Enniscorthy Golf Club "Country Golf That Is Designed To Please"

In 2007 and 2008, Kevin Markham, born and educated in Ireland, travelled around Ireland in a camper van, playing and reviewing every 18 hole golf course - all 349 of them. The results now appear in a book (Hooked: An Amateur's Guide to the Golf Courses of Ireland) published by Collins Press in May 2009 [ISBN-13: 9781905172948]. You can visit his blog at http://golfcoursesireland.blogspot.com
Enniscorthy is one of those 349 courses that Kevin has written about and with his kind permission, below is an extract from his critic on our course and club. I consider it a most favourable and positive view  of our club and course. And though I took exception to his comment that "there is no scenery to speak of" he rightly justified it by his comparison to some of the most beautiful courses on this Emerald Isle that he has played; an accomplishment that most of us can only imagine.

Country Golf That Is Designed To Please...
 Definitely one of those friendly, country golf courses that you find all over Ireland and always a pleasure to play. Predominantly straight holes that are completely natural, with generous fairways and easy rough - ideal for golfers of all abilities. Holes are well divided as the course starts lazily across a flat landscape (opening five holes). It then shifts to a more entertaining design, with some steep drops/climbs giving holes some thrill. The 7th hits down to a flat fairway and then the 8th comes back up (see photos).

7th Fairway

Approach to the 8th

This is repeated on the tempting par 5 11th, where the fairway drops and swings left just at the point it disappears. If you feel particularly brave you can aim right at the corner (OoB left) and hope to catch the steep slope. This will add another 80 yards to your drive and make the green easily reachable in two. The 16th completes the set and is the prettiest hole on the course; the tee box sits nicely in the mature trees with a straight fairway below. Again, OoB lines the left with heavy trees right. It is a short hole and one where you'll want to nail your drive. The green, like several here, has fast slopes. There is plenty of variety at Enniscorthy, which means an array of challenges. But most of all, the straightforward design ensures plenty of enjoyment. The best holes at the 8th, 9th, 11th, 15th, 16th and 17th, and when you walk off the 18th, you will be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you have had. Interestingly, the long par 5s run consecutively on both nines (the 4th and 5th; the 10th and 11th) and head in opposite directions. There is no scenery to speak of, but it is a nice relaxing setting. This is what golf is all about, including the lively clubhouse.

Favourite and Toughest Hole
Par 4 8th. 347m. An innocuous-looking drive, but keep it to the right for a realistic chance of reaching the green in two. A big uphill draw is required to hit a very well protected green. If you fade the ball, enjoy the enormous bunker.

All in all his impressions were favourable I think you'll agree.

Enniscorthy Golf Club Notes Wk 40

Paddy Mooney and Jimmy Fox scrutinise their scorecard prior to signing 

It’s a sure sign that the golfing season is drawing to close when the club sponsored “Turkey competitions” commence. Tuesday 22nd September saw the first of such competitions, an 18 hole stableford competition. Joan Dunbar (34) has her Christmas dinner sorted thanks to her 36 pts (on the back 9). In 2nd place was Rita Riordan (28) 36 pts and in 3rd position was Liz Atkins (22) 35 pts (back 6).
The autumn league is starting soon so anyone interested in participating should enter their name on the notice board in the ladies locker room.
O’Brien’s Sandwich bar 18-hole stableford competition has been re-scheduled due to wet weather to Sunday 4th October and Tuesday 6th October.
Our ladies had the great honour of participating in the AA Insurance All Ireland finals last week held at Royal Tara Golf Club in Co Meath. They were also one of the few clubs that managed to qualify two teams in two different handicap categories. First out on Wednesday morning were defending champions, our Junior Cup Team under Manager Lucy Doyle against Athenry and with Laura Dempsey and Margaret Mooney having secured wins, it all went down to last match with Lady Captain Cora Mernagh coming up trumps and Enniscorthy went through. On Thursday they came up against Mallow and by the narrowest of margins and with the rub of the green going against them on the 19th hole, our Junior cup team were defeated and ended a very successful run lasting two seasons.
They had fought a long hard campaign, gained invaluable experience, friends and memories over that time. The team was Laura Dempsey, Margaret Mooney, Triona Hogan, Connie Doyle, Cora Mernagh, Ann Banville, Helen Cosgrave and Bernie Whelan.
Our Intermediate Team led by Patricia Donnelly came up against Galway Bay in their semi final encounter.   It was a tight battle right from the start but it was not to be Enniscorthy's day. Even with an early win from Stella Sinnott and with many travelling supporters cheering on the team, victory slipped away. The team was Annette Cullen, Stella Sinnott, Jo O'Connor, Michelle Browne, Marie Duggan, Joan Miller, Lori Whitney, Elizabeth Browne, Mary Bolger and Ursula Cousins. A special word of thanks to the assistant managers, Judy Gregan, Mary O'Shea and Mary Mc Cauley.
Both teams worked very hard since early in the year and are Midland District champions. They have won two pennants for the Club of which they can be very proud. Gratitude also goes to our Club Professional, Stephen Fitzpatrick PGA who was of great benefit to the girls along the way.

