Mens Golf Club Notes | Concrawood Golf Club | Irelan
20th October 2020
CIARAN PRUNTY DOWNS THE CURRIES
Golf is a funny old game. A week ago, Seamus Leonard was at the top of the leaderboard with a score of 38 points. Had he returned another 38 this week, he would have struggled to make it into the top ten. For some unknown reason, the scoring went through the roof in our annual Steel Formed Systems competition. Top of the pile was Ciaran Prunty on a score of 44 points. Ciaran has had a quiet season, but decent scores in some recent Seniors events seem to have turned his game around. A birdie at the last, which seemed like nothing more than icing on the cake at the time, actually proved crucial for Ciaran. He needed every single point to better Mel Currie’s score of 43 points. What a round of golf the Currie brothers enjoyed on Sunday morning. After nine, Mel was one over, while Mark was three under! Two birdies and only one bogey on the back nine saw Mel recover to level par. Mark on the other hand succumbed to a costly seven at the fifteenth, and while he completed the course on a superb score of one under 71, his points total of 41 sees him go home empty handed. Mel on the other hand wins our Category 1 prize. Category 2 features a new name in our winners’ enclosure. New member Jonathan Moore wins this one on a score of 42 points. In Category 3 scoring was more in keeping with recent trends, this one going to Andy Whelan on a score of 38 points.
In Seniors news, thirty nine played in our weekly competition and the winners were, 1st Charlie Geoghegan, Andy Whelan and Tom Ryan 61 pts. 2nd Martin Allen, Micky Quinn and Paddy Niland 53 pts. 3rd Thomas Brennan, Bart McNamara and Barney McDonald 52 pts. 4th Pat McNeill, Paul Shortt and John Keenan 51 pts. Please note placing to the sides until further notice.
This weekend our competition is sponsored by Tavey’s Menswear, Carrickmacross. The format is stableford playing off the green tees.
And finally for this week, a reminder to all members to please return all tickets for our annual draw to the office at Concra. The draw will take place in December, with one lucky person driving away in a brand new FIAT500.
13th October 2020
COMEBACK KING SEAMUS
Seven – seven – blank. What a start! There’s many a golfer would pull the plug after three holes, if it wasn’t such a climb back up to the car park. But not so Seamus Leonard. He’s made of sterner stuff. The self-acclaimed “Best Golfer in Blayney” recovered sufficiently on the front nine to post 19 points. And another 19 on the back nine was enough to win the Dick Kernan Cup in one of the tightest ever finishes at Concra. No fewer than twelve players were within two points of Seamus’s winning score. Categories 1 and 2 were won by Mel Currie and Kevin Duffy, who both equalled Seamus’s 38 points, only to be squeezed out on a countback, while the Category 3 prize went to Noel Boyd on a score of 36 points.
This weekend our competition is sponsored by Thomas O’Neill and Steel Formed Sections. This stableford event will be played off the green tees.
In our Seniors section, the winners last week were Eamon Toal, Nicky Hore and Non-Runner with 54 pts. 2nd Martin Allen, Paddy Niland and Macartan Lambe 50 pts. 3rd Brian McGovern, Kevin McCooey and Jim ONeill 49 pts. 4th Johnny Redmond, Larry Coleman and Tom Ryan 49 pts. Mini League week 1. Category 1 Eamonn Toal 23 pts. Category 2 Sean Mulligan 18 pts. Category 3 Tom Ryan 18 pts. Thanks to the Concra Wood Ladies and Senior men for their generous donations for the new seats on the par threes which are now completed.
And finally for this week, a reminder to all members that we’re now on a countdown to our annual draw which takes place in December. Please return all tickets and money to our office in the coming weeks.
6th October 2020
BLASTS FROM THE PAST
There was a definite “Retro” look to the leaderboard in last weekend’s McArdle’s Office Supplies competition. One or two of the prize winners sent us checking the record books to find the last time they had featured among the prizes. First up was the winner Christopher Brennan. In only his second outing of the season, he returned a score of 39 points for his first victory in …well quite some time! However, his absence from the podium can’t compare with our Category 1 winner. There was a time when Niall Dignam was our number 1 golfer, winning on an almost weekly basis – particularly the best gross prize. A few years ago, he took a break from golf, which ended up lasting nearly a decade. This season he’s returned, and now his comeback is nearly complete, with a prize winning score of 36 points. Category 2 went to a more regularly featured golfer, Dessie Woods on a score of 33 points. And for our final “Blast from the Past” Category 3 was won by Pat McNeill on a score of 30 points. We tried to find the last time Pat featured among the prizes, but our computer records only go back to 2005.
In Seniors news, our winners last week were Captain Thomas Brennan, Pat Conlan, Brendan Laverty with an excellent 59 pts. Beaten on the count back Pat McNeill, Paddy Niland, Tom Ryan 59 pts. 3rd with 50 pts only Johnny McGoldrick, Nicky Hore, Pat Horgan. 4th place went to Declan McAteer, Finbar Brohan, Raymond Kernan with 49 pts.
And finally for this week, our greens team has been busy sanding our fairways over the past few days. With a bit of moisture forecast, our course should be nicely back in shape for this weekend’s competition, which is the Dick Kernan Cup.
29th September 2020
MAIDEN VICTORY FOR CONOR MC CAUL
Our Junior section has gone from strength to strength over the past few years, with dozens of young golfers taking part in our weekly events. It’s not surprising then that we’re beginning to see the first of this new generation featuring among the prizes in our men’s competitions. Fifteen year old Conor McCaul was one of many who got his first senior handicap earlier this year. After a Summer of practice, he played to his handicap for the first time last week, returning 36 points in the Members’ Prize. And this weekend he went six better, with a round of 42 points to take first prize in the Paul Hill Cup. Conor got off to a sticky start with a blank at our very tough second hole. But it was pars and bogeys all the way from the third for a comfortable three point victory. You never forget your first win, but in this case it was all the more special for Conor, as Paul Hill was his next door neighbour. Category 1 was won by Ciaran McMahon who returned his umpteenth good score of the year, this time 39 points. Category 2 went to Concra’s most dedicated golfer Paul Leonard on a score of 36 points. And Category 3 was won by Patrick Niland Jr. who also returned a score of 36 points. The Hill family would like to thank all participants for playing in the Paul Hill Memorial Cup and would also like congratulate their neighbour Conor McCaul on winning the cup and to all the winners.
After a weather delay of 24 hours, forty eight seniors played in Nicky Hore’s Captain’s Day competition. Now had the competition taken place when scheduled, we would have had a different winner as our overall winner Finbar Brohan was not available to play on the Thursday. Finbar’s 36 pts was enough to win on the count back. Runner up was Pat McNeill. Category 1 winner was Johnny McGoldrick, 2nd Gerry Treacy, 3rd Ciaran Prunty. Category 2 winner was Pat Conlon, 2nd PJ Lambe, 3rd Adrian Sewell. Category 3 winner was Junior McKeown 2nd Macartan Lambe, 3rd Tom McHugh. Nearest the pin at the 14th was Johnny Redmond. Welcome to the senior ranks new members Pat Merrick and Jim Connolly. Thanks Nicky for a great day, the goody bags and the wine.
And finally for this week, our next competition is sponsored by McArdle Office Supplies. This stableford competition will be played off the green tees.
22nd September 2020
GAVIN WINS THE MEMBERS PRIZE
Scoring has been rather tame in Concra of late, for one reason or another. Just as it seemed that we were winding down at season’s end, Gavin McEneaney really shook things up at the weekend when he shot a superb score of 43 points to win the Members Prize. Birdies on holes nine and twelve were the highlights of Gavin’s round of 75 strokes. They ensured a three point victory margin over Patrick Comiskey, who was right in contention until he came a cropper at our very difficult eighteenth hole. The Category 2 prize is his consolation. Category 1 was won by Calum Callaghan on 38 points. In any other year Calum would have undoubtedly been Golfer of the Year. And Category 3 was won by another “form horse” Shane Fitzsimons on another fine score of 37 points.
This weekend our competition is the Paul Hill Cup. This stableford event will be played off the green tees.
In Seniors news, our winners this week fresh from the Donegal trip were Johnny McGoldrick with Pat Conlon and Pat McBride 56 pts. 2nd Ciaran Prunty, Eamonn Johnson and Ciaran Coyle 55pts. 3rd PJ Harte, Adrian Sewell and Macartan Lambe 55pts. 4th Pat McNeill, PJ Lambe and Junior McKeown 51 points.
Our inter-club season came to an end on Sunday as Sean Malone’s Ulster Cup side went down to the men of Loughgall GC. On a topsy turvy day, away wins for Mervyn Brown and Keith Hill weren’t enough as Loughgall won three matches in Concra. Commiserations to Sean and his team, and congratulations on making it into the last eight. Let’s hope 2021 proves to be a more positive golfing year.
And finally for this week, a reminder to all members that the clock is ticking on our Club Draw. In December one lucky person will drive away in the FIAT 500 first prize. All filled books should be returned to our office in the coming weeks.
15th September 2020
THE BLAYNEY CUP STAYS IN CROSS
Michael McEntegart won the Blayney Cup last year, and it looks as though he had a hand in keeping it in Crossmaglen for another year. Last week he led his Merry Men on their latest golfing odyssey, this time to Kerry. And whatever it was he put in their tea, they came back new men. First out of the blocks was Noel Gorman, who shot an unassailable 36 points to win our notoriously difficult Black Tees Friday competition. And hot on his heels came Declan Smyth who won the Blayney Cup at the weekend with a fine score of 38 points. Declan turned an average round into a really good one by parring the last five holes, ensuring Cross will see some silverware this Autumn season. Runner-up spot went to Calum Callaghan, who Declan pipped on a countback. However Calum won’t mind at all as he fulfilled his season’s ambition of reducing his handicap to 4. Congratulations Calum. The best gross was won once again by Charlie McDonnell, 33 gross points taking the spoils on this occasion. And third prize went to Shane Fitzsimons. 36 points was enough to get Shane into the Top Three, proof again, if proof were needed, of how difficult our course plays when there’s no run on the ball.
Now I have heard of golfers playing two rounds in one day, but not one in Bundoran and then Concra Wood. On Thursday last, Johnny McGoldrick and Heber McMahon teed off at 7:30 on the final leg of the West Coast Classic and played the Seniors competition in the afternoon at Concra. Isn’t it great to be young !! Winners with 55 pts were Eamon Toal, Adrian Sewell and Tom Ryan. Second were Pat McNeill, Bart McNamara and Barney McDonald 53 pts. Third were Martin Allen, Larry Coleman and Michael Reid 49 pts. And fourth place went to Martin Farnan, Paul Shortt and Tony Carville 48 pts. Senior Captain Nicky Hore’s Captain’s Day is pencilled in for Thursday 24th September with tee times from 9 to 11am. Contact Andy for your slot.
And finally for this week, our next singles competition is The Members’ Prize. This takes place on this Saturday and Sunday, and is a stableford event off the green tees.
8th September 2020
DYLAN DELIVERS
Dylan Fee is a big hitter. Keeping the ball in play is the challenge for him – but as they say “The apple never falls far from the tree!” At the weekend he rose to that challenge, shooting a superb round of 44 points in our annual Carna Transport competition. Dylan even enjoyed the luxury of blanking two holes in the process. So there’s no telling what he’ll shoot, when one of these days it all comes together. Dylan’s margin of victory was a massive seven points from Category 1 winner Calum Callaghan. A really steady round of fourteen pars and four bogeys sees Calum come within a whisker of reducing his handicap to a new low of 4. Category 2 was won by Brian Morgan who needed a mere 35 points to get among the prizes. And the Category 3 prize is also heading to Clontibret. Martin McCague picks it up having matched Brian’s 35 points total.
This weekend it’s the Blayney Cup. As there’s no Captain’s or President’s Prize to play for this year, this is our premier singles competition of the season.
