16 June
Our normal weekly outing is on this Thursday June 23 with the draw for teams at 10-45 a.m. sharp. A number of our members played in the Autumn Seniors Alliance at Clonmel yesterday (Monday) and we have a full sheet for the same Alliance outing at Waterford Golf Club next Monday the 27 of June. Our tee times are as follows, 9-56, Denis Kirwan, John Murphy, Tom Kent, Jamesie Murphy, 10-04, Mick Martin, Willie Byrne, Jim Ryan, Tony Harford, 10-12, Kieran O Grady, John Fitzpatrick, Paddy Hayles, Paddy Shannon, 10-28, Pat Traynor, John Kennedy, Michael Long, Larry Doyle, 12-44, Colin Casey, John Roche, Willie Kelly, Paul Laffan, 14-40, Tommy Grennan, Robert O Dwyer, Reiner Opperman, George Peters. Tee time to be confirmed, Dick Cahill, Martin Forristal, Larry Shannon, Noel Anderson.
Congratulations to our esteemed colleague, Larry Shannon, on achieving what even professional golfers dream about-that elusive hole in one. Larry joined that elite group of players who can be justly proud of that feat when he holed out his tee shot at the par 3 ninth hole on the New Ross course recently. The drinks were on the house or rather on the pocket of Larry which he said felt a wee bit lighter that evening.
9 June
In almost perfect golfing conditions seventeen four person teams teed off on Thursday last in search of the elusive prizes. We had a couple of light showers to contend with but apart from those the day was most enjoyable for the big number of competitors. As usual rivalry was keen where some teams lasted out the pace better than others.
Again we had clear cut winners in the quartet of Jimmy Meggs (13), John Hanrahan (16), Michael Vaughan (20), and Brian Dolan (23) who set the foundations for ultimate success when they scored 50 points on the front nine. They added 44 on the tougher back nine to compile a winning total of 94 points. Two points behind in the runner-up spot with 92 points were Jimmy Furlong (15), Jim Ryan (15), Tom Murphy (17) and Tommy Grennan (20). Third place went to John Kennedy (15), Frank Cullen (17), Pat Traynor (18) and Willie Naddy (19) with 91 points. No nearest the pin prizes given-as the tapes were not returned.
We have no organised outing this Thursday it being Open Week, but if you wish you can organise your own team and play in the three person scramble on that day. Our next team outing is on Thursday the 23 of June at 10-45 a.m. sharp. Time sheets for the Alliance Competitions in Clonmel on the 20 and in Waterford on the 27 are with Jamesie Murphy 051-421151 with only a couple of times left so please hurry and make contact if you want a game at either course.
26 May
It was the wind in the willows and indeed in every other tree you care to mention for our outing last Thursday but at least we were spared the rain. The going was tough with that north westerly gale battering the course and making scoring extremely difficult for all teams. Some coped better than others although it was obvious even before tee-off that the target of 90 points would not be achieved. One team made a valiant effort and just came up short with a very creditable 88 points in the un-summer like weather.
John Murphy (15), Mick Wade (19), Willie Naddy (19) and Paul Laffan (22) carded that winning score with 45 points on the outward nine holes and 43 on the home run. A single point behind on 87, were the team of Denis Kirwan (12), Pat Ryan (17), Michael Long (18), and Dick Cahill (20). Then in third position came Tony Harford (11), Robert O Dwyer (19), John Joe Murray (19), and Michael Somers (22). Nearest the pin prize went to Michael Long on the 9 hole.
After the prize giving ceremony the Seniors Group presented the club with sponsorship for the total cost of a new set of distance markers for the course. These are of the most recent design and when in place should give all players a correct guide of the distance from fairway to green. Returning thanks on behalf of the club, President, Mr John Hosey, said the gesture was much appreciated in these financially difficult times for all sports. As for the Seniors Group he said they were a well organised outfit, a credit to the New Ross club and always helpful and obliging in many ways both on and off the course. The new markers will be in situ shortly.
Next Thursday, June, 2 sees the draw for teams at the usual time of 10-45. In the evening the Captain’s Mixed takes place and all seniors are asked as far as possible to support the captain by playing at least nine holes in that competition.