Enniscorthy remains a favoured destination for golf societies from all over the country. On Thursday the 1st of October we welcome Ann McCracken from Rathfarham Golf Club and the Newtown Golf Society and Kenny Ward with the South Central Golf Society on Friday the 2nd. Saturday will also prove be a busy day with visiting societies from Thomastown Golf Society with Pat O' Hanlon, Martin Scanlon with the Mill Golf Society and Brian O’Connor with the Hotel Curracloe Golf Society. Next Sundays club sponsored competition is an open scramble and the time sheet is currently available.
The Ladies or Gents Open Fourball Qualifier at Enniscorthy Golf Club will take place every Wednesday commencing next Wednesday the 7th October until the 24th February 2010 (excluding Christmas Week). There are weekly prizes for 1st, 2nd and visitor. Grand final on the 3rd March 2010 with 1st prize of 2 rounds of golf, 1 night B&B with evening meal in the K Club plus other numerous prizes. Visitors at just €15 with reduced buggy rates and receive a 10% discount voucher off clubhouse meals. Time sheets open one week prior to each competition.
The Open Winter Alliance commences from Sunday the 18th October and runs on Sundays the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd of November thereafter. Time sheets will be available for the first Sunday next Wednesday the 7th October. The two handicap categories include 0-9 and 10 upwards. Overall winner from best three cards out of five posted in each category. Entry fee for visitors is only €20. There are weekly prizes for 1st, 2nd and visitor in each category. For bookings and further details please contact John Cullen 053 92 33191 or the professional Stephen Fitzpatrick PGA on 053 92 37600 for bookings. Stephen will also be running special offers each day and details may be viewed on the clubs website developed and maintained by Web Things.
The junior convenor, Jack Murphy, would like to thank all who took part in the successful junior section fund raising event on Saturday. Due to the many other sporting events around the county that junior golfers were involved in there was a shortage of juniors and Jack would like to thank all for their understanding and cooperation.
Results of the fund-raising draw; Colin Gainford 1st: four green fee tickets to Woodbrook, Visitors’ prize: Brian Murphy – four green fees for Athy, Ann Bernie – four green fees to Kilkenny.
The club sponsored Fourball competition was very well supported and with fine dry weather the course is really starting to recover from the monsoons of summer. Great scores were returned with the overall winners just passing the post on a back nine count back after having a superb round starting with a birdie on the first par 3 and a birdie later on the 14th. There were a few glitches along the way and a fast 18th green duped Paddy into a misread of the pace but a bogey was the worse outcome. The results of the competitions are as follows; Paddy Mooney (16) and Jimmy Fox (11) carded a 45 points [b9] closely followed by Tommy Kehoe (14) and Jack Sheridan (16) 45 with Alan Harrington (6) and Alan Kenny (5) with a 44.

Ladies Junior & Intermediate Cups Teams Results

Mallow march into Friday’s final with a win against 2008 Junior Cup Champions Enniscorthy.  Mallow won their first and third match courtesy of Nora O’Connor and Marie O’Sullivan but both were in need of one more win to secure a berth in the final.  However, both Marie Mackey and Ann Kennelly for Mallow were 1 down playing the eighteenth, but with nerves of steel both won their eighteenth hole and Ann went on to win the first tie hole to take the match and set up a final encounter against Dublin City. It was a great achievement for both our Intermediate and Junior teams to get to the semi-finals and it must have been a tremendous battle.

Junior Cup
Enniscorthy 1½ Mallow 3½
Laura Dempsey (7) lost to Nora O'Connor (9) 2 and 1
Margaret Mooney (9) beat Aisling O'Connor (10) 2 and 1
Trina Hogan (10) lost to Marie O'Sullivan (11) 3 and 2
Connie Doyle (10) halved with Marie Mackey (11)
Cora Mernagh (13) lost to Ann Kennelly (14) on 19th

Intermediate Cup
Enniscorthy 1½ Galway Bay 3½
Annette Cullen (16) lost to Fiona O'Driscoll (16) 8 and 6
Stellah Sinnott (17) beat Helen O'Flaherty (19) 5 and 4
Josephine O'Connor (17) lost to Orla Shields (20) 3 and 2
Michelle Brown (17) halved with Aoife Killeen (20)
Marie Dunphy (22) lost to Fiona Caulfield (20) 2 and 1