Well done to all the Juveniles who played in all our Sunday competitions throughout the year. The results for our final weekend in the Canon Morris Cup held on the 6th of August were as follows: Our winner was Cormac Conlon with Caolan Donnelly in second place. The Blue Group Ronan Mc Enaney was the overall winner and Aaron O‘Connor in second place. The Yellow Group Dillon McMonagale was the overall winner and Harry Sibley in second place. Juvenile Golfer of the Year 2020 went to Sean O’Connell who had a wonderful summer of golf – well done Sean. The Most Improved Juvenile player of 2020 went to Ryan McDermott. Well done Ryan, you golfed all year with a smile on your face. The future of Golf looks bright for Concra Wood with large numbers of talented juveniles coming through. New members are always welcome, enquires can be made at the ConcraWood office. We would also like to wish our Junior Captain Jamie McCann Smith a speedy recovery back to full health. Finally a big thank you to all our Sponsors and Volunteers each week. Without your support we could not make our juvenile golf the success it is.
On the Seniors front, our winners this week with 54 pts were Michael Quinn, Ciaran Prunty, Tom McHugh. 2nd Eamonn Toa,l Adrian Sewell, Tom Ryan 54 pts. 3rd Andy Whelan, Brendan Laverty, Barney McDonald 50 pts.
And finally for this week, we had mixed fortunes in our latest inter-club matches. Adrian Kelly’s Junior Cup side lost their last sixteen match against Lurgan GC on Sunday evening. Having overcome the odds in earlier rounds, their run of away draws finally caught up with them. But the news was better for Sean Malone’s Ulster Cup side. They also had an away draw, and it was Team Captain Sean himself who won the crucial point with a final hole victory at Mourne GC. Their reward is a home draw against Loughgall GC in this year’s quarter-final.
1st September 2020
BILL MC CAHEY R.I.P.
On Sunday afternoon, the word started to spread on phones and by word of mouth. Bill McCahey had died. While not unexpected, there was a real sense of loss in the messages of our more seasoned members. Newer club members who’ve joined us since our move to Concra could be forgiven for asking “Who was Bill?” Well, in his heyday, in our old clubhouse in the orchard beside Hope Castle, Bill was the Main Man in Castleblayney Golf Club. His official title was Bar Manager, but he meant so much more to our members. In our very modest surroundings, he created a really welcoming local, which we’d been crying out for, for years. Everyone loved it. We started to attract new members, and it seemed that every club in Ulster brought a busload of followers to away matches in Blayney, just for a night’s craic with Bill. Now it’s fair to say that Bill’s time-keeping skills weren’t his strongest point, but this only seemed to add to our little bar’s charm. Those were great years in our club. But sadly all great things must come to an end. With time comes change, and all we have left of those days are memories. And, while Bill and all his friends went on to enjoy good times in Concra, one thing is for sure. When the reminiscing starts, as it often does, and we hear stories of Junior Cowdy matches, card schools, singsongs, Captain’s Nights, excuses for bad golf, committee outings – getting there – and back – not to mentions Spaghetti Westerns and Chinese Takeaways, the star of the show always was, and always will be Bill. Our deepest sympathies from all his friends at Concra to Bill’s wife Mary and all the McCahey family. May he rest in peace.
Earlier in the weekend, one hundred and seven of our members took part in our latest competition which was sponsored by Darren McQuillan’s Ceol Music. The winner on a score of 43 points was Pauric Donaghy. This was a very impressive round of golf, as Pauric played in the windiest of conditions on Saturday morning. Birdies at the 11th (rare) and fifteenth were the highlights of his four shot victory, which sees his handicap reduced to single figures for the first time. Congratulations Pauric. The Category 1 prize was won by Mel Currie. His fine score of 39 points is no doubt a reaction to his brother Mark’s headlines last week. Nothing like a bit of sibling rivalry! Category 2 went to the very in-form Noel O’Reilly who also scored 39 points. At this rate he’ll soon be giving shots to everyone in his fourball. And the winner of Category 3 was PJ Lambe who took the spoils with a more modest 35 points.
In our Seniors section, the winning team last week was PJ Harte, Eugene McDonnell, Brendan Laverty 53 pts. 2nd Pat McNeill, Paul Shortt, Tony Carville 50 pts. 3rd Gerry Treacy, PJ Lambe, Pat McBride 46 pts
Well done to all the Juveniles who played in Sunday’s competition sponsored by Concra Wood Ladies. Results for the 30th of August: In the Red group David Lambe was the overall winner and Timothy McArdle in second place. The Blue Group Kiera McLaughlin was the overall winner and Rian McGrath in second place. The Yellow Group Linus McEnaney was the overall winner and Dillon McMonagale in second place. Next week is our last Juvenile Golf for 2020 with the Canon Morris Cup on 6th of September, followed by a prize giving and refreshments for the children.
And finally for this week, our next competition is sponsored by Carna Transport. Members will play this stableford event off the green tees.
25th August 2020
NUDIE HUGHES GOLF CLASSIC AT CONCRA WOOD
For five unforgettable days, the great and the good of the country’s GAA stars and golfers took to the fairways of Concra Wood for the Nudie Hughes Golf Classic. After months of planning, our committee had covered every base. All we needed was a bit of weather. And then we had Storm Ellen. While fearing the worst, we hoped for the best – and the best is exactly what we got. All of Nudie’s friends and guests turned up, with a total of 170 teams taking part in our most successful classic ever. On Sunday evening at a very reduced and socially distanced presentation, our Captains Thomas and Sile paid tribute to the incredible commitment of Nudie and his team. To mark the occasion, they bestowed the honour of Honorary Life Membership on Nudie. Nudie replied in his own inimitable way, before presenting Moya Lynch of Castleblayney Cancer Care with a cheque for €23,000 which he helped to raise over the five days. A wonderful end to a wonderful week!
On the golfing front the winning scores were as follows:
1st. Shane Byrne, Ryan Nelson, Paul McEntegart and Oisin Cassidy 99 pts.
2nd. Frank Nolan, Declan Smyth, Phil Brannigan and Pat McNeill 97 pts.
3rd. Stephen McQuillan, Greg Duffy, Sean Malone and Patsy Boyle 97 pts.
4th. Sean Malone, Noel O’Reilly, Eugene McGuigan and Gerry McCaul 96 pts.
5th. Paddy Kerr, Tommy McCormack, Paddy Comiskey and Brendan Lennon 94 pts.
6th. Adrian Trappe, Brendan Casey, Pauric Trappe and Terry Gilsenan 94 pts.
7th. Gavin McEneaney, Paul Leonard, Gareth McMahon and Rory Niland 93 pts.
1st Ladies. Janette Coogan, Donagh Nugent, Chris Monahan and Mary McEneaney 82 pts.
2nd Ladies. Josephine McCahey, Sheila Moore, Martina Conlon and Jeanette Keenan 69 pts.
And a big congratulations to Noel O’Reilly who hit the Shot of the Week – his mighty best 8 iron for a Hole in One at the 14th.
This weekend, if we can get through Storm Francis, it’s back to singles golf in our annual Ceol Music competition.
And finally for this week, well done to Adrian Kelly and his Junior Cup side who squeezed through to Round 4 of this year’s event with the narrowest of narrow victories over Killymoon GC on Sunday evening. With three away matches we needed someone to do the business in Cookstown, and once again our key man was Frank Nolan who took the spoils with a one hole victory. At home in Concra, when Jack McDonnell won his match at the 14th, all eyes turned to Mark Currie. And he didn’t disappoint, winning his dramatic encounter with a birdie at the first tie hole. We wish Adrian and his team the best of luck in the next round.
18th August 2020
QUINNWINS BY FIVE
After our recent struggles with strokeplay and gold tees, it was back to good old green tees stableford in our weekend competition, which was sponsored by Brendan McAleavey’s Culloville House. And no surprise then that our winning score was a big one. Phelim Quinn won his first senior event with a total of 45 points. Scoring steadily throughout, with 22 on the front nine, and 23 on the way home, it looks like Phelim will have little problem coping with his new reduced handicap of 21. Category 1 was won by Mickey Rushe on 40 points. Since lockdown, Mickey’s form has been such that he’s lost five shots – all the way from 11 down to 6. No doubt there’s more to come before the year is out. In Category 2 Eamonn Burns took the top spot with 40 points. But it could have been so much more had it not been for a mini collapse on our difficult last four holes. The story couldn’t have been more different for Category 3 winner Seamus Leonard. Seamus only managed 5 points on the first five holes. But he found his feet at the sixth, and such was his recovery that he won his category on 38 points.
Congratulations to Sean Malone and his Ulster Cup side, who overcame the concession on home advantage in beating Silverwood GC on Saturday. Away wins for Greg Duffy and Mervyn Brown proved decisive, booking a place in this season’s quarter final. However, it’s commiserations to Frank McDonnell’s Jimmy Bruen Shield side who went down by three matches to two on Sunday against Aughnacloy GC. Although Frank’s men won their two home points, they fell short in all three away legs.
In Seniors news, last week’s winning team with 55 pts was Andy Whelan, Ciaran Prunty, and Macartan Lambe. 2nd place Charlie Geoghegan, PJ Lambe, Tom McHugh 49 pts. 3rd place Eamonn Toal, Bart McNamara, Barney McDonald 49 pts. 4th place went to PJ Harte, Hebor McMahon, Raymond Kernan 45 pts.
Then it was on to the Gabriel Moore Memorial Cup on August 13th. This is the 3rd year of Gabriel’s Memorial and there was a big turnout as usual. Our senior captain Nicky Hore welcomed Maura and Finian who attended the presentation, and memory lane was visited many times during the meal in the View Restaurant. Forty-six of Gabriel’s golfing partners and old friends took part. The weather was glorious and Concra looked splendid. Overall winner was Micky Quinn on 41pts. Category 1 was won with a fine 39 pts by none other than Gabriel’s nephew Martin Farman on his debut with seniors. Now that’s the way to make an entrance! 2nd Gerry Treacy 36 pts, 3rd Martin Allen 36 pts. Category 2 winner was steady Eddie Pat Conlon and in spite of his buggy breaking down at the 4th green and having to be rescued by Brian McGovern, he still managed 37 pts. 2nd Ciaran Prunty 35 pts. 3rd Bart McNamara 34 pts. Category 3 went Jim ONeill with 37 pts. Jim spent some time in Kerry recently sharpening up his short game for this one. Nearly pulled it off Jim !! 2nd Micky Reid with 35 pts who also won nearest the pin on the 14th. 3rd Brendan Laverty with 34 pts. The non -winners draw was won by Pat McNeill (golf balls) and PJ Comiskey (wine).
Juvenile golf results from the 9th of August: In the Red group Sean O’Connell was the overall winner and Aoibhe Bolger in second place. The Blue Group Padraic Carville was the overall winner and Rian McGrath in second place. The Yellow Group Aaron Gurn was the overall winner and Ryan McDermott in second place.
Well done to all the families who took part in the Family Greensome competition on Sunday, kindly sponsored by Adrian Sewell. We had fifty-three players take part which was a fantastic turnout. The winners of the Red tees competition with a great score of net 30 were Eimear McGlynn and Dad Paul. In second place winning on a count back came Cormac and Mark Conlon with a net 33. Pauric and Joe Donaghy were the unlucky ones missing out this time. The Blue tees competition was equally close with Aaron and Enda OConnor edging out Ronan and Fionnuala McEneaney on a count back, both teams had finished with nett 21 for the six holes. Well done to the winners and thank you to everyone who turned out yesterday. It really is appreciated. This week is our last of Conor’s weekly coaching sessions for 2020. Many thanks to our Club Pro and his assistant Ciaran for the lessons each Monday. There is no Juvenile golf next Sunday as the course is unavailable so we have two Sundays remaining – 30th August and our final event the Canon Morris Cup on 6th of September, which will be followed by a prize giving and food for the children and volunteers through the year. A big thank you to all our volunteers each week, without your support we could not make our juvenile golf the success it is.
And finally for this week, everyone in our club has fingers crossed that the Weather Gods will be kind to us over the next five days. Teams from all over the country are coming to Blayney, to take part in The Nudie Hughes Golf Classic. After months of preparation, we hope everyone can enjoy this special event which celebrates the career of Monaghan GAA legend Nudie, while also raising funds for Castleblayney Cancer Care. Anyone who wishes to support the classic can contact our office at (042)9749485 or at info@concrawood.ie
11 August 2020
ONE STROKE VICTORY FOR PAURIC
There were one or two moans and groans coming from the Pro Shop at the weekend, as members were told that our McElvaney Motors Prize was a strokeplay event. Strokeplay is quite unpopular in some quarters, with some suggesting that it favours those with lower handicaps. And looking at the results on Sunday night, they could have a point. The average handicap of the top ten performers was 10.7. This didn’t hinder Pauric Donaghy in the slightest. He won the competition on a score of 67 nett, in the process reducing his handicap to a new low of 13. The runner-up was Sean McKernan who narrowly missed out on 68. The best gross was won by Mark Currie who shot a 75 gross. And another “low man” Calum Callaghan took third prize with a score of 71 nett. And such was the number of high scores and no returns, that this one turned out to be a rare Reduction Only competition.
