ON the FAIRWAYS

David Keane, Declan Lyons, John Daly and David Wrafter taking part in the open fourball in Enniscorthy last weekend.
Wednesday January 27 2010
ROSSLARE LADIES: Spring-like conditions were enjoyed on Saturday week last for the fourball 14-hole stableford competition. The winners were Niamh Byrne (17/10) and Cathy Atkinson (18/11) with 33 points.
There was a return to winter conditions on Tuesday of last week for the single stableford competition, with 38 ladies playing.
Results: 1, Ann Hore (28/22), 25 points; 2, Gerarde Mahon (18/14), 21 points; 3, Jane O'Shea (35/27), 20 points.
WEXFORD LADIES
After the big thaw, lambs abound at Wexford Golf Club and well done to lady Captain Therese for leading the way! Our Thursday nine-hole lamb competitions are continuing with great success.
Online booking is now available so don't forget to register and book at wexfordgolfclub.ie. If you need help registering or booking, don't hesitate to ask any of the ladies at the clubhouse for assistance.
The ladies' lunch recommences on Wednesday, January 27, and thereafter on the last Wednesday of every month. All are welcome.
Senior ladies, just a reminder that there are three draws between 10 a.m. and 10.30 a.m. on Mondays. Just come along at about 10 a.m. if you're available.
Ladies who are registered for the Winter League, please be aware that first round matches need to be played by March 7.
The proceeds of the Wexford Golf Club ladies' Christmas party, amounting to ¤529, were presented by Anna Sullivan to Catherine Lacey, on behalf of Guide Dogs for the Blind. These funds will go towards the training of an assistance dog for autistic children.
Thursday, January 14, nine-hole stableford: 1, Therese Glasheen (20), 18 points (back three); 2, Maisie Purcell (17), 18 points (back three).
Monday, January 18, Seniors ten-hole stableford: 1, Mary Robinson (17), 21 points; 2, Martina Dempsey (29), 20 points.
Thursday, January 21, nine-hole stableford: 1, Margaret Hearne (13), 15 points; 2, Martina Dempsey (29), 14 points.
PAULINE'S SOCIETY
Pauline's Golf Society had their latest outing to Scarke Golf Club on January 23, and it proved to be a highly-successful day all round.
The format for the outing was a new one for the society, with over 30 players tackling a pairs competition, played under fourball rules.
The foggy conditions made for some problems, but a good day was had by all, and some fine scores were returned.
Results: 1, Michael Butler and Jason Quirke, 46 points; 2, Brian St. Ledger and Nigel Coady, 41 points; 3, Melvyn Bridgewater and Nicky Murphy, 40 points; nearest the pins, Ray Blake and Liam Murray.
The next outing is on February 6, in Enniscorthy Golf Club.
ST. HELEN'S LADIES
After all the recent inclement weather, it was great to be out playing golf again! On Saturday the Winter League resumed and Martina Noonan (28) won the ladies' section with a great score of 26 points.
On Sunday there was a good turn-out by the ladies to take part in the eleven-hole singles sweep. The break in play due to the bad weather certainly did not affect Bernie Furlong (23) who won with a very good score of 22 points. In very close second was Catríona Walsh (24) on 21 points.
Conditions were challenging with the ground being quite wet under foot. Early Saturday morning it was very foggy, while the players had to delay their start until mid-morning due to a heavy frost. Notwithstanding the fog and frost, the weekend was beautifully sunny with no wind making for very enjoyable golf.
Singles: 1, B. Furlong (23), 22; 2, C. Walsh (24), 21.
BALLYMONEY
A stableford competition was played on Sunday last. Surprisingly, the frost took longer than expected to clear and so the course did not open until after 11 a.m.
This was the most likely reason for a low turnout, although the players who did take to the course enjoyed perfect conditions with some even spotted in shirt sleeves for a time!
For the second week in a row Sammy Walker, playing off his new handicap of 9.5 for the first time, racked up an outstanding score. Last week's 40 points was improved by two for a winning score of 42.
Sammy was in the last group out and by all accounts, but for a few missed short putts, his score would have been even more impressive. Handicap Secratary Andrew Byrne (19) held out for second place with a very good 36 points, and that other regular visitor to the podium, Brian Delaney (11), held off a group of players for third place with 34 points.
If Mr. Walker keeps up this form, the handicap commitee will have to take another look at him!
Saturday next, January 30, sees another stableford competition with hopefully a bigger field taking part. A full list of all upcoming competitions is on display in the clubhouse.
NEW ROSS LADIES
The nine-hole stableford competition continues, play as often as you want. On Wednesdays there are informal draws at 9 to 9.15 a.m., 10 to 10.15 a.m., and 2 to 2.15 p.m.
The 14-hole competitions start on Wednesday, February 10, and informal draws will take place at 9 to 9.15 a.m., 10 to 10.15 a.m., and 2 to 2.15 p.m. Wishing all members an enjoyable and successful golfing season.
WEXFORD
Wednesday's single stableford competition, played over ten holes, was won by Aidan Cogley (20) with 25 points. His score was made up with five three-pointer holes and five two-pointers.
Jim O'Keeffe (17) got second place on a countback with 23 points, and John Cotter (12) held off the challenge of John Walsh to take third place, also with 23 points. The going was heavy but the course was playing well.
Fourteen holes were in play for Saturday's fourball, which was won by John Stafford (21) and James Bridges (17). They collected their vouchers on a countback with 34 points. David Sherlock (16) and Derek Murphy (21) came second, also with 34 points.