The teams have come a long way from their win in Moath last month:
JUNIOR CUP
ENNISCORTHY 3 -v- MOATE 2
Laura Dempsey lost to Amy Farrell 1up
Margaret Mooney bt Carmel Connolly 6&5
Connie Doyle bt Anna O’Brien 1up
Catriona Hogan lost to Olive Costello 4&2
Cora Mernagh bt Marian Carey3&2

INTERMEDIATE CUP
MOATE 11/2 -v- ENNISCORTHY 31/2
Maura Doyle bt Annette Cullen 3&2
Pearse Corbett lost to Stellah Sinnott 4&3
Geraldine Coughlin lost to Elizabeth Browne 5&3
Eileen White lost to Josephine O’Connor 4&3
Veronica Coughlin halved Marie Dunphy

Junior Cup Through To Semi-Finals

2008 Champions

AA Insurance Ladies Championship 2009

It all started in Mounthrath golf club when it played host to the AA Insurance Ladies championship (Midland qualifiers) on a wet Sunday, 30th August. Lots of supporters, both women and men, braved the rain and travelled from early morning to support their team, and they were not dissapointed. Great golf was to be seen by all catagories, Senior and Junior foursomes, Junior Cup, Intermediate Cup, Minor Cup and Challenge Cup.
All Winners are representing the Midland District at the play-off at Royal Tara from Wednesday the 23-26 September 2009.
Enniscorthy Junior Cup Team were victors again, in a repeat of AA Midland finals in Carlow last year, this time over Moate. Connie Doyle sunk a six foot putt on the 18th to give Enniscorthy a 3&2 win. Enniscorthy will now meet the Western district in the quarter finals at Royal Tara golf club on Wednesday 23rd September.
And in the Intermediate Cup, there was a second win on the day for Enniscorthy, beating Moate. As in the Junior Cup, the matches were well fought in at times, very heavy rain.

AA Insurance Junior Cup – Quarter Final winners Enniscorthy
Enniscorthy, defending All Ireland AA Insurance Junior Cup champions, secured a semi-final berth against Southern District Champions Mallow at Royal Tara.
Enniscorthy with four players from their victorious 2008 side, took charge of the match early on with Laura Dempsey in the top match, having lost 4 shots since the 2008 finals, and Margaret Mooney both winning their matches. Athenry put up a stern challenge with Ann Marie Mulry and Gina Gilligan levelling the affair. However, Enniscorthy’s experience told in the end with Cora Mernagh defeating Marian Hosty in a somewhat fiery final match.
Press Release prior to 2009 finals at Royal Tara
Athenry, Ballycastle, Castletroy, Douglas, Dublin City, Edenmore and Enniscorthy are seven clubs hoping to “do the double” at Royal Tara when the national finals of the 2009 AA Insurance Ladies Championships tee off on Wednesday.Enniscorthy, already Midland Champions in the Intermediate Cup, were the only team in a position to defend a national title when they beat Athenry in the Junior Cup on Wednesday the 23rd.
Wednesday 23 September:
Junior Cup
Enniscorthy 3 -v- Athenry 2
Laura Dempsey (7) beat Marie Carr (9) 3 and 2
Margaret Mooney (9) beat Josephine Noone (9) 4 and 3
Trina Hogan (10) lost to Ann Marie Mulry (10) 5 and 4
Connie Doyle (10) lost to Gina Gilligan (10) 4 and 2
Cora Mernagh (13) beat Marian Hosty (13) 3 and 1

Wednesday 23 September:
11.00-11.40 Junior Cup (Enniscorthy 3, Laura W, Margaret W, Trish B, Connie B, Cora W. -v-Athenry 2)
11.50-12.30 Intermediate Cup (K Club -v- Edenmore)
12.40-13.20 Minor Cup (Castletroy -v- Blessington Lakes)
Thursday 24 September:
08.00-08.20 Senior Foursomes (Enniscrone -v- The Island)
08.20-08.50 Junior Foursomes (Edenmore -v- Mitchelstown)
09.00-09.40 Challenge Cup (Mullingar -v- Portumna)
10.00-10.40 Junior Cup (Enniscorthy-v- Mallow)
10.50-11.30 Junior Cup (Dublin City -v- Ballycastle)
11.40-12.20 Intermediate Cup (K Club/Edenmore -v- Douglas)
12.30-13.10 Intermediate Cup (Enniscorthy -v- Galway Bay)
13.20-14.00 Minor Cup (Castletroy/Blessington Lakes -v- Athenry)
14.10-14.50 Minor Cup (Rush -v- Rockmount)
Friday 25 September (Tee times subject to change):
08.30-08.50 Senior Foursomes (Enniscrone/The Island -v- Ballycastle)
09.00-09.20 Senior Foursomes (Douglas -v- Carlow)
09.30-09.50 Junior Foursomes (Edenmore/Mitchelstown -v- Courtown)
10.00-10.20 Junior Foursomes (Curra West -v- Bray)
10.40-11.20 Junior Cup Final
11.30-12.10 Intermediate Cup Final
12.20-13.00 Minor Cup Final
13.20-14.00 Challenge Cup (Mullingar/Portumna -v- Dublin City)
14.10-14.50 Challenge Cup (Belvoir Park -v- Castletroy)
Saturday 26 September:
10.00-10.20 Senior Foursomes Final
10.40-11.00 Junior Foursomes Final
10.20-12.00 Challenge Cup Final