This weekend our competition is sponsored by Brendan McAleavey’s Culloville House. This stableford event will be played off the green tees.
There was more good news on the inter-club front this week. Frank McDonnell’s Jimmy Bruen Shield side won their second round match against All Ireland title holders Tandragee GC on a scoreline of 3-2. Home wins for the pairings of Ciaran McMahon and Barry O’Reilly, Padraic Conlon and Greg Duffy, and Alan Bolger and Jason Murphy set up a third round match with Aughnacloy GC on Sunday evening. Such is the congestion caused by the abbreviated season, that this week will also see Adrian Kelly’s Junior Cup team and Sean Malone’s Ulster Cup side in action. We wish them all the very best of luck.
Well done to all our juveniles who played in last week’s competition sponsored by our club professional Conor McKenna Golf; In the Red group Cormac Conlon was the overall winner and Sean O’Connell in second place. The Blue Group Padraic Carville was the overall winner and Somhairle in second place. The Yellow Group Ryan McDermott was the overall winner and Aaron Gurn in second place. This weekend, on another beautiful Sunday evening at Concra Wood, we had a large turnout for our three juvenile golf competitions. Results from this weekend’s golf will get published later in the week. Monday Juvenile golf camp continues this week, please see juvenile notice board for schedule of upcoming camps or ask in the pro shop. Next Sunday’s Golf is our annual Family Greensome competition kindly sponsored by Adrian Sewell.
And finally for this week, our major event of 2020 the Nudie Hughes Classic is nearly upon us. Our committees and staff are busy putting the finishing touches to the preparations for what is now a five day event from Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23rd of August. And while the timesheet is more or less chock-a -block, there is still the opportunity to sponsor a tee box for the entire length of the tournament, or to make a donation to Nudie’s chosen charity Castleblayney Cancer Care. Contact our office at (042)9749485 or info@concrawood.ie
4th August 2020
GENE BACK FROM THE BRINK
Golf is a funny old game! Having spent the season in the golfing doldrums, Gene McGuigan had fallen out of love with golf. By his own admission, his game had hit rock bottom. He was at the point of putting the clubs on Done Deal when he headed out to play in the Professional’s Prize on Sunday. He birdied the first – renewed hope. 19 points after nine – finding his feet. And then it all came together. Gene parred from 13 to 17 off the very difficult gold tees, before a birdie at the last sealed victory on a score of 39 points. All is well again. Form, as they say, is temporary! Gene’s winning margin was a single point over Fergal McGuigan. Fergal comes to golf with quite a pedigree – not only a nephew of Gene, but also of our Captain Thomas. His winning score of 38 points in Category 3 was matched by Charlie McDonnell, who yet again takes the Category 1 prize. While one under is not his lowest score of the year, playing off the golds on a windy Saturday, it was probably his best. And Category 2 was won by a constantly improving Pauric Donaghy with a total of 34 points.
This weekend our strokeplay competition is sponsored by McElvaney Motors. It will be played off the green tees, and once again we’ll be competing for category prizes.
In this season’s Ulster GUI tournaments, all matches are being played on a simultaneous home and away basis. On Sunday, Sean Malone’s Ulster Cup side faced the difficult task of taking on Portadown GC with three matches at home and four away. But wins in Portadown for Greg Duffy and Keith Hill were the key to seeing Sean’s men safely through to Round 2. On Monday night Adrian Kelly’s Junior Cup team faced Warrenpoint GC. With home advantage in three matches, Adrian sent Frank Nolan “away” to Warrenpoint. This plan worked a treat as he served up the crucial point for Concra.
Thirty nine seniors played a 3-man team event on Thursday last and the results are: Winners with 58 pts Brian McGovern, Nicky Hore, Arthur McGeough. 2nd Johnny McGoldrick, Paul Shortt, Brendan Laverty with 56 pts. 3rd Eamonn Toal, Ciaran Prunty, Junior McKeown 50 pts. 4th Pat McNeill, Larry Coleman, Macartan Lambe 49 pts.
Well done to all our juveniles who played in last week’s Diamond Designs sponsored competition. The results were: In the Red group Sean O ‘Connell was the overall winner, with Cormac Conlon in second place. The Blue Group Hazel Hughes was the overall winner and Keira McLaughlin in second place. In the Yellow Group Ryan McDermott was the overall winner, with Dillion McMonagle in second place. Another large turnout for our three juvenile golf competitions this weekend, kindly sponsored by our own professional Conor McKenna Golf. There is no golf camp this week, please see juvenile notice board for schedule of upcoming camps or ask in the pro shop. Next Sunday’s Golf is sponsored by Carna Transport, with Golfer of the Year points up for grabs.
And finally for this week, the four days of the Nudie Hughes Classic are shaping up to be very busy indeed. We already have over one hundred and fifty teams entered for our major event on August 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd. Anyone who wishes to support the classic, by sponsoring a tee box or entering a team, should contact our office at 042 9749485, or by email to info@concrawood.ie
28th July 2020
LATE KICK-OFF JUST THE TICKET FOR DAVID O’NEILL
Early risers, so beloved of our former Taoiseach, are said to experience all sorts of good fortune – health, wealth, wisdom, and early worms to name but a few. Well, try telling that to David O’Neill. On Saturday morning he slept in and arrived late for his early tee time in our annual Sealo Freight competition. Luckily for him, there was an empty slot around an hour later – alongside our Handicap Convenor Dessie Duffy. Now playing under the watchful eye of this particular club official can have a limiting effect on some golfers’ performance. But not big hitter David, who put his extra hour to good use on the driving range, before booming his way to victory on 42 points. He only shot 19 points on the front nine, but went to town on the inward nine, scoring 23 points, the highlights being birdies on holes 15 and 18 and a memorable chip in on 16. This sees David’s handicap reduced to 12.8, well on the way to his target of single figures by the end of the year. In Category 1, Charlie McDonnell won his weekly prize – his two under par round giving him a score of 39 points. And there was one for everyone in the McDonnell family (almost!) as Charlie’s Uncle Ronan won Category 2 on a score of 38 points. The Category 3 prize went to Paraic Craig, who picked up points on every hole on his way to a total of 38.
This weekend our competition is our Professional’s Prize, sponsored as always by Conor McKenna. Once again, we’ll be playing for category prizes.
Well done to all our juveniles that played in last week’s competition, results were: In the Red group Theo Mc Mahon was the overall winner and Cooper McMahon in second place. The Blue Group Rachel McLaughlin was the overall winner and Kealan Dignam in second place. The Yellow Group Aisling Greenan was the overall winner and Dillion McMonagale in second place. Another large turnout for our three juvenile golf competitions this weekend kindly sponsored by Diamond Designs. Juvenile golf camp continues this week, please see juvenile notice board for schedule of upcoming camps or ask in the pro shop. Next Sunday’s Golf is sponsored by our professional Conor McKenna with Golfer of the year points up for grabs. And a big thank you to all our volunteers each week, your support is greatly appreciated by the club.
Our Seniors Major the Jimmy Coleman Memorial Cup always attracts a big turnout, but this year’s fifty starters was the biggest since 2004 when this competition was first played. Elizabeth Coleman presented the prizes on The View Restaurant balcony and was clearly delighted to see that so many of Jimmy’s friends were present. The overall winner was Charlie Geoghegan, who returned an excellent score of 44 pts. Great round Charlie. The category winners were as follows:
(1) 1st Captain Thomas Brennan 38. 2nd Eamonn Toal 38, 3rd John Redmond 37.
(2) 1st Nicky Hore 41, 2nd Andy Whelan 39, 3rd Pat Conlan 37.
(3) 1st Barney McDonald 38, 2nd Tom Ryan 36, 3rd Pat McBride 35.
Nearest the pin on the sixth hole was won by Johnny McGoldrick.
Thanks to Michael Smyth and his staff for a lovely meal and all who donated the wine for the draw. Seniors please get your names in for the Nudie Classic, we need all the support we can get.
And finally for this week, our considerably reduced inter-club season got under way this week. In the opening match, Adrian Kelly’s Junior Cup team took on Cloverhill GC. Wins for Adrian, Alan Bolger and Michael McEntegart saw them safely through to Round 2 on a final score of 3-2. Sadly, things went in the opposite direction for Gerry McCaul’s Pierce Purcell Shield side. They won their two home matches, but three reverses away from home meant Armagh GC progressed to Round 2. Good luck this weekend to Sean Malone and his Ulster Cup side who go toe to toe with Portadown GC in a similar home and away format.
21st July 2020
STEADY MURPHY PLOTS HIS WAY TO VICTORY
Every member knows that when the wind is in your face on the sixteenth tee, the biggest challenge of Concra is all still ahead of you. All weekend long this was the test in the Clement McKenna Cup. On Sunday night when all the cards were in, the eighteenth hole came out as Index 1, with the sixteenth Index 2, and the seventeenth Index 4. They wrecked many a good card! Sometimes it’s best to just play for a five, which is exactly what our winner, wise old owl Francis Murphy did. His steady bogey – bogey – bogey finale put the finishing touches to a super round of 42 points. Francis has managed to reduce his handicap by no less than three shots since the resumption – who knows where it’ll all end. So how many competitors finished their rounds with three pars? The answer: One – Ruairi Digby. This was enough to secure second spot on a score of 40 points. The best gross was won once again by Charlie McDonnell who returned a six over par round of 78. And third prize was won by Sean McKernan, who also finished 5 – 5 – 5.
This weekend our competition is sponsored by our own Seamus Leonard and Sealo Freight. On this occasion we’re competing for category prizes.
Our major event for 2020 at Concra Wood is the Nudie Hughes Golf Classic. Taking place over four days from Thursday 20th to Sunday 23rd of August, this is a celebration of the career of Blayney and Monaghan’s Triple All-Star Nudie. The Classic which raises funds for the Castleblayney Cancer Society is being sponsored by Heineken. Anyone who wishes to enter a team, sponsor a tee, or make a donation should contact our office at (042)9749485 Ext. 0, or email info@concrawood.ie.
Well done to all our juveniles that played in last week’s competition sponsored by Beauty World. In the Red group Sean O’Connell was the overall winner and Theo McMahon in second place.The Blue Group Aoibheann McEnaney was the overall winner and Shannon McDermott in second place. The Yellow Group Dillion McMonagale was the overall winner and Rian McGrath in second place. This weekend on another beautiful Sunday evening at Concrawood we had a large turnout for our three juvenile golf competitions. Results from this weekend’s golf will get published later in the week. Thank you to our club professional Conor Mckenna Golf for the three day juvenile golf camp last week, the kids had a ball and their skills are showing on the course. Monday Juvenile golf camp also kicks off this week, please see juvenile notice board for schedule of upcoming camps or ask in the pro shop. Next Sunday’s golf is kindly sponsored by Diamond Designs with Golfer of the Year points up for grabs. Finally, a big thank you to all our volunteers each week, without your support we could not make our juvenile golf the success it is.
We had another big turnout of seniors this week and here are the results. Winning team with 58 pts Johnny McGoldrick, Adrian Sewell and in-form man Pat McBride. 2nd place Andy Whelan, Paul Shortt, Tom Ryan 49 pts. 3rd Martin Allen, PJ Lambe, Tony Carville 48 pts. 4th Gerry Treacy, Des Morgan, Tom McHugh 48 pts. Great to see Tom McHugh back playing again. Happy birthday to Eamonn Toal, still shooting his age !!
And finally for this week, tickets for our Annual Draw are coming in week by week. Any member who hasn’t received a book can call to the office and pick one up. All monies raised have been ringfenced for course development.