The dawn patrol was stymied on Sunday last due to frozen ground conditions. It was a credit to Jake Doyle that play was possible at all.
John Cotter (12), aided and abetted by Brendan Murphy (12), moved up from Wednesday's bronze position to take gold with 24 points over ten holes. In second place, with 23 points on a countback, were Conor Morris (7) and Brian Morris (6).
THE BUNKER SOCIETY
The Bunker Golfing Society A.G.M. took place on Sunday last after the first round of golf in some time. Gerry Byrne was invited in as this year's Captain by John O'Brien. Gerry introduced Francis Collins as this year's Secretary and ViceCaptain.
Christy Walsh was returned as Society President, with Brendan Flood and James Kelly returning as Handicap Cfficers. Syl Collins was voted in for a second year as Treasurer. The rest of the committee was formed from Mick Murphy, Joe Considine,Joe Breen, John O'Brien and two new members, Paul Davies and Eileen Donohoe.
Gerry congratulated John O'Brien on running a successful year and he hopes to continue in the same vein.
The first outing is to Blackwater this Sunday, January 31, with 10 a.m. tee-time. We hope to see a good turn-out for this outing.
Membership is to stay at ¤50 and is due to be paid on or before January 31. Non paid-up members will have to play as visitors until the membership is paid for 2010.
Please note that membership is now open and we are looking for new members, so if you are interested in joining, turn up on any Sunday morning between 9 a.m. and 9.45 a.m. in The Bunker Bar, Gorey, where we play our weekly competitions.
'64' SOCIETY
Results of the '64' Golf Society outing which was held at the European Golf Club, Brittas Bay, on Saturday last: 1, David Taylor (25), 35 points; 2, Mick Morrissey (6), 34 points (last nine); 3, Walter McNally (12), 34 points (last six); gross, Ray McGrath (7), 27 points; 4, Paddy Dore (18), 34 points; 5, Colm Sheehan (7), 33 points (last nine); first nine, Matty O'Dowd (17), 21 points; second nine, Paddy O'Neill (10), 19 points; visitor, Conor McGuinness (17), 32 points (last nine).
The outing was held up for a short period because of frost, but the day turned out to be very enjoyable. The course as usual was in excellent condition but once again proved to be the winner as the scores have shown.
A total of 37 members played and five visitors. The front runners early on were Mick Morrissey, Walter McNally and Paddy Dore with 34 points, but the winner, David Taylor, came in on the blind side to steal the spoils. David has won the European outing in the past.
Following the outing, the presentation was held in Oscar's (64 lounge). The Captain, Mick Morrissey, thanked all those who came to play. The Secretary, Paddy O'Dowd, told the members that the weekend away will be held on February 19-20, staying at the 'D' Hotel in Drogheda and playing the courses at Laytown and Bettystown and Dundalk.
If any members are still interested in going, give Brendan Sheehan a ring to confirm a place. Our next outing will be held at Arklow Golf Club on Saturday, March 6. All members will be notified in the usual manner.
Paddy also said that Mick McGrath was leading the golfer of the year after three outings with 52 points, followed closely by John Grannell with 49 points and Ollie Quigley on 48 points.
TEMPLARS SOCIETY
The Christmas outing has been cancelled due to inclement weather conditions. The first outing of the year takes place in Bunlcody on Saturday, March 13.
Timesheets will be available with Val two weeks beforehand. Membership is now due; please contact any member of the committee to make payment.
Rumour has it that some of the members, noticeably the Wall brothers, are availing of warm weather training facilities ahead of the battle for golfer of the year which commences in Bunclody. They should be displaying a clear advantage as the competition gets under way.
ROSSLARE
With the disappearance of the snow and a better spell of weather, golf has become very popular in Rosslare again with big numbers playing in all the competitions.
Wednesday, January 20, open singles: 1, David Bradley (St. Helen's, 21), 44 points; 2, John Galvin (8), 43 points.
Saturday, January 23, 14 holes fourball: 1, Paud (2) and Micheál O'Brien (9), 34 points; 2, Dave Noonan (6) and John McDonald (17), 33 points; 3, Anthony Duggan (5) and Joey Leacy (21), 33 points.
Sunday, January 24, 14-hole fourball: 1, Ken Maher (12) and Keith Deacon (15), 38 points; 2, Paud (2) and Micheál O'Brien (9), 38 points; 3, Liam MacNamara (2) and Tommy A. Byrne (20), 36 points.
Don't forget the Winter League organised by Johnny, Cormac and Conor. Ring 053-9132032 to find out your team and playing time.
Open events: Thursday, January 28, ladies' and gents' Seniors (Over 50), visitors ¤25; Monday, February 8, Winter Alliance (0-9), visitors ¤30, professionals ¤15; Wednesday, February 10, ladies' and gents' singles, visitors ¤25; Thursday, February 18, ladies' and gents' open Seniors (Over-50), visitors ¤25.
ST. HELEN'S
Sunday, January 24, singles sweep stableford (11 holes): 1, Pat Murphy (Dub), 24 points (countback); 2, Bernard Cahill, 24 points.
There was a definite touch of Spring in the air and, with springy underfoot conditions to match, this eleven-hole competition attracted a good entry (camp fever may also have been a factor) despite the delayed start due to frost. Well done to winners Pat and Bernard.
Fixtures next weekend: Friday, January 29, Wine Friday competition; Saturday, January 30, Winter League round five; Sunday, January 31, singles stableford.
See the club website, www.sthelensbay.ie, for further details.