Great value over the coming months at Enniscorthy Golf Club:

Enniscorthy Golf Club Report Week 39

Great weather brought the ladies out Sunday the 20th September for the club sponsored songles competition. The results are as folows;
1st - Maeve McCauley 37 pts
2nd Mag Mooney 37 pts
3rd Helen Cosgrave 36 pts
SS 38 pts
The recent wet weather resulted in the ladies competition, sponsored by The Logo Centre, on Tuesday 8th September being cancelled.  However on Tuesday 15th September the ladies were out in force for the President’s prize (John Mernagh) to the ladies which was an 18-hole stroke medal competition.  Conditions were challenging with the course heavy under foot. Despite this there was excellent scoring particularly by the winner Julie McCarthy (16) with a fantastic score of 67 pts on the back 9. In 2nd place Elizabeth Browne (17) with 67 pts.  Gross: Jennifer King (6) 78 gross pts, 3rd: Bernie Webster (21) 68 pts (back 9), 4th: Breda O’Leary (34) 68 pts, Senior Lady: Rita Riordan (29) 71 pts, 5th Ursula Cousins (20) 69 pts and 6th: Elizabeth Atkins (23) 70 pts.

The ladies open senior stableford competition took place last Thursday the17th.  Congratulations to the overall winner Teresa Bailey (18) who took the spoils with a great score of 36 pts. Other winners were:
Cat A:  1st: Liz Askins (22) 35 pts, 2nd: Anna Mai O'Connor (34) 30 pts.  Cat B: 1st: Mary Bolger (21) 32 pts, 2nd: Ursula Cousins (19) 31 pts.  Cat C:  1st: Mary Rochford (17) 34pts, 2nd: Dympna Talbot (28) 33 pts. The next open ladies senior competition is on 15th October which is the last of the year.

The very best of luck to the Ladies Intermediate team and the Junior Cup team who are competing in the National finals in Royal Tara, Co. Meath from Wednesday 23rd September to Friday 25th September.  All support would be greatly appreciated.

The golfing season that saw much activity over the past six months with inter-club tournaments and sponsored competitions draws to a close. But not to leave members and guests without competitive golf there are several club sponsored competitions in the offing. Such a competition was held last weekend with the club sponsoring a gent’s fourball. The scoring was close but in first place were Mark Kenny (16) and Peter O’Sullivan (11) with 46 points which is an excellent result when considering that the format was three-quarter handicap. In second place were Alan Harrington (6) and Alan Kenny (5) with 45 pts just pipping the combo of Martin Dempsey (6) and Lar Ronan (4) 45 pts. Details of the Ladies or Gents Open Fourball Qualifier commencing Wednesday the 7th of October and the Winter Alliance sponsored by OCM Construction that starts on Sunday the 18th of October with visitors at just €20 can be viewed on the notice board and club website.
 The final midweek competition sponsored by Ned Hogan Tool Hire took place last Wednesday and Thursday evening and was very well supported with almost 100 golfers taking part in this popular semi open event. Unfortunately the sponsor could not be present due to illness to present the lovely prizes on display so the honour fell to the capable honorary secretary John Cullen who appeared diffident and reticent to make a speech that all agreed was out of character for John. However, the captain had control of the situation and wished Ned a speedy recovery and soon everyone, even those in the Texas hold em brigade were attentive. Breaking with tradition the captain called on all prizewinners to say a few words and several took the opportunity to do so. Seniors winner Terry Hogan (14) with an excellent return of 19 points over the nine holes took the chance to thank his playing partners and to say how the delighted he was to be a recipient of a midweek prize. The course had just been sanded on the Wednesday morning and Terry was wary how the ball would react but in retrospect he felt that it was a necessary task that would pay dividends in the months ahead. As the names were called out in reverse order Vincent Daly (15) was called to the podium next to collect his prize of an XL designer top that will be the envy of the other well dressed golfers in the club carding 19 points no doubt purchased in our pro-shop which carries a large range of current fashion golfing dress-wear. Vinny thanked the sponsor for the array of wonderful prizes and his only regret was that under the rules of his fourball he would grudgingly have to return the princely sum of two Euros waged as would his partner John Jordan. Vinny's handicap took a nosedive when he turned fifty some time ago. Nicky Murphy (6) won the gross with 15 points while making it known to Paul Gorby that it's possible for other low handicappers to the get a look in for the gross prize. Seizing the moment, the captain reminded all present of the debt own to Paul and Eamon Whitty who with indefatigable energy look after the midweek events throughout the summer. A worthy second placed winner was found in Donal Donegan (17) who scored a fabulous 21 points over the nine hole competition. Donal thanked his playing partners and obviously found great form even with a freshly sanded course. But the man of the moment was Tommy Kehoe (14) who just pipped Donal on the back nine returning 21 points and a veteran campaigner he went on to thank his playing partners Matty Mernagh and Mick Wickham. Tommy has had a great golfing year to date winning the Ned Kerrigan Cup and numerous other events seeing and his handicap drop sharply. Tommy took up the game late in life but has made up for lost time and his exploits will be the subject of another tome at a later date. The honorary secretary John Cullen had great pleasure in presenting the first prize to Tommy on behalf of Ned Hogan Tool Hire and there is no doubt that Tommy will feature again soon. The Captain expressed his sympathy on behalf of the officers & members of Enniscorthy Golf Club to Seamus Murphy on the passing of his Father Mr. Paddy Murphy (former Roadstone employee), Pearse Road and to Pat Nolan on the recent death of his Brother Michael and this was echoed by all their friends and fellow members present on the night. A reminder that all first placed winners of each midweek will now go on to play in the 'Champions of Champions' final sponsored by Tommy Cooper, Regional Manager of FRS Training to be set for a later date in the coming weeks.
Ned Hogan Tool Hire Results:
1st: Tommy Kehoe (14) 21 pts,
2nd: Donal Donegan (17) 21 pts,
Gross: Nicky Murphy (6) 15 pts,
3rd: Vincentt Daly (15) 19 pts,
Seniors: Terry Hogan (18) 19 pts. 