14th July 2020
BUSY OPEN WEEK AT CONCRA
Our timesheets were 100% full last week for our annual Open Week competitions. While most competitors were visitors from other clubs, one or two of our own members were among the prize winners. John Gorman got the ball rolling in the Watters’ Electrical Singles off the gold tees. He was quick to turn theory into practice, a lesson from Ciaran on Friday followed by a winning score of 39 points on Tuesday. Well done to Alan Bolger, who won third prize on 37 points. On Wednesday our Open Singles was sponsored by Moneycare. The only member to feature was Kevin Power who took first prize with a season’s best 43 points. Our fourball which was sponsored by Combilift on Thursday was won by Patrick Tavey, ably assisted by Val O’Donoghue from Mannan Castle. Local pairings of Patrick Niland and Tom Ryan, and brothers Lorcan and Anthony Keenan took the second and third spots.
Then it was back to business as usual at the weekend with our domestic singles competition sponsored by C & R McMahon Construction. The winner on a fine score of 39 points was Dessie Woods. A strong front nine of 21 points gave Dessie a strong foundation. As always, our inward nine caused a wobble or two, but a par at the 18th got Dessie over the line. All other prize winners scored 37 points – Stephen McQuillan In Category 1, Francis Murphy in Category 2, and Fergal McGuigan in Category 3.
On Sunday we kicked off our juvenile golf for 2020. With Golfer of the year points at stake we had a large turnout from our juveniles. The kids really enjoyed playing competitive golf again, with great scores recorded. Our club pro Conor McKenna is hosting a juvenile golf camp this week. With limited spaces this booked out early, but Conor hopes to host more camps in August. Don’t forget Monday morning juvenile golf academy starts on the 20th of July, also hosted by Conor. Please check out the juvenile notice board for a schedule of events this summer. Thank you to all our volunteers on Sunday and a big thank you to our juvenile sponsor this weekend Beauty World. Results from this weekend will get published later in the week, See you all next Sunday for more juvenile golf.
In Seniors news, the first of four new seats has been installed at the 9th tee. These are sponsored by the senior men and ladies. Thanks to all for donations. Our major annual event, The Jimmy Coleman Memorial Cup competition takes place on Monday 20th – 18 holes off the white tees. Watch out for text for more details. Well done to all our bunker rakers – keep up the good work!
And finally for this week, our next competition is the Clement McKenna Cup. Any member who hasn’t signed up yet needs to get a move on, as our weekend timesheets are booking out in record time.
7th July 2020
FRED BISHOP 1 PAUL MURPHY 0
Reporters have to be so careful these days. One wrong word, and the lawyers or the PC brigade are down on you like a ton of bricks. And then Fred Bishop goes and wins Paul Murphy’s Colt Design Prize, and you know that for one week only, you’ve got to be even more cautious! Gone the lonely Monday staring at a blank screen, trying to think of something to write. From morning, the phone is hopping with suggestions from members of how best to report on this significant victory. Some are printable. Apparently they usually describe Fred’s game as workmanlike – as in” Under the tree at Spar”. But on this occasion, in his shiny new golf shoes, he strolled up the middle of our rather challenging new fairways, to record a round of pars and bogeys for 40 points, and victory in Fred’s “Fifth Major”. And he needed every point, as his winning margin was just one. Pauric Coyle was hot on his heels with 39 points – his reward for weeks of practice is the runner-up prize. Patsy Boyle’s preparation has been of a slightly different nature. At this stage he knows every blade of grass in Concra. He was absolutely bombing along, until someone moved the 16th fairway. The confusion led to a 666 finish for third prize. And the best gross was won by Charlie McDonnell who recorded a rather modest round of 78.
This week is Open Week, which sees our timesheet booked out all the way up to our Black Tees Friday event. When the dust settles, it’s back to domestic competition, which is sponsored this weekend by C & R McMahon Construction.
And finally for this week, it’s only right to give a big shout out to our many members who’ve been volunteering for work over the past few difficult months at Concra. All business has suffered during the lockdown, and golf is certainly no exception. However, there seems to be a reawakening of community spirit, and thanks to your hard graft, our course is looking – and playing – better than ever. To all who rolled up their sleeves, a big thank you from everyone at Concra Wood.
30th June 2020
GOLF IN THE NEW NORMAL
There’s no doubt that we, the golfers of Ireland, have enjoyed the early return of our beloved sport over the past few weeks. The lifting of restrictions in Phase 1 coincided with some wonderful weather, and it seems like our timesheet has been busier than ever. And now in Phase 3 we have the chance to go even further and get back to competing – at home, in open days and at Inter-Club level. This weekend our Competition is a singles stableford event sponsored by Colt Design. Members can take part on Friday evening or at any time on Saturday or Sunday.
And then it’s straight into our annual Open Week. On Tuesday July 7th there’s an Open Singles sponsored by Watters Electrical. On Wednesday July 8th we have an Open Singles sponsored by Harry Dwyer’s Moneycare. Then on Thursday July 9th it’s a Fourball Betterball sponsored by Combi-lift. And the week ends with our Black Tees Friday event sponsored by McElvaney’s Waste.
Members will have every opportunity there to impress our team captains who have received their revised inter-club draws this week. As the Cowdy Golf Association took the decision to suspend their events for this season, all focus is now on the GUI tournaments. In the Ulster Cup we face Portadown GC, it’s Armagh GC in the Pierce Purcell Shield, the Junior Cup sees us paired with Cloverhill GC, while our Jimmy Bruen Shield side must do battle with Tandragee GC. Formats have had to be rejigged, but it looks like all is not lost for competitive golf in 2020.
And finally for this week, The View Restaurant in our clubhouse will reopen this Thursday, July 2nd, with limited capacity. There will be no casual access to the premises, as it will be operating on a booking only basis. We ask that everyone follows the guidelines and protocols in the interest of staff and customer safety.
17th March 2020
GOLF GOES ON – FOR NOW
We live in interesting times. While all sport is rightly a low priority in today’s world, we hope that playing golf may contribute to people’s wellbeing in the days and weeks ahead. Concra Wood clubhouse bar and restaurant facilities have closed, and in deciding on the golf course itself, we will follow the Golfing Union of Ireland guidelines, which you can all keep up to date with at golfnet.ie. As guidance is constantly being updated, any further information given here may quickly become obsolete.
Our Seniors hope to hold Nicky Hore’s Captain’s Drive-In under limited conditions on Friday morning at 11 o’clock. All who wish to play are asked to book a time on our BRS system, as there’ll be no draws and no socialising – just golf!
And finally for this week, our Spring League must be the unluckiest golf tournament of all time. It’s had three named storms to deal with – and now this! We did, however complete Week 2 on Sunday. The Category winners were Billy Hanna on 19 points, David O’Neill on 23 points and Sean Cassidy on 20 points. It’s hoped to double up on Weeks 3 and 4 this weekend, but prediction right now is a fool’s game. Whatever the week ahead brings, we wish you all good health. Look after each other.
10th March 2020
CAPTAINS’ DRIVE-IN AT CONCRA
The 2020 golf season is officially up and running at Concra. On Saturday morning, our captains performed their ceremonial tee off of the new golfing year. And the omens for the season are good as Thomas, Sile and our Junior Captain Jamie all hit the first fairway! The crowds of well-wishers then dispersed around the course to take part in a Mixed Scramble. It was good to see how well our course has weathered the recent storms, with nothing but positive reactions at the end of nine holes. The winners of the front nine event Johnny Redmond, Brendan Laverty and Sandra McAvoy were piloted to victory by Eugene McGuigan, while back nine winners Frank McDonnell, Adrian Sewell and Cathyrna Craig have Aidan Carragher’s driver to thank for reducing the tougher inward nine to a mere pitch and putt course. Both teams returned scores of 4 under par.
There was a huge turnout for our first presentation of the year afterwards in our clubhouse. Having presented the winners of the recent Cooltrim Oil Winter League, our Captain Thomas proceeded to launch our Annual Club Draw. The first prize is a FIAT 500, with tickets available for only €5. Members are asked to return all ticket monies at their earliest convenience, as all proceeds are going to be spent on course development.
Twenty-seven Seniors played last week and a big welcome to our latest young senior Johnny Redmond. The winners with 51 pts were Joe Quinn, Paul Shortt, Arthur McGeough. 2nd Martin Allen, PJ Lambe, Junior McKeown, 45 pts. 3rd Declan McAteer, Heber McMahon, Pat McBride 44 pts.
And finally for this week, more good news! The O’Reilly Forklifts and Machinery Sales and Hire Spring League finally kicked off at the weekend. Our three category winners for Week 1 were Billy Hanna on 22 points, and Martin Farnan and Sean Hughes who both scored 23. It’s hoped to squeeze weeks 2 and 3 into this weekend, to make up for lost time. And members are not too late to join in from this weekend, as only the best four weekly scores will be counted at the end of the league.
3rd March 2020
GOLFERS SPOTTED IN CONCRA
Our Seniors have it down to a fine art. The minute the ice melts, and the storms abate, the Jungle Telegraph springs into action, and within the hour they’re on the tee, ready for their weekly battle. So we do have some golf to report on this week.
Twenty one seniors, all suffering from cabin fever, took to the fairways at Concra Wood on Thursday last and the long layoff didn’t seem to make any difference to the usual suspects. Here they are. Winners with 49 pts Charlie Geoghegan, Micky Quinn, Nicky Hore. 2nd Eamonn Toal, Adrian Sewell, Arthur McGeough 47pts and 3rd Brian McGovern, Andy Whelan, Pat McBride 45 pts.
Up coming event – Annual away trip to Slieve Russell is 06/07 May. Deposits now due.
Of course, it was too good to last. The weekend brought Storm Jorge, and once again our Spring League was wiped out. With a little luck, the stars might align this weekend, and we can get the ball rolling. We also hope to tee off the golfing year with Thomas and Sheila’s Captains’ Drive-In. This is scheduled to take place on Saturday morning at 11am. Members are invited to take part in a nine hole scramble immediately afterwards, so sign up at the noticeboard by Friday at the latest.
And finally for this week, thanks to everyone who supported our Poker Night on Friday last. All proceeds go towards course improvements. Keep your eyes open for some changes on holes 5 and 6 in the coming weeks!
25th February 2020
NO GOLF – AGAIN!
The total absence of any golf in Concra of late has been frustrating for golfers, challenging to the writer, and no doubt tedious for the reader. But anyway, here goes – apologies in advance – here is this week’s golf news. Our seniors’ attempts to play nine holes were completely snookered last week. There was no play in our Spring League at the weekend. It’s hoped to double up on Weeks 1 and 2 this weekend, but at the time of writing the forecast is for snow. So don’t hold your breath! If, however, any members do make it up to the clubhouse, there’s an opportunity to sign up for our Mixed Scramble, which is being played in conjunction with our Captains’ Drive-Ins on Saturday March 7th. Weather permitting!!
And finally for this week, one possible solution to fill the gap in your weekend is to take part in our Poker Classic which takes place this Friday night in our clubhouse. First deal is at 8 pm.
18th February 2020
WINTER WIPEOUT
First came the snow, which saw the seniors frozen out for the week. Next came Storm Dennis, and the kick off of our Spring League was blown away. So there’s no golf to report on from Concra this week. It’s hoped that conditions may improve sufficiently for a ball or two to be hit this weekend. In any event, our competitions committee are still hopeful that we will complete six weeks in the Spring League, but keep an eye on our website, where we’ll keep you posted.
And finally for this week, a date for your diary. Our Captain Thomas and Lady Captain Sheila have pencilled in their joint Drive-In for Saturday 7th of March. All members are welcome to take part in a Mixed Scramble on the day. Anyone wishing to play should sign the form on our noticeboard, so the draw can be made in advance of the Drive-In.
11th February 2020
SCOTCH FOURSOMES
More than a few hardly souls braved the worst of Storm Ciara’s conditions to get their weekly golf fix, and to take part in our Scotch Foursomes event at the weekend. Our Committee thought it best in the circumstances to reduce the competition to nine holes, so the complex maths became even more complicated, producing some unusual winning scores. The winners on a total of 32.75 strokes were Gary Doyle and David O’Neill, with Billy Hanna and Paul Campbell taking second prize on a sore of 33.75. The three quarter shot has always been a true test of golf!