12 May
We had a most pleasant outing to Gowran Park on Tuesday last when our travelling party of 40 players thoroughly enjoyed the day out. The course was in magnificent condition where the fairways were like carpets, a joy to walk on but an even bigger joy to sweep a golf ball off without leaving a divot. Added to that the greens ran fair and true so no wonder we had a day to remember on this picturesque course on a sunny day in May. Even though it was an open singles competition we ran our own three-person team event in tandem with it and as usual put up prizes for the first four teams home. With scores from all three cards counting it meant that everyone had to perform in order to enhance their team’s chance of a prize.
Gelling well the team of Hughie O Connor (16), Dan Quigley (16) and Reiner Opperman (19) took first spot with a combined total of 102 points. Second on 100 points were John Kennedy (15), John F Roche (17) and Tom O Shea (21). In third place on 96 points came the trio of Dick Cuddihy (10), John Hanrahan (16) and Jamesie Murphy (22). The fourth prize went to John Murphy (16), John Joe Murray (18) and Sean Ryan (21) with 95 points.
No team game this Thursday (19th May) as it is an Open Senior Singles competition. The Alliance Outing at Waterford Golf Club is on Monday the 23 May and a few spots are still available on the timesheet which is with Jamesie Murphy on 051-421151. Also we will take the names of those intending to travel to Coolattin on Tuesday the 31 of May this Thursday (19th) when the name sheet will be available. This is an Open Singles event but we will draw for teams and times next week as we did for Gowran Park and play for our own prizes as well. The entry fee of €20 will be collected on Thursday the 26th when your kind co-operation will be very much appreciated.
5 May
The weather forecast early in the week was not good and prospects for our outing last Thursday looked bleak. However, Met Eireann’s, Joan Blackburn, in her melodious tones on the radio gave us some hope in the morning forecast when she correctly stated that the heaviest of the rain would be in the south and midlands before spreading. We got a few showers but all teams were finished before the heavens opened as we were enjoying the tea and scones.
We had our colleagues from Faithlegg on their annual visit and mixed teams from both clubs went out in search of the extra prizes on offer. Conditions were difficult with wind and rain at times and the target score of 90 points was not reached on this occasion. Players too were caught out with the greens approaching their pristine best and putting on them while a real pleasure led to some dropped shots everywhere. Our friends from Faithlegg were thrilled with the overall condition of the course and both Robert Hill (1 prize winner) and their Club President, Harold Brenner, both commented very favourably on it. Mr Brenner also said he looked forward to welcoming the New Ross seniors group to Faithlegg on their return visit on the 18 of October next.
Taking the honours on the day were Robert Hill (14), Faithlegg, Denis McCanney (18), Faithlegg, with the New Ross pair of Michael Vaughan (21) and Michael Somers (22) with a score of 89 points. In second place on 87 points we had Michael Foley (4), Faithlegg), Noel Anderson (17), Aidan O Connor (20) and Frank Walsh (25), Faithlegg. On the same score and only beaten on a count back came Jimmy Meggs (14), Kieran O Grady (18) with the Faithlegg pair of Eamon Power (19) and Andy Giffney (26). Fourth prize went to the team of Dick Cuddihy (10), John Joe Murray (19), Dick Cahill (20) and Martin Burke (22) on 84 points. Another mixed team filled the fifth spot scoring 83 points with Harry Reinhardt (15), Jim Reals, (17), Faithlegg, Larry Shannon (20), and Bert Power (23) from Faithlegg being the quartet. Hughie O Connor (16), Pat Traynor (17), Sean Hayes (20) Faithlegg and Bob Baker (25) also from Faithlegg took the sixth and final prize. Nearest the pin prizes were won by Peter Goggin, Fr Jim Curtis and Tom Kent.
We have no outing next Thursday as the Rower/Inistioge GAA Club Classic takes place on that day. The sympathy of all members of the Seniors group goes to Tony Harford on the recent death of his father and also to Davy Doran whose mother also passed away last week.
28 April
Many thanks to all our members for their great co-operation in getting everyone away on time last Thursday. We had the first tee cleared in good time for the following society group and there was no hold up. The team scoring once again was top class and it took a count back to decide the winners and the runners up. We basked in the brilliant sunshine which was shining brightly over Tinneranny as it was the type of day which all golfers dream about.