The final of the club singles took place on Sunday afternoon between Michael Healy and John Mernagh. It was the clash of the Titans with Mick giving John nine shots and John won the match on the 17th in what is believed to have been a great contest and enjoyable exhibition of golf. Neither were available for comment on the night!

Enniscorthy Golf Club Report Week 37

On Thursday last the 3rd of September many ladies braved the elements to compete in a sweepstake competition. Congratulations to Ann Harvey (20) who took the spoils with a fantastic score of 45 pts while in 2nd place Emear McGrath (14) with another great score of 44 pts and in 3rd Marie Dunphy (22) with 42 pts.
O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar 18 hole stableford has been re-scheduled due to wet weather and the competition will now be held on Sunday the 4th and Tuesday the 6th October.
Monday 14th September Enniscorthy hosts the County Wexford Lady Past captains day while on Tuesday the15th of September the mens President John Mernagh will present his prize to the ladies. It is an 18 hole stroke medal competition.
A note for your diaries ladies – Sunday 20th September, Tuan is kindly sponsoring a Waltz rumble. This will be a draw competition and anyone interested in playing should put their names up on the sheet in the ladies locker room.
The very best of luck to the Ladies Intermediate team and the Junior Cup team who are competing in the National finals in Royal Tara, Co. Meath from Wednesday 23rd September to Friday 25th September.
Congratulations to John Noblett (9) who had an Eagle on the 16th par 4 following a way ward drive leaving himself an unorthodox approach shot from the 17th as fellow golfers and visitors looked on and applauded. Just to prove that it wasn’t by accident John went on the birdie the 17th index 3 sinking a three metre putt and ended with a par on the 18th netting him an impressive 14 points over the last four holes. John hopes to bring this form into next week monthly medal sponsored by Bourke O’Leary.
Tomorrow, Thursday the 10th, we see the first group from our twinned centenary club from Carmarthen arrive. There are many events and games organised and anyone wishing to assist are asked to contact Lucy Healy for details. The official match between the two clubs will take place on Saturday morning next for the centenary trophy which Enniscorthy won on their visit to Carmarthen last year.

Senior Golf:

Last week the Tom and Mary Corrigan sponsored Gents Seniors Open Singles took place and it was very well supported. The results for all categories follows;

50’s and over:

1. Willie Newe (17) 42 points,
2. Michael O’Connor (21) 35 pts [back nine],
3. Jack Murphy (9) 35 pts [last six].

60’s and over:

1. Paddy Murphy (17) 37 points [back nine],
2. Charlie O’Brien (19) 37 pts,
3. C. Larkin (16, Arklow) 36 pts.

70’s and over:

1. Paddy Lipsett (15, Arklow) 37 points [back nine],
2. Paddy Kearns (10) 37 pts,
3. Michael Doyle (16) 36 pts.

Next gents seniors open singles will take place on the 8th of October kindly sponsored by Harry and Bridie O’Connor. A new addition to the gents’ senior tour will be the clubs public relations officer who would like to thank all those who wished him well and to John Buckley for his emotive rendition of Banna Strand last Saturday evening.
Last weekends Fourball competition was sponsored by Enniscorthy Wholesale Electrical with over 160 members taking part despite the poor weather conditions on Sunday. In first place were Colin Garry (12) and Brian Sinnott (17) with 46 points with a back nine count back closely followed by Denis G Dunbar (13) and Tom O’Shea (19) 46 pts. In third place were Jim Hogan (5) and Mick Coffey (5) with 45 pts on a back nine count back.
The course superintendent, P.J. Dempsey, has added autumn to the yearly schedule on the clubs website and it can be viewed at http://www.enniscorthygc.ie/aboutourcourse.html. Full complements to P.J and his staff and the course committee for keeping the course open and in great condition despite the inclement weather. It was remarked by visitors that the course was in top condition considering the amount of rainfall it has had to endure. We welcome Andrew O’Riordan and the Edwicks Golf Society this coming Saturday.
Congratulations to Paul Gorby who won the Junior Scratch at Mount Wolseley recently carding a four over for his round.
Commiserations to our valiant Jimmy Carroll Cup Team who did us proud on Monday the 7th September but who were overwhelmed by a strong Nenagh team.
Deep sympathy is expressed to Pat (Prof) Nolan from the Management and members of the club on the passing of his brother Michael. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Mid-Week Connect Electrical (Derek Long) Results:

• 1st: Richard Wall (19) 23 points,
• 2nd: Jim Rigley (14) 22 pts,
• 3rd: Robert Ronan (8) 20 [last 2],
• Gross: Cormac Martin (2) 18 pts,
• Seniors: Michael Wickham (12) 19 [last 6].

65 played and we would like to thank our sponsor.
Welcome to our twinned centenary club Carmarthen Golf Club from all at Enniscorthy Golf Club.

Carmarthen Golf ClubVisit:
This week we saw the long anticipated visit from our twinned club of Carmarthen who arrived on Thursday afternoon with over 37 members including their captain Alan Williams and his good wife Ann as well as their Director of Golf Darren Griffiths, son of Terry Griffiths the 1979 World Champion snooker player. The two clubs were twinned on the day of the centenary captains’ drive in on the 25th of February 2007 and a charter to certify that effect is displayed on the clubhouse wall.

Blessed with glorious weather for their four day visit the members of Carmarthen immediately donned their golfing apparel and headed out for a few holes. They spent Friday visiting neighbouring courses to return on Saturday morning for the inter-club battle for the centenary trophy. This was followed later that evening by dinner at which the ‘outgoing’ captain, Declan Lyons, welcomed all present and gave a brief history of the twinning and the origins of the now annual centenary trophy challenge. Carmarthen retained the trophy during the centenary year when a small team led by William Rackard, then captain, travelled to Carmarthen were vanquished. In 2008, a much stronger brigade travelled under the 2008 captain Jim Byrne and won the trophy back albeit by the most narrowest of margins beating Carmarthen on their home ground. There was a moment of panic this year when the captain glanced at the handicaps of the Carmarthen travelling party prior to their arrival but when he realised that they were arriving on Thursday his fears were soon allayed as this meant that they would have two nights of entertainment. This turned out to be their Achilles’ heel when overcome with fatigue and over indulgence of Irish hospitality many of their teams on the day failed to perform and an easy victory was secured by Enniscorthy. The best of the Carmarthen team were Fred Steele and Martin Philips who had a 4-3 win over their hosts. The captain called upon the opposing team and club captain Alan to present the Centenary Trophy, sponsored by past President Morgan Dunne, to the winning clubs captain. Alan proceeded to thank Enniscorthy for their hospitality and the course and catering staff. In his after dinner speech Alan spoke of how this was his first time in having the pleasure of playing the ‘hidden jewel’ of the South East. The parkland course was a pleasure to play with breathtaking views of the Blackstairs Mountains and to experience the wonderful hospitality. Alan paid tribute to the Carmarthen organisers that included their director of golf, their vice-captain Chris and to Ruth James and of course Lucy. We look forward to your visit next year and we hope we can provide the same level of hospitality and weather. Declan reiterated Alan’s statements and went on to pay tribute to Lucy Healy for her time and efforts in organising the visits and ensuring all went according to plan. The entertainment followed with the Carmarthen golfers giving Enniscorthy a taste of real Welsh singing with favourites such as Calon Lân (Oh Pure Heart) and  Hen Wlad fy Nhadau (Land Of My Fathers) amongst others. Not to be outdone Enniscorthy provided the entertainment with our very own Matty Kinnaird and Lar Ronan who gave a great performance and Karaoke. Planning will soon be under way for Enniscorthys next trip to Carmarthen in 2010 and anyone interested should contact Lucy so as not to be disappointed.