20 seniors played a putter and 3 club competition on Wednesday last. The lack of club choice was no problem to some veterans, namely Eamonn Toal, Joe Quinn (who let those two out together?), Eugene McDonnell and Pat McBride with a massive 55 pts. Even with a deduction of 3 pts for the 4 man team they were still 6 clear of 2nd place Andy Whelan, Hebor McMahon and Tom Ryan. 3rd place all the Pats with 44 pts Pat McNeill, Pat Conlan, Pat Bolger. Next week, weather permitting, Senior Captain Nicky Hore will have his Drive In.
And finally for this week, our annual Spring League – sponsored by O’Reilly Forklifts and Machinery Sales And Hire – tees off this weekend. This singles competition takes place over the next six weeks, with each player’s four best scores to count. Weeks 1,3 and 5 will be played on the front nine, with the even numbers 2, 4 and 6 on the back nine. And at the end of all that the top 16 will qualify for a matchplay event. The perfect way to dust down your game and prepare for the year ahead.
4th February 2020
FOURBALL VICTORY FOR PHILIP AND GREG
We’re between leagues at the moment in Concra, so our competitions committee is giving us a chance to partake of some alternative formats. At the weekend, we had a good turnout in a 15 hole fourball. The winners on a score of 41 stableford were Philip McCague and Greg Duffy. Hot on their heels were no fewer than five pairings on 40 points. After a very tight countback, the runners-up were Eoin Hamilton and David Lennon, with Brian Morgan and Ciaran McMahon taking third prize. This weekend we’re going for Scotch Foursomes. This format differs from traditional foursomes in that both players tee off, before selecting one ball with which they complete the hole. And if that doesn’t manage to confuse, each pairing has play off 40% of their combined handicap. Bring your calculator!
In Seniors News this week, I have to say you can’t beat the youth, as Bart McNamara wins at the second time of asking. Bart was aided and abetted by Martin Allen and Pat Conlon with 46 pts. Pat’s still holding his form after coming off his winter league category win. In second place were Brian McGovern, Andy Whelan and Pat Bolger on 45 pts. Johnny McGoldrick, Heber McMahon, Joe Gleeson, and Raymond Kerman came in third with 42 pts. 25 played and the scores were lower due to windy conditions. Next senior outing will be a four club competition, one of your clubs must be a putter.
Upcoming event on Wednesday 12th February is the Senior Captains Drive-In. More on that next week.
And finally for this week, one last reminder to all members that entries for our Spring League must be in by Sunday 9th of February, when the draw will take place. This year’s league is being sponsored by O’Reilly Forklift & Machinery Sales & Hire.
28th January 2020
SMYTH’S MEN IN A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
The scoring throughout this season’s Cooltrim Oil Winter League has been hot – very hot! Take this week’s category winners for example. Category 1 Frank Nolan 23 points (that’s two under par in old money) including four birdies. Category 2 Michael Byrne 25 points – and that’s for nine holes! Category 3 Noel Boyd on a mere 22 points. However, one team still managed to blow everyone else out of the water. Declan Smyth, James Connor and Brendan Carragher led the way from pillar to post, ultimately taking the top spot by eleven clear points. Stephen McQuillan, Noel O’Reilly and Sean Cassidy battled as hard as they could, but in the end they have to settle for the runner-up prize. The individual competition was a much closer affair. In Category 1 the aforementioned Mr. Smyth squeezed home in first place, but only two points ahead of Barry O’Reilly. Category 2 was won by Gerry McCaul who edged out his playing partner Noel O’Reilly by three points. And Category 3 went to Pat Conlon, with Andy Whelan seven points back in second place.
This weekend we have a break between leagues. So our competition is a fourball better ball which can be repeated with different partners. When signing in, members can take the opportunity to enter the Spring League by sticking their name and handicap on an envelope containing €10, and popping it in the box. The draw will take place on Sunday 10th of February, with the league kicking off on the following day.
In Seniors news, 21 played on Wednesday last in wall to wall sunshine. A big welcome to new member Bart McNamara, alas Bart just missed out on the prizes on his debut by the dreaded count back. It’s hard to beat the crafty oldies. Winners with 39 pts Johnny McGoldrick, Paddy Niland and Junior “two drivers” McKeown. 2nd Pat McNeill, Andy Whelan, Pat Bolger 38 pts. 3rd Eamonn Toal, PJ Lambe, Joe Gleason 38 pts. It’s gardening time again and a big thank you to the seniors who tidied up around the entrance and clubhouse on Friday last.
And finally for this week, there is still a small number of members who have yet to rejoin for 2020. A quick visit to our office will soon put this right.
21st January 2020
WINTER LEAGUE FROZEN OUT
I’m guessing it was a better weekend for Cooltrim Oil than it was for the Cooltrim Oil Winter League. Not a single golf ball was hit at Concra Wood as the course was frozen solid. Therefore there are no results to report, and Week 8 – the final chapter – of this year’s league will go ahead this week – hopefully!
14th January 2020
WINTER LEAGUE DOWN TO THE WIRE
It’s Week 8, the final week of the Cooltrim Oil Winter League. Week 7 saw no major changes at the top of the team or individual leader boards. Declan Smyth’s Team 5 continues to enjoy a nine point lead over Stephen McQuillan’s Team 18, with Philip McCague’s Team 6 a further two points behind. However, as both Stephen and Philip’s sides have low scores to discard in the final week, a team total in the forties could yet upset the apple cart. The category winners in Week 7 have all been regulars at or near the top all Winter long. Barry O’Reilly on 24 points, Gerry McCaul on 23 and Brendan Carragher on 22 has a familiar ring!
In Seniors news, 28 played last week and the winners were Joe Quinn, PJ Lambe, Nicky Hore, Junior McKeown with 54 pts. 2nd Charlie Geoghegan, Adrian Sewell, Paul Shortt, Arthur McGeough 52 pts. 3rd place went to Johnny McGoldrick, Pat Conlon, Raymond McCooey, Pat Mc Bride with 51 pts.
And finally for this week, a reminder to all members that annual subs were due to be paid by January 1st. If this has slipped your mind, please visit our office and sign up for another twelve months of golf at Concra Wood.
7th January 2020
DECLAN DOMINANT
Declan Smyth underlined his dominance of the Cooltrim Oil Winter League in Week 6, with the highest score of 25 points for another win in Category 1. Category 2 went to Michael Byrne on 24 points, while Pat Conlon won Category 3 on a score of 22 points. The league now enters an interesting phase. All teams – and individuals – have recorded six weekly scores. As only six weekly totals count over the eight weeks, all competitors now try to replace their two lowest scores with higher ones in Weeks 7 and 8. Got it! So the following tables can change considerably over the next fortnight.
Leading Teams
Team 5 – Declan Smyth, James Connor and Brendan Carragher 233 pts.
Team 18 – Stephen McQuillan, Noel O’Reilly and Sean Cassidy 228 pts.
Team 6 – Philip McCague, Paul Leonard and Pat Conlon 223 pts.
Team 17 – Eugene McGuigan, Paul Campbell and Paraic Craig 223 pts.
Leading Individuals
Category 1 – Declan Smyth 126 pts. Barry O’Reilly 120 pts.
Category 2 – Gerry McCaul 118 pts. Noel O’Reilly 116 pts.
Category 3 – Pat Conlon 117 pts. Nicky Hore 102 pts.
All competitors are reminded that Week 7 is played over the front nine, and to ensure that they take the right scorecard when signing in.
In Seniors news, it was Happy New Year on a chilly but sunny day as 28 Seniors saw 2020 off to a good start on January 3rd. Some high scoring as Pat Mc Neill, Adrian Sewell, Paddy Niland & Gene Mc Donnell were in the top 4 Ball (51pts) followed by Joe Quinn, Pat Conlon, John Keenan and newcomer Eamonn Mc Aleer (50pts). Welcome to the Seniors Eamonn. The third team of Martin Allen, PJ Lambe, Jim O’Neill & Arthur Mc Geough (47pts) squeezed through to the podium by one shot on a countback.
And finally for this week, best wishes for 2020 to our new captains Thomas and Sheila, and to all their new committees who are getting down to work for the year ahead.
17th December 2019
WINTER LEAGUE FROZEN OUT
It’s been a long Winter. Already! It started in September and it’s been downhill all the way. And while our Seniors manage to find a gap in the clouds every week, the rest of us have seen more Concra closures than ever. A few competitors did return cards in Week 4 of the Cooltrim Oil Winter League, but then Sunday’s entrants were frozen out. So our competitions committee has decided to let Week 4 run into Week 5. Members can play in both this weekend – remembering to play the back nine in Week 4 , and the front nine in Week 5. Weather permitting of course!
This was our new Senior Captain Nicky Hore’s first week in charge, good luck Nicky in 2020. 14 played and the winners were: 1st Charlie Geoghegan, Pat Conlon, PJ Lambe and Brendan Laverty with 45 pts. Runners up Gerry Treacy, Andy Whelan, John Keenan and Junior McKeown on 44 pts. A speedy recovery to Pat Horgan and Tom McHugh, hope to see you back on the fairways in the New Year.
And finally for this week, a Happy Christmas to you all. And a Happy New Year!
10th December 2019
COOLTRIM OIL WINTER LEAGUE
There was some really heavy scoring in Week 3 of the Cooltrim Oil Winter League. In Category 1 Mac Sammon took first prize on a score of 22 points. Category 2 was won by Noel O’Reilly who scored 25 points – do not adjust your set – that’s 25 points for nine holes! And the Category 3 prize went to the Seniors’ “New Man” Nicky Hore who returned a score of 22 points. Declan Smyth’s Team 5 who led after Weeks 1 and 2 have now been overtaken by Team 18 -Stephen McQuillan, Noel O’Reilly and Sean Cassidy – who now top the league on 119 points..And Declan Smyth, Noel O’Reilly (again!) and Pat Conlon lead their categories in the race for the singles prizes.
It was Christmas party time for 28 seniors on Wednesday last and captain Jim O’ Neill’s last day in charge. Thanks Jim for a great 2019. At the presentation of prizes after a great meal in the View Restaurant Jim handed the reins over to Nicky Hore, a very popular choice. Good look Nicky for the upcoming year. The winners for this 15 hole competition which was kindly sponsored by PJ Comiskey Engineering were:
Overall winner Paddy Niland; Category 1 Eamonn Toal; Category 2 Joe Gleason; Category 3 Pat McBride.
Team winners, 1st Pat McNeill, Andy Whelan, Tom Ryan. 2nd Joe Quinn, Pat Conlon, Raymond Kerman. 3rd Martin Allen, Des Morgan, Barney McDonald.
Nearest pin 6th Pat McNeill. Nearest pin 14th Des Morgan.
Most improved golfer Macartan Lambe.
Best Christmas jumper Macartan Lambe; Golf Quiz Paul McCarty and Pat Conlon; Gardeners prize sponsored by lady captain Andrea, Tom Ryan.
Best Attendance prize Andy Whelan.
And finally for this week, a reminder to all our members that membership fees for 2020 are now due. A quick visit to our office will sort all your golfing needs for the next twelve months.
3rd December 2019
DECLAN SMYTH LEADS THE WAY
Week 2 of the Cooltrim Oil Winter League was another good one for Declan Smyth and his team. This time around, he returned 22 points to win the Category 1 prize, and guide his team into a comfortable lead on 82 points. Category 2 was won by Gary Doyle who also scored 22 points, while Category 3 went to Andy Whelan who returned a mere 19. This weekend it’s back to the front nine for all competitors in Week 3.
After a frost delay 20 seniors set off on the back nine and this pegged back the scoring somewhat. Nevertheless, one team managed to break 40 pts. This team had a combined age of 237. Winners with 45 pts Joe Quinn, Andy Whelan, and Arthur McGeough; 2nd Martin Allen, Pat Conlon, PJ Lambe, and Pat McBride on 39 pts; 3rd Frank Nolan, Jim O’Neill, and Nicky Hore on 38 pts. If you fancy some social golf please come along any week or talk to any of the senior members. Alternatively contact the office for details, everyone welcome.
And finally for this week, it’s that time of year again – time for Santa Claus’s annual visit to Concra Wood. All are welcome to come along on this Friday night at 6.30 pm and join in the festivities. We’ll do well to match the performance of Patsy and his elves last time around!
