 -exception Lough Erne is €50
• Three matchplay qualifiers 4(O’Meara), 6(Laytown), 6(Sl.Russell) with €5 entry covering your three attempts.
• A loyalty reward card – draw among all members who attend all outings this year for free membership for 2014 –
• Majors requirements: One card played before the President’s Prize and three cards played before the Captain’s Prize.

Finally, Jimmy, enjoy your Captaincy on and off the course and just remember, “Love makes requests not demands ”

Members “All I can say about life is, Oh God, enjoy it! ”

Yours truly,
Seamus Sheridan
Secretary.

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Shamrocks

Golf Society 2012

President: Philip Clarke Captain Brían Clarke Secretary Seamus Sheridan

Dear Member,

“London calling ………..” and the motto “The most important thing of the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part,” epitomises the spirit of the society as we approach 2012 under the stewardship of Captain Brían. Firstly, lets extend best wishes to Brían as he carries the baton from the exuberant Andy and we wish him a most enjoyable and memorable year leading us through a packed fixture card. Being a keen dancer Brían has insisted on starting the year with a 3 man waltz in February around Mannan Castle ‘I hope you find the feet of a dancer,…. I hope you find all the right directions everywhere.’
Can the young men transfer the beat of indie to the style and elegance of the waltz. Picture Paul Kelly gracefully waltzing while Ronan O’Grady hip hops in and out of the waltz to a different beat.

The early start in February is a pipe opener to a new departure in March when Sunday golf will bring us to the home of the Solheim Cup – Killeen Castle. What an opportunity for all members to play one of the finest courses in the country at the moment and simulate the exploits of Petersen , Davies and Co last September. It is expected that all Sunday services are pencilled in for Saturday evening to keep the balance thus enabling you to seek his divine help if the going gets tough on Sunday.

The staging of the Irish Open in Portrush this year has prompted Darren and the two Macs to contact us and pave the way for their foray into Carton Estate next year. We have the bottle to test the intricacies of Montgomery and to advise our heroes of potential pitfalls. Our own G. Mac plans to meet them in The Wine Bar Portrush during the Open and brief them on our reconnaissance. The winner on the day will accompany Gavin to his favourite haunt in Portrush.

May will return us to familiar terrain to play the Russell with the beautiful beat of Thom Moore’s ballad “As I walk the road from Killashandra…” heralding our arrival. This will be a treasured and precious day for our President Nixy as he assumes the office of elder statesman from gentleman Noel. We hope his Presidential term is filled with pleasant memories and above all good health. Nixy has ensured that his day will be rain free and the buggy will be in tow.

The following extract paints our June trip to Glasson “The walk to the first tee takes about 30 seconds. But it’s a 30 seconds that you will not forget. The view includes the ‘back 6′ holes looking out to Killinure Bay, which is part of Lough Ree. Instantly, you will know that you’re in for a treat of a day with wonderful panoramic views of Lough Ree from every hole.”

The remodeled Roscommon parkland course in particular its nine new greens will pose a new test for all members in July. The 13th hole of 132metres will test the accuracy of all members with a pond to devour errant shots and a mature tree to challenge elevation. Its par of 70 will entice good scoring and hot competition.
To pastures new we head in August where the Laytown dunes duck and dive on the opening nine to try to intrigue and confuse you. The more spacious back nine tempts the big hitters with some dangerous pitfalls lurking. Can Andy, the Gerrys, the Michaels and Neville burn it up? This day honours our esteemed colleague and friend Larry Farrell and your support is encouraged.

September 1st is the day that every member wishes to peak on and in the process claim Brían’s Captain’s Prize. The New Course at Headfort will ensure a worthy winner and can Paddy Joe put two back-to-back wins together. Senior members are reminded that outside of the main prize “The Auld Fart” trophy is up for grabs. The following website comments speak for themselves about the quality of the venue “The par 3s are stunning ….. Spectacular collection of both natural and Asiatic trees with greens to die for ……… the ‘wow’ factor”

With all Majors decided the society plans a retreat for all members with a weekend away in the Clarion Hotel in Sligo. Following a strolling round of golf around the Enniscrone links on Friday 28th September at 11.30am members will adjourn to Hargadon’s Suite for meditation and yoga sessions. After Saturday morning matins the Strandhill experience will take place with some Shenanigan’s in The Stables like Shoot the Crows and Sheela Na Gig planned as the nightcap. In between times members will have breakfast and dinner both days for €175. Our troubadour Jim has learned the words of “Kevin Barry” and the need to smuggle a Karaoke Queen into the hotel is not required.

The defining moment in Golfer of the Year will be settled along the shoreline of Lough Erne in November. A heavenly place for the decision of the title race and a deserving winner will be crowned after this outing. Final call of the year will be the 3 – club Christmas outing around Virginia and our AGM when Brían will finish the year singing
“Six long months I spent up in Dublin,
Learning to dance for Lanigan’s Ball.
She stepped out and I stepped in again,”
Final question who will step in again?

Now for the highlights from the AGM: The Troika has set membership at €40 and the daily competition fee at €40 with the only exception being Lough Erne which will require a 50 euro note. There are three qualifiers for the matchplay with the usual entry of €5 covering your three attempts. A loyalty reward card – a free membership for 2013 -will be drawn among all members who attend all outings on our fixture card.
As a courageous young man recently posted “Save the Date!”(s)

Or

The motto of the Chinese New Year ‘Ask God “How does it get better than this?’

Yours sincerely,
Seamus Sheridan (Secretary)

 

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Shamrocks Golf Society 2009

 

 

Glorious April weather and a Black Bush course brought the best out in members on Saturday last. Sean McEvoy with 37pts was a narrow from Jimmy Carolan on 36pts. Sean’s return to form has surprised most observers and his latest win is dedicated to lessons received from brother Raphael. Jimmy’s excellent form is further progress in this young man’s march to a first major this year.

 

 

 

 

Shamrocks Golf Society 2009

 

A long day beckons for the gambling golfer with our next outing to Rathcore on this Saturday with a 9.00am start. Firstly, it is the last chance to qualify for the Tom Clarke matchplay competition with eight places still up for grabs. The last tee time is 10.15am and the present form of a few notable golfers looks like making qualifying and winning a tall order. Following the golf the bus will take members at a leisurely pace to Kilbeggan for the start of its summer festival. The first race is at 5.30pm and all who wish to travel by bus are asked to contact Tony at (086)3993430 before Thursday lunchtime. Imagine sitting on its famous bank in shirt sleeves while the May sun casts shadows over the track and you making money. Now! There’s a thought.