In a photo finish and on a count back the team of Jimmy Furlong (14), Noel Anderson (17), Larry Doyle (18) and George Peters (21) took the honours with a fine score of 92 points. In second place on the same score were the quartet of Jimmy Meggs (14), Tom O Neill (18), Larry Shannon (21) and Brian Dolan (23). Third position went to Luke Power (15), John Hanrahan (16), Tony Redmond (16) and Ron Goodwin (18) with 90 points. Nearest the pin prizes were won by Paddy Hayles on the 9 hole and Larry Doyle on the 11.
This Thursday we welcome our fellow seniors from Faithlegg and again we have an early starting time of 10 o clock. With a big crowd expected our members should arrive from 9-30 onwards in order to arrange the mixed teams from both clubs taking part in the competition where we will have extra prizes to be won on the day.
The time sheet for our outing to Gowran on Tuesday the 10 of May has been finalised and these are our allotted times for teams of three with all cards counting. As we are combining our outing with the Open singles competition being run there concurrently on the day you also have a chance of winning an individual prize.
10 a.m. Willie Byrne, Willie Whitty, George Peters
10-08. John Roche (Cork), Brian Dolan, Michael Vaughan
10-16. Jimmy Meggs, Michael Somers, A. N. Other
10-24. John Murphy, J.J.Murray, Sean Ryan
10-32. Tony Harford, Tom O Neill, Aidan O Connor
10-40. Willie Kelly, John Harrington, Ollie Brennan
10-48, Dick Cuddihy, John Hanrahan, Jamesie Murphy
10-56. Hugh O Connor, Dan Quigley, Jim Ryan (Dublin)
11-04. Luke Power, Larry Doyle, Frank Boyle
11-12. Paddy Hayles, Michael Long, Willie Naddy
11-20. Jim Ryan (Ross), Mick Martin, Dick Cahill
11-28. John Kennedy, John F Roche, Tom O Shea
11-36. John Watson, Bryan Hennessy, Larry Shannon
11-44, Kevin Treacy, A. N. Other, A.N. Other
21 Apr
It’s an early start this Thursday where we have to be gone before the Society booking at 11 a.m. The co-operation of all players is requested and you are asked to come along from 9 a.m. as it hoped to get some teams away at our allotted spot of 9-15. There is no use arriving at 10-45 and hoping to get a game.
On the board and in charge of the draw and entry fees for May are, Jim Ryan, Paddy Hayles, Paul Laffan and Mick Wade
Our diary for May is as follows, Thurs 5 May, Faithlegg visit us, 10-07-12-30, Mon May 9, Seniors Alliance, Carrick-on-Suir, Tuesday, May 10, Open Singles, Gowran Park, 10-30-11-44, Thurs May 12, No Game-Classic in Ross, May 19, No Game-Open Singles in Ross, May 26, Waterford Castle in Ross, Tuesday May 31 Outing to Coolattin, 10-30-12 o clock.
14 Apr
The main topic of conversation in the clubhouse prior to our outing last Thursday was how would the change from golf’s Winter Rules affect the scoring? During the past few months all players had the luxury of placing the ball both on the fairway and in the rough. This ensured that in fact it was as good as playing off the tee but now the new rule stipulated that a player must play the ball as it lies. With the rain clearing overnight, but still leaving misty conditions on the course predictions were that scoring would be down on previous weeks.
Not a bit of it however as the winning team out of the 16 who started carded a very impressive 94 points to emerge as clear winners on the day. Ably led by Dick Cuddihy (10), and backed up by fellow team members in Joe O Farrell (13), John Harrington (19) and Donal Kavanagh (21) they had three points to spare over the second team home. They were Willie Whitty (15), Hughie O Connor (16), John Monahan (18) and Willie Naddy (19). Taking third position three points further back were John Kennedy (15), Pat Traynor (17), John Fitzpatrick (20), and Mick Somers (22) with a respectable tally of 88 points. Nearest the pin prizes went to Noel Anderson and John Joe Cullen.
Despite all the appeals we still have a few players persisting in slow play which there is no need for now more than ever with placing gone. The scoring system calls for two best scores per hole and when that is achieved the quartet should move on as the unwritten rule of golf says “Your place is behind those in front of you and not in front of the those behind”. A little consideration for others therefore would go a long way in making the game more enjoyable for all concerned or else the slow men will see the yellow card sooner rather than later.