26th November 2019
COOLTRIM OIL WINTER LEAGUE
Week 1 of the Cooltrim Oil Winter League saw some very hot scoring. Fastest team out of the blocks was Team 5 of Declan Smyth, James Connor and Brendan Carragher who lead the way on a total of 45 points. In the individual event, Category 1 was won by Barry O’Reilly on a score of 24 points. Category 2 went to Paul Leonard with 22 points. And Patrick Niland Jr. took the Category 3 prize with 23 points. This week the league is being played on the back nine – that’ll sort the men out from the boys
Fifteen Seniors played on a wet Friday and the results were, winners Pat McNeill, Micky Quinn, Heber McMahon, and Nicky Hore on 52 Pts. Runners up Brian McGovern, Joe Quinn, Paddy Niland, and Tom Ryan with 45 pts.
Our AGMs took place on Friday night, which means our new team for 2020 is now in place. Our new Captain Thomas Brennan has nominated Frank Nolan as his Vice-Captain, and our outgoing President Eileen Kerr has chosen Seamus Mallon to succeed her in the role. We wish them, and their new committee the best of luck in the year ahead.
And finally for this week, our outgoing Captain Patsy Boyle made a special mention at our AGM of the late, great Peadar Morgan who sadly died last week. For all of us who were lucky enough to know him, Peadar was a larger than life character who played a big part in our club when we were based at the nine holes in town. Whether on the course, in the bar, or at the card table, there was never a dull moment when Peadar was around. Now it would be fair to say that Peadar had a love-hate relationship with golf – he loved winning! The ups and downs of his foursomes partnership with Joe Quinn on our winning Pierce Purcell side in 2005 are legend in our club. I know I speak on behalf of all our members in offering our deepest sympathies to Peadar’s wife Lily and their family. The words “Ní bheidh a leithéid ann arís” can rarely have rung so true.
19th November 2019
CHARITY SCRAMBLE
When the frost finally thawed, our charity scramble went ahead as planned on Saturday. The winning team was Philip McCague, Sean Farrell, Pat McBride and Donagh Nugent, while second prize went to Charlie McDonnell, Barry O’Reilly, Paul Leonard and Tom Ryan. All the proceeds have been donated to the Irish Heart Foundation. We had a nine hole singles competition on Sunday, and the leaderboard was very much a mix of the old and the new. Jack McDonnell won his first prize in years in Category 1, Noel O’Reilly won Category 2 for the umpteenth time, and Sean Cassidy had a debut win in Category 3 – all on the same score of 21 points.
Our Winter League draw took place on Sunday night, and is posted on our noticeboard This three man team event will run for eight weeks, with each side’s best six scores to count.
Friday was the last chance to play with the course closed for most of the week. After heavy rain the sun appeared and so did the seniors. Winners last week were Joe Quinn, Nicky Hore, John Keenan with 50 pts. Runners up were Pat McNeill, Eamonn Toal, Eugene McDonnell and Junior McKeown with 51 pts minus 3 for the 4 man team, leaving 48 pts. Upcoming event, Christmas party golf the 1st week of December, weather permitting. Prizes galore including best Christmas jumper, bandit of the year will be exposed ! Best attendance 2019, senior captain handover, meal after golf and much more.
And finally for this week, a reminder to all our members and shareholders that our AGMs take place this Friday night; Concra Wood PLC at 6.30, our Joint Club at 7.30, and our Men’s Club at 8.30pm.
12th November 2019
FOURBALL
The elements threw all kinds of everything at us at the weekend. A rain-soaked Saturday followed by a frosty Sunday meant that there was a very modest turnout for our fourball better ball competition which was played over 15 holes. Two pairings managed to score a creditable 40 points, with Gary Doyle and Gavin McEneaney taking top spot, and Michael Byrne and James Connor having to settle for second prize. This weekend we can only hope for a break in the weather for the Captains’ Charity Mixed Scramble. Members can sign up at the noticeboard, or at Saturday morning’s draw, which takes place at 10.30 am for an 11.00 am shotgun start.
In Senior news, 23 played with Eamonn Toal, Andy Whelan and James O’Neill coming out on top with 48 pts. 2nd place went to Michael Quinn, Hebor McMahon, Nicky Hore, Pat McBride with 44 pts. 3rd were Gerry Treacy, PJ Lambe, Barney McDonald with 43 points.
And finally for this week, on Thursday 21st November, Concra Wood plays host to a party for members of The Monaghan Arch Club. This annual event is made possible this year by donations generously given by members of Concra Wood Castleblayney Golf Club during our Presidents weekend. The event is organised by our President Eileen Kerr and many volunteers. Music is supplied by Tullycorbett Comhaltas, Gerry McMahon and Alan Hughes from The Outlaws. All are welcome to come along, with festivities commencing at 8pm.
Finally a presentation of outstanding prizes will take place on Saturday 16th November at 830pm for all outstanding competitions and to present the Paddy McCahey Cup to this year’s Golfer of the Year – Charlie McDonnell. A special presentation also will take place for our winning Senior Cowdy team of 2019.
5th November 2019
BRIAN WINS A & M PRIZE
Our final 18 hole singles competition of the season was sponsored by A & M Commercials. Once again the amount of rain that has fallen of late made our course a real test of ball striking. No surprise then that our winner is a noted big hitter. Brian McGovern never holds back, and his distinctive fade – should that read “slice” – found every fairway, on his way to a comfortable victory on 41 points. His front nine of 20 laid the foundation, and birdies on 11 and 17 put the icing on the cake! And he wasn’t the only one shooting birdies at the weekend. Gavin McEneaney made a miserable start to his round, blanking no fewer than four of the first six holes, before sinking birdies on holes 11, 12, and 18 for an amazing comeback which took the Category 1 prize on 39 points. Category 2 was picked up by Gerry McCaul who has finished the season strongly on 37 points. And I can usually cut and paste in Category 3 to repeat that it was won by Nicky Hore, this time on a score of 36 points.
This weekend our competition is a fourball repeater. Members may play at any time on Saturday or Sunday – or both but with a different partner. And our competitions committee is planning a scramble for the following weekend. There’ll be further details in this column next week.
In Senior News, twenty-three played last week, with Eamonn Toal, Andy Whelan and James O’ Neill coming out on top with 48 pts. 2nd place went to Michael Quinn, Hebor McMahon, Nicky Hore, and Pat McBride with 44 pts. 3rd were Gerry Treacy, PJ Lambe, and Barney McDonald with 43 pts.
And finally for this week, our Winter League gets underway in the week starting November 18th. Any member who wishes to take part should put $10 in an envelope, and having added their name and handicap, post it in the safe under the competitions noticeboard.
29th October 2019
PAURIC PIPS PATSY
We had the tightest of tight finishes in our weekend competition which was sponsored by Car -L – Parts. As was reported in last week’s column, our Captain Patsy Boyle is showing some excellent late season form. This time he shot a super score of 41 points, which was matched by this year’s breakthrough golfer Pauric Donaghy. Much as we’d love to have play-offs every time there’s a tie – as they do on the professional tours – the practicalities of club golf dictate that we need a system to separate those who share top spot on our leaderboards. The countback system awards first prize to whoever finishes the stronger. In this instance, Pauric and Patsy had identical back nine scores of 22 points, so it took an inspection of the last six holes to give Pauric a single point victory margin. And therefore, for the second week in a row, Patsy will have to make do with the Category 3 prize. Adrian Kelly made a late season return to the prizes, winning Category 1 with 39 points. And Noel O’Reilly doesn’t like neighbour Patsy to have it all his own way. He shot 38 points to win Category 2, and remind everyone that he’s still there.
Next weekend sees our final 18 hole competition of the season take place. This stableford event is sponsored by A & M Commercials.
In Seniors’ News, winners this week were Joe Quinn, Andy Whelan, and Tom Ryan on a count back with 43 pts. 2nd were Eamonn Toal, Nicky Hore, and Joe Sheridan 43 pts. In 3rd place were Paul McCarthy, Finbar Brohan, Brendan Laverty on 39 pts. Waltzing again and 21 played on freshly mowed and dry fairways. Well done John McBride and Staff for all your efforts in difficult weather conditions.
And finally for this week, news of our AGMs for 2019. They all take place on Friday 22nd of November , with Concra Wood PLC’s meeting starting at 6.30 pm, the Club Management Committee at 7.30, and finally the Men’s Club AGM at 8.30. All shareholders and members will receive their notices in the coming days.
22nd October 2019
GERRY COMES OUT ON TOP
We’ve seen better Octobers. Winter has arrived early – as they say around these parts, “There’s no heat going to loss!” Winter rules are well established at this stage, and with absolutely no run on the ball, our course is playing long. In our weekend competition, which was sponsored by McArdle Office Supplies, scoring was predictably modest. The best of the bunch was Gerry McCaul. His score of 40 stableford points gives him his first victory since his Spring League success in April. Category 1 was won, yet again, by the very in-form Ciaran McMahon on 38 points. Category 2 went to Declan Smyth on the same score. And our Captain Patsy Boyle rounds off a very successful year with a win in Category 3 on 34 points.
Our competition this weekend is a stableford event and is sponsored by Car – L – Parts.
Last week eighteen Seniors played a waltz format and here are the results: Winners with 45 points were Joe Quinn, PJ Lambe, and Brendan Laverty. Eamonn Toal, Paddy Niland and Barney McDonald scooped the runner-up prize with 44 points.
And finally for this week, our new Vice Captain for 2020 has been announced. Our incoming Captain Thomas Brennan has nominated Frank Nolan for the role. We wish them both the very best of luck.
15th October 2019
DAVID O’NEILL WINS THE DICK KERNAN CUP
Members competed for the Dick Kernan Cup at the weekend. This is an event which has a connection to all three golf courses in our club’s history, as Dick was a member in the old old club in Carragartha, and his son Raymond sponsored the prize for many years in the old club in Onomy. This year’s winner is David O’Neill who returned a score of 40 points in scoreable conditions on Saturday. A superb birdie – par finish was just enough to squeeze past the opposition. Francie Boylan and Shane Fitzsimons both returned scores of 39 points to take categories 1 and 3 respectively. And category 2 was won by Eoin Hamilton who finished a further point back on 38.
On Monday our Specsavers sponsored competition took place and, with shopping vouchers and bottles of champagne on offer, competition was hot. This was a 15 hole competition and it took a count back to separate the two 34 pts returned in category 1.
Category 1 winner was Eamon Toal. Category 2 winner was Pat Conlon on 32 points, and Tony Carville claimed Category 3 with 33 points. The prize for Nearest the Pin went to Brendan Laverty.
Team winners: 1st Martin Allen, Eamonn Johnson Brendan Laverty. 2nd Paddy Comiskey, Joe Quinn, Paddy Niland, Tom Ryan. 3rd Gerry Treacy, Paul McCarthy, Jim O’Neill.
The golf was followed by a meal and presentation in The View Restaurant, where Seniors Captain Jim O’Neill thanked Specsavers for their sponsorship.
And finally for this week, our next competition is sponsored by McArdle Office Supplies. Members may take part in this stableford event on Saturday or Sunday.
8th October 2019
AIDAN EDGES IT
Our most recent club competition was sponsored by Thomas O’Neill’s Steel Formed Sections. On yet another wet, wet, wet weekend, our leaderboard could not have been tighter. It took a countback to separate the top three, but in the end it was good news for Aidan Carragher. His score of 40 points had the best back nine, and when you consider that he blanked the last, it’s reasonable to assume the other eight holes were pretty hot. The unlucky others on 40 points have the consolation of category prizes. Pauric Donaghy and Ciaran McMahon have had their share of success this year, so I’m sure they won’t mind letting Aidan have this one. And Category 3 was won by Martin Malone, who would have had a lot more than 36 points had the par threes on the back nine been a little kinder to him.
On Tuesday last our President Eileen Kerr held her Presidents Prize for the senior ladies and men. President Eileen somehow managed to find a gap in the weather and the sun shone on Concra Wood. A big field of 34 played in this prestigious event which was made up of 11 teams of 3 +1. Senior captains Muireann and Jim spoke of the tremendous work our first lady president has done, not just this year, but also in years past and the wonderful prizes. Team prize winners were, 1st Brian McGovern, Andy Whelan, Eithne McAviney. 2nd Eamonn Toal, Jim ONeill, Brendan Laverty. 3rd Gerry Treacy, Tom Ryan, Muireann ni Threasaigh. Nearest the pin, Eithne McAviney. The overall winner in the Ladies section was Alice Duffy, and in the men’s, Joe Quinn.
