Enniscorthy to host Pierce Purcell

News that Enniscorthy has secured a stage of the hosting of the Pierce Purcell was greeted with elation at the club over the weekend. Named after Professor Purcell, one of Ireland's outstanding golf administrators, from the 1920s to 1960s. Five foursome pairings represent each club, comprised of minimum individual handicaps of 12 and minimum combined of 27. Please bear in mind that all members considering putting their names forward for participating in club tournaments must have at least four qualifying cards entered to be considered for most inter-club events for next year. Qualification takes place at twelve venues throughout the Province in May.
Due to torrential rain on Tuesday 6th October the O’Brien’s Sandwich bar 18-hole stoke medal competition had to be abandoned and postponed to 13th October. As some of the ladies had played on Sunday and a small number of ladies had braved the elements on Tuesday this competition has reverted to a sweepstake. Congratulations to Lucy Healy (13) who a great score of 67 and is this month’s medal winner. Teams for the Autumn League are now posted in the ladies locker room. This is a 15-hole stableford competition. Players may play on any day except during ladies competition times on Sundays or Tuesdays. There is a minimum of 3 cards to be returned by each person by 30th November. It can be played as a team or individually and any club member may mark the card. Tuesday 20th October is a 15-hole stableford turkey competition. Tomorrow, Thursday the 15th, the Open Senior Ladies competition takes place.

Wednesday 7th Oct Ladies or Gents Fourball Qualifier results:
Dermot Walsh (5) & Derek Wickham (10) 43 pts,
Nicky Murphy (6) & Pat Quirke (60 42 pts.
Player of the year 2009 has been finalised with James Buckley a clear winner on 21 points, a clear two points ahead of his nearest rivals Shane Fenlon and Willie Rackard on 19 points sharing second place. With Larry Mackey in third place on 15 and P.J. Murphy in fourth on 14 points.

Last Saturday also saw the much awaited 'Champion of Champions' competition sponsored by FRS Training by Tommy Cooper, Regional Manager. This is a competition between all the first placed winners of the mid-week competitions during the summer. Two beautiful prizes for first and second were on display for the successful golfers. Paddy Mooney who has seen great form this year won outright first with Edward Somers close behind securing second place.

 Photo by Des Kehoe

Tommy, who inaugurated this event many years ago, was on hand to present the prizes with Eamon Whitty, the mid-week organiser. Today and every Wednesday until 24th February next year the Ladies or Gents Open Fourball continues with weekly prizes for first, second and visitor and remains the cheapest golf around. There will be a grand final in March with two rounds of golf, one night B&B and an evening meal in the K club as first prize.
The Winter Alliance sponsored by OCM Construction, Killincooley, Kilmuckridge commences this coming Sunday the 18th. We would ask that members to support all our sponsors in whatever way they can. A large entry for the club hamper competition last weekend might be an ominous sign of the credit crunch but at least for Declan Ivers (17) with his 45 points for first position the basket of goodies will alleviate some of the financial burden from his Christmas shopping list. In second place was John Colclough (16) on 43 points and in third Brian O' Connor (15) returned a 42. The scores reflecting the great condition of the course acclaimed by visitors with one remarking on the speed and quality of the greens exceeding those of what would be considered elite golf course. The annual battle between a representative sample of carefully chosen right-handed golfers and the left-handed golfers within the club took place on Sunday last. The rights won the tournament in ideal playing conditions hands-downs by 7.5 to 3.5.
We have three societies out this coming Saturday and we wish Rich Stafford, Pat McCaul and the Al Amigo’s and the Rockspring golfing societies a pleasant days golfing at Enniscorthy.
Juniors:
Juniors please note that Graham Donhoes' Junior Captains prize previously cancelled due to bad weather will take place next Sunday the 18th from 12.50 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Sympathy:
Expressions of sympathy were passed at the meeting of the men’s committee last Tuesday evening to members Trevor Jacob on the recent passing of his Father Robert Benjamin (Bertie) Jacob and to Martin Canavan at the passing of his dear Mother Mai.