We have no team game this Thursday as the club are running their Open Singles competition. Next week we have an early start to avoid clashing with a society booking who are teeing off at 11 a.m. The co-operation of all our members would be most welcome by coming along at 9 in order to get some teams away by twenty past.
Best wishes from all the Senior players for a speedy recovery from his recent operation goes to our long hitting, sure putting, Denis Kirwan, a prominent member for a long, long time. Likewise best wishes goes to his pal and another of our group, John Dowling, who is recovering at home after his unfortunate mishap in Spain. We hope to see both back in not too far distant future.
7 Apr
It was the type of result that the handicapper would be proud of when only a single point separated the first three teams home last Thursday. Again we had a marvellous outing which was enjoyed immensely by the seventeen teams who participated. This was the last day competing under Winter Rules with placing everywhere. It will be interesting to see the scores next week when its back to the basic rules of golf-play the ball as it lies.
The winning trio taking full advantage of their six point bonus carded a terrific 95 points which was just good enough to take first prize. Hughie O Connor (16), John Monahan (18) and Dick Cahill (20) combined well on the day. A single point behind on 94 points came Richie Aylward (15), Jim Ryan (Ross, 15), Tommy Tyler (16) and Donal Kavanagh (21). On 93 points and in third place were John Kennedy (15), Tom Murphy, (17), Tom Kent, (20) and Ollie Brennan (24). Nearest the pin prizes were won on the 9 by Larry Shannon (4 inches) and John Kennedy on the 11.
Draw this week is at 10-45 a.m. sharp and all are requested to be on time. Next week the 21 we have no outing as the Open Seniors Singles takes place.
31 Mar
A massive field of 18 teams took part in our weekly outing last Thursday proving that a team game is the most attractive form of golf for the over 55’s. The social aspect of playing with different partners each week cannot be over emphasised as it means that you make new friends however good or bad the golf may be. Then there are the light refreshments in the clubhouse afterwards and of course the inevitable inquests of where the game was won or lost. All this makes up a sporting Thursday that is eagerly looked forward to by all our members.
Out on the course last week we had a quartet playing superb golf in dry but windy conditions scampering home in first place with 94 points, 47/47 totals for the front and back nine holes. They were John Kennedy, (15), Kieran O Grady, (18), Robert O Dwyer (19) and Jamesie Wallace also (19). Although they outscored the winners on the front nine compiling 48 points the best the team of Tony Harford, (11), Willie Whitty, (15), Michael Logue, (19) and Larry Shannon, (21) could add on the closing holes was 44 points leaving them in second place on 92. In third spot came Jim Ryan, (15), Fr Jim Curtis, (16), Richie Byrne, (22) and Michael Somers, (22), their tally of 89 being good enough to take that position. Nearest the pin prize on the 9 hole went to Fr Jim Curtis.
This Thursday we welcome our Senior golfing colleagues from Carrick-on-Suir. All of our members are asked to assemble early from 10 o clock onwards as we hope to get some mixed teams away by half-past.
24 Mar
Our members provided the vast bulk of the participants in the club Open Seniors Singles competition last week which was favoured by summer like conditions. This Thursday, March 31 we are back to basics when we have our normal four person team event, the format most favoured by all our players. This is where we best enjoy the fun and camaraderie of playing together as a team and hoping to pick up a prize in the process.
With their term as controllers of the board now expired and this Thursday being their last day in office, Denis Kirwan and John Murphy will not be in a benevolent mood as regards being on time for the draw at 10-45 am sharp but they will also keep an eye on that bugbear of every golfer-slow play by those in front of you. Rumour has it that they have brought back a supply of yellow cards and a few red ones too from their recent golfing trip to Spain to be used in any future infringement of the rules that occur during our game on Thursdays. Senior brigade-you have been warned on both fronts as incoming officers for April, Sean Ryan, Tommy Tyler and Michael Brennan will adopt the same rules and regulations.