President Eileen would like to take this opportunity to show her appreciation to the ladies and gents who played in her competition and also to those who joined her for the presentation and finger food afterwards.
And finally for this week, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, we still have four more 18 hole events to look forward to this season This weekend it’s the Dick Kernan Cup. Members may take part on Friday, Saturday or Sunday. This is a stableford competition off the green tees.
1st October 2019
CASTLEBLAYNEY ARE SENIOR COWDY CUP CHAMPIONS
Now that’s a headline few of us would have foreseen when we re-entered this prestigious competition at the start of the season. On an unforgettable weekend, Alan Bolger’s side produced some sparkling golf to overcome their very tough opponents Portadown GC in this year’s final. On Saturday, a very wet Concra Wood played host to the first leg. Needing to take a significant lead, Alan’s men didn’t disappoint. Wins for Charlie McDonnell, Rory O’Neill, Padraic Conlon and Ciaran McMahon gave Concra’s side a 16 points to 4 advantage. Conditions were slightly improved for Sunday’s second leg in Portadown GC, and the home side took advantage early on. They won the front nine point in four of the five matches. But crucially Frank Nolan was three up at the turn, meaning a turnaround in any other match would be enough for the Blayney men. And it came in the opening match. Having trailed by one after nine, Charlie McDonnell clawed his way back into contention, and his match was level on the eighteenth tee. His opposite number found the trees off the tee, and could only muster a bogey five. So when Charlie rolled in a three footer for par it was clearly going to be Concra’s day. A share of the back nine for Padraic Conlon, and a convincing 3&1 victory for Frank Nolan, completed a 22 ½ to 17 ½ winning margin for Alan’s side. After some barren years, this is one victory which was truly savoured. Let’s hope we can build on it in the coming seasons.
At home, our weekend competition was the Paul Hill Memorial Cup. The winner on a score of 39 points was Aaron McNamara. Aaron was slow out of the blocks, scoring only one point on the first two holes. But three birdies on the back nine changed all that and gave him a comfortable two point victory. Category 1 was won by Mark McCahey on a score of 37 points, Sean Malone came out on top in Category 2 on 36, while Paraic Craig took the Category 3 prize with 32 points.
And finally for this week, barring further floods – or hurricanes – our next competition is sponsored by Thomas O’Neill’s Steel Formed Sections. Members may play this stableford event on Friday, Saturday or Sunday off the green tees.
24th September 2019
DESSIE WOODS WINS THE PROFESSIONAL’S PRIZE
Last weekend was a Tale of Two Seasons for Conor McKenna’s Professional’s Prize. Up to Saturday night we enjoyed something of an Indian Summer. Then on Sunday morning the monsoon arrived. Needless to say we had to close the course at that point, meaning those who had hoped to play on Sunday miss out this time. The winner on a steady, if unspectacular, score of 34 points was Dessie Woods. Dessie was one of four golfers to shoot this score, and wins on account of his back nine of 18 points. He just did enough to deny Padraic Conlon back to back victories. Having won last week’s Members Prize, Padraic was squeezed out by a single point on a countback, and will have to make do with the Category 1 prize. Category 2 went to Martin Shevlin on a score of, yes you’ve guessed it, 34 points! And Category 3 was won, for the umpteenth time this year, by Nicky Hore on a score of 31 points.
This weekend’s competition is the Paul Hill Cup. Members can take part in this stableford event on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
With the sun beaming down on Concra Wood the Seniors turned out in record numbers on Thursday last. A warm welcome back to Sean Mulligan after his layoff. 35 played and here are the results. Winners with 45 pts Declan McAteer, Nicky Hore, Arthur McGeough. 2nd place went to Martin Allen, Pat Conlon, Brendan Laverty. On the countback Joe Quinn, Andy Whelan, and Tom Ryan got the 3rd place. The next senior outing will be Tuesday 1st October when our President Eileen Kerr’s competition for ladies and gents will take place. Watch out for the text for more information on this nearer the time. And a reminder to all Seniors, to facilitate the weekly draw please arrive for your golf at assembly time – not the tee time. If you are delayed please ring Andy or Captain Jim so you can be included in the draw.
And finally for this week, there was a time, in the not too distant past, when our club teams were considered perennial winners. But the past few seasons have been a little “quiet” on the inter-club front. This season has seen green shoots of recovery, with a number of our teams contesting the latter stages of various Cups and Shields. To crown this effort, Alan Bolger’s Senior Cowdy Cup side has made history in our club, qualifying for the final of this competition for the very first time. Both legs take place this weekend – the first in Concra on Saturday at 2 pm , with the second leg away at Portadown GC on Sunday at 1 pm . Our Captain Patsy and Alan would like to encourage members to come along on Saturday and offer your support to our team in this prestigious final.
17th September 2019
PADRAIC’S BIRDIE BLITZ
Padraic Conlon produced a truly memorable round of golf at the weekend on his way to winning our Members Prize. He shot six bogeys, six pars, five birdies and an eagle on the fourth hole, for a round of 71 strokes. This gave him a total of 43 points off a 6 handicap, and a winning margin of 5. Category 1 was won by Calum Callaghan who scored 38 points. This sees his handicap reduced to a new low of 5.0. Category 2 was won by Brian McGovern, who recovered well from a 6-6 start to equal Calum’s score of 38. And Category 3 was won by Brendan Carragher on the more modest total of 34 points.
This weekend our competition is the Professional’s Prize. Members can take part in this stableford event on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.
Our Seniors competition last week was the waltz format, and 41 pts was enough to secure first place for Gerry Treacy and his team of Joe Gleason and Tom Ryan. Runners up with 39 pts Joe Quinn, Nicky Hore and Jim ONeill. Andy Whelan, PJ Lambe and Raymond Kerman got 3rd place with 36 pts.
And finally for this week, the shootout we anticipated at the top of the Golfer of the Year leaderboard failed to materialise in its final event, as none of the top three recorded a top ten finish. The unchanged league table is good news for Charlie McDonnell, as it means he’s this year’s champion on a total of 66 points. The runner–up is Garreth Woods on 60 points, with Brian McGovern and David Walsh sharing third place on 54.
10th September 2019
BLAYNEY CUP HEADING TO CROSS
There was a time in the distant past when the one criterion for entering the Blayney Cup was that you had to be a Blayneyman. Legend has it that half the town used to head away on a day out with the Blayney Golf Society to take part in the annual Golf Fest. Well nowadays things are very different. Our club’s third incarnation at Concra has seen us become a much more cosmopolitan lot, with members from all over the country. Therefore the Blayney Cup has entered the Open Era. And this year the cup is heading for Crossmaglen, as it was won at the weekend by Michael McEntegart. After a Summer of globetrotting, Michael has had a fine run of form of late. His winning score of 67 nett was achieved by shooting a superb round of one over par. Such excellent golf deserves reward, and no doubt Michael will enjoy displaying the Cup in his front room for the next twelve months. We’d best get it presented before Halloween, or Norris Nonsense and Co. might try to confiscate it at the Border! Michael’s victory margin was a single shot from runner-up Mark Conlon. Mark ‘s game has come a long way this season. Numerous golf lessons and constant encouragement from his brother Paraic are beginning to pay dividends. However his score could have been so much lower, as he had a nett 31 on the front nine. Not for the first time, our very difficult back nine took its toll, and in the end Mark signed for a 68. The Best Gross was won by Charlie McDonnell on a score of one under par 71. This round sees him overtake Garreth Woods by six points with one week to go on our Golfer of the Year leaderboard. Next weekend should be an interesting battle. And third prize was won by another man who’s been playing wonderful golf this season. Shane Donnelly’s back nine of level par earned him a nett 71, and edged four other members on the same score out of the prizes.
In Juvenile news, Conor Mc Caul was crowned Golfer of the Year 2019 after a nail biting ending to the Canon Morris Cup on Sunday. Congratulations Conor! 3 young golfers-Conor Mc Caul, Conor Fox and Cormac Conlon were all in contention for this most coveted title when heading to the first tee box on Sunday. A huge thank you to Yvonne Duffy for sponsoring the Golfer of the Year. Narrowly missing out on claiming Golfer of the Year by 2 points was Conor Fox, who wins the Canon Morris Cup. Congratulations Conor!
Winners in the Canon Morris Cup Competition:
The Yellow Group winner was Eabha Carragher with an amazing 17 points
The Blue Group Winner: Rachel Mc Laughlin and 2nd place was her sister Kiera Mc Laughlin.
Winner of the Canon Morris Cup: Conor Fox and 2nd place: Cormac Conlon.
A huge congratulations to all the young golfers who received their stage 1, 2 or 3 certificates in “The Boys Framework” or “Golf for Girls” programmes. Thank you to our Pro Conor Mc Kenna and his team- Ciaran and Mark – for all their hard work with these young golfers. It is greatly appreciated.
Our Senior winners this week were Brian McGovern, Joe Gleeson and Barney McDonald with 44 pts. Second were Eamonn Toal, Tony Carville and Tom Ryan on 43 pts. 3rd place went to Gerry Treacy, Paul Shortt and Pat Horgan with 42 pts. Presidents Prize for senior ladies and gents is scheduled for Tuesday 1st October.
And finally for this week, as was mentioned above, we’ve reached our final Golfer of the Year competition of 2019. The Members’ Prize takes place this weekend. The contest for this very tasty prize is a stableford event, which will be played off the green tees.
3rd September 2019
FRANCIE TAKES GOLD
Golf’s a funny old game. We all have our ups and downs – days when the holes look like buckets, and days when we can’t seem to buy a putt. After last weekend’s golf, Francie Boylan can most definitely attest to this. On Saturday, he took part in the Captain’s Prize of the Ballybay Golf Society in Concra. Playing off the forward white tees, Francie recorded what can only be described as a modest score. Ever the optimist, Francie was back out again, bright and early on Sunday morning, this time in the Patron’s Prize. Playing off our very testing gold tees, Francie romped home with 40 points to win Michael McHugh’s prize. What a difference a day makes! There were three unlucky members who just missed out by a single shot. Runner-up Declan Smyth, third placed Barry O’Reilly and an empty-handed Shane Donnelly all had their chance to pip Francie, but came up just short. With standard scratch down at 34 points, they all have the consolation of new, vastly improved handicaps. The Best Gross was won by Mark Currie on a score of 2 over par. A tap-in eagle at the 15th (a driver and a seven iron!) was the highlight of his excellent round. And congratulations to Mac Sammon who won the aforementioned Ballybay Golf Society’s Captain’s Prize.
Our Senior winners this week were Pat McNeill, Michael Quinn, Pat Conlon and Pat Horgan on 50 pts. Joe Quinn, Eamonn Toal, Andy Whelan and Raymond Kernan claimed second spot on 49 pts, and third were Paul McCarty, Larry Coleman and Barney McDonald .
And finally for this week, the All-Ireland Finals may have moved, but the Blayney Cup remains a fixture in our club’s September calendar. Members can take part in this year’s event on this Friday, Saturday or Sunday. This strokeplay competition will be played off the green tees.
27th August 2019
ALAN IN WONDERLAND
Every once in a while, the stars all seem to align for a golfer, and everything goes his way. And there’s no doubt that Alan Bolger has experienced just such a weekend. On Friday he led his Senior Cowdy Cup side to victory in their semi-final against Mourne GC. An exceptional performance, in which Alan’s men won the first four matches, sees us take our place in the final for the first time ever. Portadown GC will provide the opposition. Then on Sunday, Alan shot a 74 in our CEOL Music weekend competition, to take first place on 39 points. It’s going to be hard for Darren McQuillan to come up with an appropriate first prize. What do you buy for the guy who has everything!
Alan’s good fortune is all the more evident when we take a look at the hard luck stories of his nearest rivals. Category 1 winner Frank Nolan was one under par with two to play. But a bogey, double bogey finish meant he too carded a 39, and missed out on a countback. And Category 3 was won on another score of 39 points, this time by David Walsh. David had already amassed 37 points after 15, but only managed 2 more on the final three holes, handing victory to Alan. There was less drama in Category 3, where PJ Lambe continued his fine run of form, winning with a score of 38 points, and reducing his handicap to 20 in the process.