Jimmy Carroll Cup:                                  

Back Row: Jim Hogan, Tommy Kehoe, George Leech, Tom Hogan, Pat Mulvey, Eamon Houlihan, Mick Wickham.
Front Row: President John Mernagh, Team Manager Willy Dunne, Capt. Declan Lyons, Neville Tector.

A great effort and achievement from one of Enniscorthys greatest senior teams was on display last Monday week when our over sixties got to the final of the Jimmy Carroll Cup at Westmanstown Golf Club. The Jimmy Carroll Cup is organised to honour the memory of Jimmy Carroll an Irish International golfer and a member of An Garda Siochana. A very well organised and supported event with representation from almost every club in the country and it was no mean feat for Enniscorthy to achieve 3rd in Leinster and placed 6th over all. Full commendations to their manager, William Dunne and assistant team manager Morgan Dunne. Among those taking part were Jim Bohan, Tom Hogan, Mick Wickham, Pat Mulvey, Eamon Houlihan, John Doyle, George Leech, Neville Tector and Tommy Kehoe. Well done all.

One of the clubs well known golfers and characters, Paul Gorby, won the scratch cup at Mount Wolseley recently with a fantastic score of only four over. Among the many activities other than golf related held in the clubhouse are Bridge and Texas holdem nights. These sociable activities attract a large following and they herald the onset of the shortening days and long winter evenings ahead. Bridge lesson for beginners will take place this coming Friday night the 18th of Sept at 7.30 p.m. and will last for an hour while the Bridge night commences this Tuesday.

The major club competition last weekend was the Bourke O’Leary Monthly Medal played in the best weather the course has enjoyed in some time. It was also a welcome relief for weary golfers who have slogged through three months of abysmal monsoon like weather. Taking top prize was Shane Fenlon (13) with a 66 two shots ahead of veteran Tommy Kehoe (14) 68. Gross went to Cormac Martin (2) whose commitment to the game is exemplary and obviously pays dividends as Cormac appears to be sole winner of most of the gross prizes recently and carded a 72 on this occasion. In third position was Ray Hemmingway (14) with a respectable 70 closely followed in fourth place by Jim Rigley (14) with a 71 on the back nine count back just ahead of Brain Sinnott (17) also with a 71. Seniors went to Jim Mackey (9) with a 74. Over 200 male members took part and we thank our sponsor for their continued support.
This was followed on Sunday evening with the Bourke O’Leary sponsored mixed competition with the combo of  Jack (9) and Vikki (29) Murphy taking first prize with 28.5 over the nine holes. In second position were Sheila Farrell (23) and Jimmy Fox (11) with 31.5 and gross went to John Casey (14) and Margaret Mooney (8) with a 41.

The postponed midweek competition finally got underway last Wednesday sponsored by Derek Long, Connect Electrical. In first place was Richard Wall (19) with a great score of 23 points over the nine hole competition closely followed by Jim Rigley (14) with 22 and Robert Ronan (8) in third with 20 points. Gross went to Cormac Martin (2) 18 and seniors to Michael Wickham (12) carding 19 points. This weeks midweek competitions is sponsored by Ned Hogan Tool Hire and is over two days, Wednesday 16th and Thursday the 17th. This will conclude the well supported midweek competitions for 2009 and the organisers would like to thank most sincerely all those who have sponsored and congratulations to all the winners and those who took part religiously each week.

Large number for scramble despite weather.