The time sheet for the Seniors Alliance Outing in Dungarvan next Monday has been returned by the organising officials and these are our allotted times. 11-38,Tom Kent, John Murphy, Denis Kirwan, Jamesie Murphy, 12-02, Paul Laffan, Tommy Grennan, Robert O Dwyer, George Peters, 12-57, Larry Doyle, Tom O Neill, John Kennedy, Johnny Watson, 13-51, Willie Byrne, Mick Martin, Jim Ryan, Tommy Tyler, 13-58, Willie Whitty, Pat Kehoe, Richie Byrne
17 Mar
The majority of our members are taking part in the Open Seniors event this Thursday. This is a singles competition with Winter Rules still in operation so regardless of how you score there will be no increase or deduction in handicaps as the case may be. You have two chances of winning a prize for apart from the club competition the Seniors are sponsoring prizes for their own members in all categories. We are back with our own normal weekly team event next Thursday the 31 of March.
On the board and in charge of the draw for April are Michael Brennan, Sean Ryan and Tommy Tyler. There is one line (4 players) left for the Alliance Outing in Dungarvan on Monday the 4 of April. If you would like to play there contact Jamesie Murphy 051-421151 as soon as possible.
GUI Message: “Distance measuring devices can only be used in competitions where the local rule allows. The device cannot be used to measure other conditions that might affect play such as wind speed, gradient, temperature, etc, etc.” We Seniors don’t depend on such gadgets. Our motto is, “find it, hit it, find it again, and get on with the bloody game which is the normal trend each week. Mind you though, there is a danger of some person or persons getting a yellow card shortly if they persist with their slow play antics as if they were competing for the Ryder Cup.
10 Mar
The old ballad said, “The crack was good in Cricklewood”. This was especially true when McAlpine’s Fusiliers composed mainly of Irish navvies or building workers descended on the pubs there every weekend. Well, the crack is always good in Tinneranny every Thursday when the Seniors Fusiliers (the over 55 golfers) assemble in ever increasing numbers for their weekly outing. It was no different last week when 18 teams took to the fairways in dry but blustery conditions fanned by a stiff North Westerly wind. With the greens newly cored, there was a feeling that scores might not reach the expected levels which are normally associated with these hard trying teams of veterans. Each week they invariably card the target of 90 plus points regularly and consistently. On Thursday however that was even bettered when the winning team defied the gale and compiled a great golfing score card which showed a total of 96 points.
Skippered by the long absent Hughie O Connor (16) who was in superb form contributing 36 points of his team’s total showing that lack of practice is no hindrance when you have what it takes. Backed up by Kieran O Grady (16), Robert O Dwyer (19), and Fr Philip Kelly (19) this quartet had two solid nine-hole totals (49/47) to capture the spoils. In second spot on a count back, scoring 91, were Denis Kirwan (12), John Joe Cullen (15), Dick Cahill (20) and Ollie Brennan (24). The same score was returned by Johnny Watson (15), Martin Forristal (16), Michael Brennan (18) and George Peters (21) which was good enough for that team to take third position. Nearest the pin prize was won by Denis Kirwan on the 9 hole.
We have no outing next Thursday, it being St Patrick’s Day and the same applies on the following Thursday when the first Club Open Seniors event of the year takes place. There will be category prizes for our members in the latter competition. On Monday the 4 of April the Seniors Alliance will get their season off to a start at the picturesque Dungarvan course in County Waterford with a reduced green fee per player of only €15. Time sheet is with Jamesie Murphy at 051-421151-book your spot early as there are only a few times left.
3 March
Even though patches of fog still enveloped parts of the course we got away dead on the appointed time last Thursday. The fog eventually cleared and perfect conditions for golf then materialised in the early afternoon.
It was obvious that there were going to be some hot scoring but none of the 17 four man teams, bar the winners, could have forecast that a record score was on the cards. Playing superb golf the team of Godfrey Hill (14), Pat Ryan (17), John Joe Murray (19), and Michael Somers (22) did just that with a terrific total of 98 points. Turning with 55 after the first nine, they were in the driving seat and adding another 43 points on the tougher back nine came home in impressive fashion to take the number one spot. On another day the 95 points compiled by Denis Kirwan, (12), Willie Kelly (15), Paddy Bennett (19) and Colin Casey (19) would have been sufficient for that team to emerge victors but unfortunately it wasn’t so this time. On a count back over the back nine, Dick Cuddihy (10), Kevin Treacy (15), Dickie O Neill (17) and Tommy Grennan (21) took third place with 91 points. By the way a warm welcome to Dickie O Neill who joined us for the first time and ended up winning a prize too. Nearest the pin prize was won by Fintan Whelan.
