History

Our monthly elixir is attributed to the wisdom, vision and persuasive powers of the three amigos Paul Kelly, Nixy and  the late Gene Clarke way back in 1997. Over many early morning forest walks  they smoothly and competently conceived the birth of our beloved Shamrocks Golf Society. Our beginnings were humble and the distant memories can recall a visit to Townley Hall, Cavan Golf Club and possibly Clones Golf Club. Paul was our first Captain and he led from the front encouraging new members, putting in place formal structures to ensure our longevity and even arranging taxis home. When Tony Gregory took over in 1998 we had a formal committee of officers and a regular fixture card printed in colour by Eagleton Print Ltd. The audacity of the society was evident from infancy with Walker Cup matches arranged against the Doubtful Starters and Ryder Cup dates with The Chestnut Tree. They were long long days to ensure the bragging rights were well aired and celebrated in true christian spirit. At the onset of our third year the pressure of Captaincy was so burdensome on our “Brian” that the office of President was introduced on a three year term. We needed a father figure, a guardian angel, a strong man, a pioneer but above all a man of money. We located him in Curkish sheltering in Redundancy Cottage, the one and only Larry Farrell – our great friend. As President, Larry regaled us with stories of exotic port stops, attempted conquests whether successful or not, his experience of imbibing quality rum and insisting that Nixy’s rum was at least on a par but above all he became our resident photographer – our photo section is testimony to his dedication and excellent work.

Still not content with events the inaugural weekend away to Donegal town to play Murvagh Golf Club was instigated. A popular phrase in Donegal is “wild craic” and just lets say we didn’t disappoint but due to the society’s omerta code “What goes on tour, stays on tour” no details can or will ever be divulged. What an idea the weekend away was! Playing top class courses like Carne, Lahinch, Murvagh, Mount Juliet, Port Salon, Rosses Point, Nairin -Portnoo, Portumna, Strandhill, Bunclody, Westport, Carlow, Rosslare and Balliffin to mention a few. The taste of creamy soup in The Harbour, McGarrigle’s, Thomas Moore, The Corner House, Maggie May’s, The Lobster Pot, Flathery’s and Hoban’s still revive memories of how The Great Hunger was survived.

The void left after the untimely deaths of past members Tom Clarke, Sean Gregory and Gene Clarke is still very much felt but the distinctive qualities and traits that they brought to the society will never be equaled or replaced “Lord, welcome into your calm and peaceful kingdom those who have departed out of this present life to be with you. Grant them rest“. The society is deeply appreciative and indebted to the family of Tom Clarke for donating the perpetual cup in his honour.  Who would have thought back in 2003 that winning this cup would generate such enthusiasm, fun, craic but above all prestige for our golfers? A remarkably competitive matchplay contested in the true spirit of the game – long may it continue!

As the dawn of our 20th year approaches the most encouraging development within the society has been the growth in enthusiastic young men swinging confidently and winning with aplomb. Our young Turks are posing a serious challenge to all senior members and there is an urgent need to shake off our complacency.  Your democratic elected fixture card is already with the printers and it will be difficult to miss any outing in 2016. Compliments to all Captains for painstakingly building our society year by year and deepest thanks to every individual member for your loyalty, support, enthusiasm and good humoured raillery. A thought for the new year ‘I found Jesus on the golf course. Well at least I heard his name several times.’