The fine summer weather brought out the best in the ladies when they played on Tuesday 25^th August in the 18-hole stableford competition kindly sponsored by Valencia Nursing Home. A great round of golf by Laura Dempsey (8) ensured her of first play with a great score of 42 pts. In 2^nd play Jenny King (6) with 37 pts (back 9), Gross: Nicky King (5) 30 gross pts, 3^rd Marie Dunphy (22) 37 pts, 4^th Julie McCarthy (16) 37 pts, Snr Lady: Maeve McCauley (19) 36 pts. In the club house that night Triona Hogan came to present the prizes to the winners.
Due to course sanding next Tuesday, the alternative day for ladies is Thursday 3^rd September. This is an 18-hole stableford competition kindly sponsored by O’Brien’s Sandwich Bar. Please note that from 1^st September all the ladies morning competitions will be draws. The draw times are 9am, 9.30am, 10am and 10.30am with afternoon times available on the time sheet.
For all the 36 handicappers who qualified for the Gill Leo Trophy, the second round must be played by 7^th September. The competition sheet is posted in the ladies locker room.
Both the Junior team and Intermediate Cup teams competed in the Midlands and District finals which was held in Mountrath on Sunday 30^th August. Both teams were up against Moate.
Enniscorthys' Junior Cup teams were victors again in a repeat of AA Midland finals in Carlow last year, this time over Moate. Connie Doyle sunk a six-foot putt on the 18th to give Enniscorthy a 3&2 win. Enniscorthy will now meet the Western district in the quarterfinals at Royal Tara golf club on Wednesday 23rd September.
There was a second win on the day for Enniscorthy in their Intermediate Cup beating Moate. As in the Junior Cup, the matches were played out in very heavy rain at times. Enniscorthy will play the Western district in semi finals at Royal Tara on Thursday 24th September. Well done all!
A call to all past captains - Friday 4^th September is past captain’s day in Enniscorthy Golf Club. Please contact the Office for details.
Several competitions and events were cancelled during last week as the rain held the course hostage. Among those was the junior captains’ prize of Graham Donohoe that will be re-scheduled for a later time. The mid week competition was yet again adversely affected and also postponed. Though the Northern part of the County experience most of the heaviest rain on Friday, Enniscorthy was spared and the Niall Mellon Classic went ahead as scheduled. Saturday saw a full time sheet as many tried to make the best of the break in the monsoon and the clubhouse was buzzing with activity.
The Club sponsored weekend open scramble results (strokes 1/10^th handicap);
1^st: James Buckley (3), John Buckley (8) Alan Buckley (12) and Mark Higgins (6) 55.1,
2^nd: Pat Doran (17), Ernesto Di Fiore (22), Martin Brophy (21) and W. Rackard (4) 56.6,
3^rd: Maurice Donohoe (3), Jack Sheridan (16), Tommy Kehoe (14) and Michael Pierce (19) 56.8. Members are reminded that not turning up for a competition, especially a team or four-ball event, may incur a two week suspension with the names of those failing to cross off within an appropriate time having their names also placed on the notice board.
Gowran Park and Lucan battle out this year's final in the FBD Barton Cup next Saturday the 5th of September taking the cup from Enniscorthy.


Weather permitting, we hope to play the Ned Hogan Tool Hire midweek competition this evening (Wednesday) and Enniscorthy Electrical Wholesale will sponsor this coming weekends gents fourball followed by a ladies fourball on Sunday sponsored by Kiltrea Bridge Potteries and we thank our sponsors. We welcome Dermot Coffey and the Three Ships Golf Society back again and we wish all a very enjoyable days golfing.
Niall Mellon Township Golf Classic deemed a Great Success.
Organisers of the Niall Mellon Classic held at Enniscorthy Golf Club last Friday were overwhelmed by the level of support and enthusiasm of the golfers taking part considering the type of weather experienced prior to the event. During the presentation of the prizes on Friday night in the clubhouse, Nick Power thanked all those who took part in the four person scramble classic in making it such a success. Spectacular arrays of prizes were on display among them were enlarged framed images of the course and clubhouse tastefully presented by Sean Long from Xpress-art. In first place were this years Captain Mr. Declan Lyons (10), Martin Sludds (5), Dan Jordan (9) and Hon. Sec. John Cullen (11) with 57.5 with a combined 1/10 handicap of 3.5. In second place was the team of Marie Dunphy (22), Nancy Dunphy (18), Margaret Mooney (8) and Laura Dempsey (7) with 60.5 with combined 1/10 handicap of 5.5 while in third place were N Sheehan (15), Sean O’Leary (17), Dan Byrne (18) and Michael Dee (14) with 60.6 on a combined 1/10 handicap of 6.4. Fourth place was taken by the team of J. Wynne (16), Jimmy Kenny (18), Pat Quinn (21) and Des Kehoe (8) with 60.7 and in fifth position was the team of Tommy Cooper (14), Tom Roche (16), Maurice Power (9) and Neville Tector (12) wit 60.9. First place non-GUI category went to B. Brophy (12), D. Brophy (7), P. Lamissy (12) and R. Dempsey (12) with 60.7 while second place non-GUI went to Paddy O’Connor (12), Patsy Doyle (12), Aiden O’Brien (12) and Tom O’Brien (12) with 63.2. Nick thanked all the sponsors who gave so generously to this most worthy of causes and all who assisted on the day.
The Niall Mellon Township Trust was established in 2002 with the aim of providing quality social housing for the impoverished communities in the townships of South Africa. In the trusts first year they completed 150 homes, over the following six years they had completed 11,000 homes in total, 5,000 were built in 2008.
The success of the trust has been possible because of the generosity and support received from our Volunteers, the general public, and the Irish and South African governments. Each year the trust brings Irish Volunteers to South Africa to participate in a week long "Building Blitz". In 2008, 2,000 Volunteers travelled from 13 countries to take part in the Building Blitz while during that week an incredible 253 homes were built. This brings to a total of 5,000 volunteers who have participated in the building blitzes to date. The next "Blitz" will take place this November from the 6^th to the 14^th but if you're not ready to commit in November why not sign up for Spring 2010? All details on line on their website at www.irishtownship.com/htm/blitz_week.htm