With the new selectors in situ for March and they adopting a disciplined and meticulous interpretation of the rules regarding being in time for the draw it is imperative that all players be there in person before the 10-45 deadline. It is not fair on the majority of participants who are present well before that time when someone arrives at 10-50 or later and expects to be accommodated or picked on a team. This upsets the whole rhythm of the draw system which has worked very well indeed. You have been warned-the draw time is 10-45 sharp-be there well before that or else you may not get a game.
24 February
We had a most pleasant outing on Thursday last when the weather had that touch of Spring in the air. With some extra prizes on offer there were 18 teams in action and due to excellent co-operation from everyone, we all finished in or around the same time. There is no hanging around with our group, where there is a unique and close knit bond of friendship and camaraderie among all the participants. No four hour plus stuff here for a round of golf, just get up and get on with it. This is what makes our competition each week so attractive, as witnessed by the ever increasing numbers taking part each week (71) last Thursday.
Out on the course the scoring was hot despite a brisk southerly wind with all the winners of the six prizes on offer compiling totals in excess of the target score of 90 points. Like last week ultra consistent captain, Willie Byrne (9), led his team to an impressive victory (did someone rightly say about the genial Willie that form is temporary but class is permanent). Gelling well, his three partners, Joe O Farrell (13), Michael Long (18) and the inimitable Brian Dolan (23) all contributed handsomely in compiling the winning score of 94 points. Still, it was only on a better back nine (47/42), that they beat the runners up Harry Reinhart (15), Michael Kavanagh (15), John Harrington (19) and Larry Shannon (21) who finished on the same total. Third spot went to Aidan Kent (13), Ron Goodwin (18), Paddy Bennett (19) and Mick Martin (27) with 93 points. In fourth spot on 91 were Jim Meggs (14), Robert O Dwyer (17), Larry Doyle (18 and Frank Boyle (21) whose 91 on a count back was good enough. The same score came from fifth placed John Kennedy (14), John Joe Murray (19), Dick Cahill (20) and Tom O Shea (21) as did the sixth place winners of Jim Ryan (15), Tom Kent (20), Eddie Rowe (21) and Richie Byrne (22). Nearest the pin prizes went to Denis Kirwan, Tony Harford and Richie Aylward.
Elected unanimously to man the entries board and supervise the team draw for March are, Denis Kirwan, John Murphy, John Vereker and Martin Forristal. Draw time on Thursday the 3 of March is 10-45 AM sharp.
17 February
Consistent high scoring has been a feature of our outings in the past number of weeks. Even allowing for the fact that Winter Rules are in operation nevertheless 90 plus points are being regularly clocked up by a number of teams each week. With only two scores counting on each hole this is good golf showing that the veterans are still capable of having a good round and combining well with each other. Of course the competition is fierce and everyone likes to be in the winner’s enclosure picking up either a “drop of malt” or a few golf balls. With massive fields now taking part it is not easy to pick up any sort of prize.
Last Thursday in cold but dry conditions 17 teams took part and the winners clocked up another fantastic score with a grand total of 95 points. Led by Willie Byrne (9) and backed up by Sean O hUginn (16), Dick Cahill (20) and John Fitzpatrick also off, (20) this team turned after the first nine with 46 and then added an incredible 49 points on the tougher back nine to emerge victors. But they got a run for their money from a three man team who had the usual allowance of six points registered on their score card before they even teed off. Nevertheless, Denis Kirwan (12), Aidan O Connor (20) and Seamus Wall (21) brought in an excellent 88 points plus six to take second place with 94 points. Third on 92 were Eddie Keher (9), Willie Kelly (15), John Harrington (19) and Tom O Shea (21).
Nearest the pin prizes went to Fr Philip Kelly (9 hole) and Richie Aylward on the 11.
All are again requested to be in good time for the draw this Thursday which is again at 10-45 AM sharp.
10 February
The God’s were smiling on us again last week when we got out for our weekly game in nice spring-like conditions. With the torrential rain of Wednesday clearing off in the early dawn of Thursday morning it was all systems go at draw time when again our playing numbers broke all records. Even though some regulars were absent for one reason or another, a new record was set when 18 fourball teams comprising 72 veteran golfers faced the starter. The course was in magnificent condition living up to its reputation as being playable in all but the most abnormal weather patterns, a tribute to the green keepers whose great work down the years have paid dividends.
Sometimes in a team game there is one group who end up as convincing winners and like in a match pull well clear of the field. So it was last Thursday when Patsy Farrell (12), Tom Kent (20), Pat Kehoe (21) and Eddie Rowe (21) topped the table as deserving winners with a terrific score of 96 points. A score of 92 points, which on other days might be good enough to win, had Jim Meggs (14), Michael Brennan (18), Fintan Whelan (18) and Paul Laffan (21) take the runners-up spot. On a count back over the last nine holes, Aidan Kent (13), Tommy Tyler (16), Noel Anderson (17) and Frank Boyle (21) finished in third place with 90 points.
The nearest the pin prizes brought a day to remember for Jamesie Murphy. His rescue wood drive on the 139 metre 9 hole ended up in the cup for that magical hole in one-often mentioned but rarely achieved. A special prize of one dozen Titleist balls, were presented to him by Kevin Treacy, on behalf of the Seniors Group. The other nearest the pin prize went to John Joe Murray on the 11 hole.
With the huge number of players now taking part every Thursday it is imperative that all be well there before the draw time of 10-45 AM.
3rd February
Another record crowd (67) turned up for our weekly outing last Thursday where we had 16 four person and one three ball teams in the draw. But with good co-operation all round everyone got out on time. A howling gale force Westerly wind swept across the course last making good golf a lottery on most of the holes. Thankfully the rain held off and almost all teams were nearly finished before it came pouring down. With General Election talk in the air it was obvious in the conditions that no team was going to reach the target quota of 90 points and any quartet near that figure would be elected to the number one spot on the first count.
And that prediction was spot on as Kevin Treacy (15), John Murphy (16), John Hanrahan (16) and Dick Cahill (20) took the honours with 86 points. Two points behind on 84 and in second place on a count back were Willie Byrne (9), Michael Brennan (18), Eddie Rowe (21) and Michael Somers (22). On the same score and in third place came Patsy Farrell (12), John Joe Cullen (15), John Monahan (18) and Michael Vaughan (21).
Nearest the pin prizes went to Godfrey Hill on the 9 and Kevin Treacy on the 11 with a great shot to 16 and a quarter inches of the hole, (and yes he sank the putt for a birdie) completing a good day at the office for him as he also figured on the winning team as mentioned above.
The usual schedule is in operation this Thursday the 10 Feb with the draw at 10-45 AM sharp. With the huge numbers now taking part it is imperative that everyone be booked in well before that time.
27 January
We started last Thursday with our AGM which was very well attended. Main points emanating from the meeting were that a member must have played in at least 10 competitions throughout the year in order to be eligible to play in the Christmas Outing where the prizes are substantially more valuable. Anybody held up on the morning of the weekly Thursday event can phone into be included in the draw but must be present in person before the teams are called out shortly after 10-45.
Prudent handling and judicious use of the entry fees showed a nice profit for the year and ensured that we ended up 2010 in a strong financial position. A vote of sympathy was passed with our resident chef, Willie Rochford, on the recent sad death of his wife and to all other members who suffered bereavements in the past year. The meeting concluded at 10-40 in ample time for the draw for teams five minutes later.
We had a massive assembly of 62 players who went into the draw resulting in 14 fourballs and 2 three person teams. Bitterly cold but dry conditions prevailed and as usual the competition yielded some terrific scores. Once again the magical target figure of 90 points was recorded by the first three teams in the winners enclosure. Taking the honours in first place were, John Joe Cullen (15), John Murphy (16), John Vereker (18) and Paul Laffan (21) with 91 points. Second with 90 points on a count back came Eddie Keher (9), John Joe Murray (19), Tommy Grennan (21) and Michael Somers (22). The third team home was skippered by Willie Byrne (9) with compatriots Michael Brennan (18) and Reiner Opperman (19) and getting their extra six point allowance for a three person team, they also ended on 90 points.
Nearest the pin prizes went to Patsy Farrell and Martin Forristal. Due to the huge numbers of players now participating in the weekly outings it is imperative that all be in good time for the draw on this Thursday Feb 3 at 10-45 AM.
20 January
Game abandoned, pitch unplayable, this was the story of last Thursday’s proposed outing when heavy overnight frost and freezing fog were the culprits leading to the course being closed.
Hopefully things will be better this Thursday (27) when proceedings will get under way with our AGM. With several important items on the agenda all members are requested to attend where you can air your views about the direction the Senior’s group are heading in 2011. With 60 plus players now partaking in our weekly outings a fair bit of organisation and co-operation is needed in order to get everyone out on time every Thursday.
All members please assemble at 10 AM for the meeting proper which will get under way at 10-10. It is hoped to have all business done by 10-45 when the usual draw for teams will be made.
13 January
The figure 13 is regarded as unlucky for some but for our group it was very lucky indeed for not alone were we blessed with a fine day (Jan 13) but a nice mild one as well. Perhaps it was the long lay-off since we had our last competition (Dec 16) but the boys were out in force last Thursday including the researcher also known as the history man who rose up from his winter slumbers. Full marks go to the course staff for the splendid condition in which they have maintained the course despite all the rough weather we have had lately. There wasn’t even a drop of surface water visible either on the fairway or in the rough throughout the 18 holes. Care and attention to detail have paid off in a big way down the years at Tinneranny with the course playable all year round except in abnormal circumstances.
A record number of sixteen teams took part on Thursday and scoring was excellent even allowing for placing everywhere. Some players were a little rusty having had no practice lately but others were bang in form and playing rather well as the results show. Once again the fairness of the draw system was very much in evidence when only a point or two separated the first four teams in the prizes.
Taking the first spot after getting all the allowances for a three person team were Luke Power (17), John Harrington (19) and Seamus Wall (21) with 94 points. In second place on 93 points came Jimmy Ryan (15), Dan Quigley (16), Bill Naddy (19) and Sean Ryan (21). It took all sorts of count backs between teams tied on the same scores before third and fourth prizes were finally decided. On 92 points and in third position were Kevin Treacy (15), Fr Jim Curtis (16), Tom O Neill (18) and Larry Shannon playing off (21). Richard O Grady (14), John Joe Murray (19), Donal Kavanagh (21) and Michael Somers (22) were fourth. Nearest the pin prize went to Jim Meggs on the 9 Hole.
A warm welcome back was extended to Reiner Opperman and Ron Goodwin, both of whom had been hospitalised late last year but thankfully the two are now in good health once again and competing as strong as ever.
The time of the draw for teams again needs some highlighting, it is at 10-45 sharp and you must be booked in before then. It is not fair for all those who are there in good time to have latecomers coming along and upsetting the smooth running of the draw. Our AGM takes place on Thursday the 27 of January at 10-15 AM sharp.
30 December 2010
With frost and snow covering the course over Christmas there was plenty of time for reminiscing and recalling the activities of 2010 where the group had a super golfing year. Apart from our weekly outings in Tinneranny we had home and away fixtures with Carrick-on-Suir, Waterford and Faithlegg. Many of our players were regular competitors in the Autumn Seniors Alliance in Dungarvan, Carrick-on-Suir, Callan, Gold Coast, Waterford, Clonmel, and of course New Ross. All of us have fond memories of that special outing to the picturesque Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club in September where the welcome and the food served were both par excellence.
What was a fledgling small little group of men aged 55 and over and the brainchild of Kevin Treacy way back in 1996 has now grown to weekly average of over fifty players taking to the fairways every Thursday. In the early days it was easy enough to pick up a prize in the small fields but now a team would want to be scoring very well indeed in order to be in the winner’s enclosure. There is a target score of 90 points which if achieved could get a prize (sometimes). But the one thing that has remained steadfast among the group down the years is the spirit of friendliness and camaraderie for no sooner is one week’s outing over than all are counting down the days until the game next Thursday.
Hopefully this will be on Thursday next the 6 of January with the draw at the usual time of 10-45 A.M sharp. In the meantime here’s wishing all associated with the group a Very Happy and Prosperous New Year. |