On Wednesday last, twenty-four Seniors played and the format was the Concra Waltz. Best dancers were Andy Whelan, Eamonn Johnson, Pat Horgan on 43 pts. Second were Paul MacCarthy, Joe Gleeson and Arthur McGeough on 42 pts. Third placed with 38 pts were Pat McNeill, Mickey Quinn and Junior McKeown.
With three weeks to go on our Golfer of the Year leaderboard, Garreth Woods still leads on 60 points with Charlie McDonnell in second place on 46. But with 20 points for victory in each competition, it’s still possible for any one of the chasing pack to come good.
And finally for this week, our next competition is Michael McHugh’s Patron’s Prize. This stableford competition will be played off the green tees on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
20th August 2019
JOHNNY WEATHERS THE STORM
An American visitor recently described Concra Wood as a “Lakeside Links”. No doubt intended as a compliment, his comment also infers how exposed we are to the elements – especially the wind. Our Culloville House competition at the weekend was played in a strong Westerly, and it will come as a shock to no one that scoring was modest. The pick of the bunch was Johnny McGoldrick who came out on top with a total of 39 points. 14 handicapper Johnny started off with a steady 18 points on the front nine, but followed it up with a superb 21 on the more testing homeward nine. This was telling in the end, as he won on a countback from the very unlucky Ciaran McMahon. Playing off 6, Ciaran made it to the turn in one over par for a total of 20 points, but a double bogey on 11 restricted him to 19 on the back nine. He’ll have to settle for the Category 1 prize on this occasion. Category 2 was won by Concra’s most committed golfer, Paul Leonard. Barely a day goes by that Paul doesn’t play at least nine holes. 35 points is a pretty decent reward for all his practice. And Category 3 was won, yet again, by our most improved golfer of 2019, Nicky Hore, on a score of 34 points.
Inter-club golf is approaching the business end of the season, so it’s good to report that Concra has two teams who are still standing. Gerry McCaul’s Tudenham Cup side are involved in a quick fire Shoot Out to resolve their tied semi-final at Mount Temple GC on Thursday evening. Then Saturday sees Alan Bolger’s Senior Cowdy Cup team play their semi-final second leg against Mourne GC at Concra. Let’s hope we have some finals to look forward to in the weeks ahead.
Our Senior winners last week were Brian McGovern, Pat Conlan, Tom Ryan, Brendan Laverty with 48 pts. 2nd Martin Allen, Eamonn Toal, John Smith beaten on the count back. 3rd Joe Quinn, Nicky Hore, Junior McKeown 44 pts. 26 played.
And finally for this week, our next competition is sponsored by Darren McQuillan’s Ceol Music. This stableford competition will be played off the green tees.
13th August 2019
BRENDAN LAMBE MAKES A SPLASH
Monsoon season arrived last week, and it was touch and go whether the Doohamlet Construction sponsored weekend competition would go ahead. After a late inspection it did, with our hardiest fifty golfers going to post. The winner on a tremendous score of 43 points was Brendan Lambe. It’s been an unusually quiet year for Brendan, and after PJ’s recent success, there’s no doubt that fear of becoming number two golfer in the Lambe family was behind this return to form. A back nine of 23 points gave Brendan a four point winning margin over Shane Fitzsimons and Paul Campbell. Shane was heading for 50 points when he stood on the 14th tee. But as so often happens with this cursed game, the wheels came off. His reward for 39 points is the Category 3 prize, while Paul takes Category 2. Category 1 was won by Brian McGovern on a score of 38 points.
The aforementioned weather played a part in Gerry McCaul’s Tudenham Cup semi-final in Mount Temple GC. After a rain delay or two, and with the teams tied at two matches all, Eugene McGuigan and Rory Kelly’s match went to extra holes. After four tied holes, bad light stopped play, and so the match is unresolved. Where this one goes next is anyone’s guess. There was better news for Alan Bolger’s Senior Cowdy Cup side. They find themselves 11- 9 in arrears after their semi-final first leg at Mourne GC. Wins for Charlie McDonnell and Rory O’Neill give Alan’s men a real chance of progressing to the final in next week’s second leg at Concra.
And finally for this week, our next competition is sponsored by Culloville House. And remember all members are welcome to take part in our Wednesday evening nine-hole competition. There are draws for partners from 5.30 onwards every Wednesday evening.
6th August 2019
PAURIC DONAGHY WINS THE CAPTAIN’S PRIZE
Some called it the Sky Zone, some The Shebeen. In any event, more than one hundred and fifty competitors and numerous visitors visited Patsy Boyle’s Steakhouse cum Driving Range by the ninth green over the three days of his Captain’s Prize. The buzz will live long in the memory. And we had a golf tournament to boot! A breezy Concra provided a really tricky test. While our course was playing at its very best, the slick greens meant that every golfer’s putter was his best friend – or his nemesis! After eighteen holes, a mere 40 points was enough for Francie Boylan to lead the field. He was followed by no fewer than five golfers – Ronan McMahon, Charlie McDonnell, Pauric Donaghy, Frank McDonnell and Frank Nolan – on 39 points. And with the cut for the top eighteen scores set at 36 points, every qualifier was in with a shout in Sunday evening’s nine hole play-off.
That situation didn’t last very long. Pauric Donaghy got off to an absolute flyer! He parred five of the first six holes, giving him 17 points off a handicap of 18. By the time he tapped in on the ninth, he had amassed a seemingly unassailable 23 points. There was only one man who could catch him now– Charlie McDonnell. Having started the play-off with an eagle on the first, Charlie stood to the ninth tee on 20 points, needing a birdie on the last to tie Pauric’s total. And while he hit a superb tee shot into 25 feet, his put stayed above ground. At two under par for twenty seven holes, he had to settle for second prize. Francie Boylan’s total of 19 points secured third place.
Three long days of golf didn’t get in the way of Sunday night’s celebrations. Our clubhouse just about managed to cater for the crowd at Patsy’s Captain’s Night. Speakers all seemed to agree on two things; firstly the exemplary preparation of our course by John McBride and his staff, and secondly the incredible hospitality shown to everyone by Patsy, Bernie and all the Boyle family over the weekend. It’s a very good job that Monday was a Bank Holiday!
The full list of prize winners read as follows;
First; Pauric Donaghy.
Second; Charlie McDonnell.
Best gross; Frank Nolan.
Third; Francie Boylan.
First nine; Noel Boyd.
Second nine; Patrick Cumiskey.
Third nine; Rory Kelly.
Past Captains; Frank McDonnell.
Committee ; Brian McGovern.
Leading Qualifier; Ronan McMahon
Seniors; Paddy King.
In Seniors news, 29 members played on Thursday last and the winners with a huge score of 53 pts were Johnny McGoldrick, Michael McHugh and Micky Quinn. Pat Horgan, what happened with that draw ? 2nd were Joe Quinn, Adrian Sewell and Joe Sheridan on 50 pts. And third were Paul McCarty, Brendan Laverty and Macartan Lambe on 49 pts.
And finally for this week, it’s back to business as usual this weekend. Our weekend competition is sponsored by Doohamlet Construction. And Saturday night sees a presentation of outstanding prizes in our clubhouse at 9.00 pm. Our inter-club teams will also be busy. Gerry McCaul’s Tudenham Cup side take on Mount Temple GC in their semi-final on Saturday. And then it’s over to Alan Bolger’s Senior Cowdy Cup team who will be vying for a place in their final at Mourne GC on Sunday. We wish them the very best of luck.
30th July 2019
PIERCE HUGHES DOES THE BUSINESS
Forget the Captain’s Prize. For Pierce Hughes there’s one cup he’s always wanted to win – and that’s the Clement McKenna Cup. After all it was Clement who got Uncle Pierce into golf. And it was Pierce who initiated this event in Clement’s memory. So there was great delight among our members – and Tavey’s Golf Society – at the weekend, when Pierce finally won the cup with a super score of 42 points. A three-shot winning margin has Pierce laying claim to second prize on 41 of his points, and third prize on 40. The presentation should be fun! The best of the rest were Patrick Comiskey and Ronan McMahon who both shot scores of 39 points, completing a very youthful leaderboard.
Congratulations to Alan Bolger and his Senior Cowdy Cup side who’ve progressed to the semi-final stage, thanks to a resounding victory over Ardglass GC. On Saturday evening they took 19 out of 20 points in the home leg against a very strong Ardglass side. Mourne GC are their next opposition. And commiserations to Jack McDonnell’s Sam Rutherford Cup team who were knocked out on Sunday by the narrowest of margins. The loss of the final hole on the final green at Lisburn GC means they exit this year’s tournament at the quarter-final stage.
Jim O’Neill’s Senior Captains Day competition was played on Thursday last with thirty five members taking part. The scoring was modest even though the weather was perfect. Gentleman Jim’s big day was crowned with a meal in the View Restaurant and presentation afterwards. Jim thanked all who participated and supplied lots of goodies on the day. Here are the results:
Nearest the pin 6th and 14th Johnny McGoldrick and Donal McGuigan
Category 1, 1st Frank Nolan, 2nd Donal McGuigan, 3rd Paddy Niland.
Category 2, 1st Adrian Sewell, 2nd Andy Whelan, 3rd Paul Shortt.
Category 3, 1st Brendan Laverty, 2nd Jim O’Neill, 3rd Joe Gleason.
Overall winner Larry Coleman 38 pts, 2nd Martin Allen 37 pts, 3rd Paddy Comiskey 35 Pts.
And finally for this week, let’s not forget the Captain’s Prize. Patsy’s preparations for the big weekend are more or less complete, with members taking part in the qualifying 18 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday afternoon the top 18 golfers – and equals – head out for our nail-biting Play-Off. Will Sean Malone do the double of President’s and Captain’s? Or will Alan Bolger complete a Domestic Double, matching Caitriona’s success in the Lady Captain’s? Maybe Pierce will do back to back wins? Or will the favourite GMac deliver a long overdue victory? Me thinks a flutter on the latter!
23rd July 2019
AS GOOD AS IT GETS
The eyes of the golfing world were on Ireland last week. Portrush looked spectacular, and won the plaudits as the best Open venue ever. And just when we thoughts things couldn’t get any better, Ireland’s own Shane Lowry played the golf of his life to give us a never to be forgotten home victory – by six shots. It just doesn’t get any better than that!
There was any amount of Concra Wood members trudging around the links in Portrush, following the biggest names in world golf, and seeking a little bit of inspiration for their own games. And it certainly seems to have worked for one. On Sunday morning, before the now world famous storms arrived, Charlie McDonnell shot a round of 68, giving him a total of 44 points – more than enough for victory in our annual MC Blinds competition. His round contained no fewer than six birdies, including the final two holes. He’ll be hoping to bring this form into our Captain’s Prize in a week’s time. However our runner-up won’t, as it’s the Captain himself Patsy Boyle. Patsy shot a score of 40 points, and has made it clear to Charlie that he’s not best pleased to have been upstaged on this occasion! And third prize was won by Gary Doyle. He started his round with a birdie on 1, and kept things tidy all the way to a total of 38 points.
Last week Concra played host to the Nudie Hughes Golf Classic. Over sixty teams, including many famous faces from Irish sports, took part in this year’s event. There was, however, quite a local look to the eventual leaderboard. The winners on a total of 103 points were Damien Cumiskey, Eamonn Burns, Craig Loughman and Michael Byrne. The runners-up Mac Sammon, Eoin Hamilton, Paddy Kerr and Mark Keenan carded a score of 101 points. And in third place came Sean Malone, Greg Duffy, Noel Gorman and Brian Morgan on 100 points. Nudie thanks everyone who travelled to Blayney and made his event such a great success.
Our Seniors took part in the Jimmy Coleman Memorial Trophy on Tuesday last. In a fitting tribute to Jimmy the biggest ever field of 35 seniors played. The scoring was high and, in the end, the 42 pts of PJ Lambe secured the overall first place.
Category 1 winner Paddy Comiskey 40 pts, 2nd Declan McAteer 37 pts, 3rd Heber McMahon 35 pts.
Category 2 winner Adrian Sewell 41 pts, 2nd Paul Short 40 pts, 3rd Nicky Hore 38 pts.
Category 3 winner Brendan Laverty 40 pts, 2nd Pat McBride 35 pts, 3rd Raymond Kernan 34pts.
Nearest the pin (6th and 14th) Donald McGuigan and Joe Quinn.
After the meal in The View Restaurant Elizabeth Coleman presented the prizes and PJ Lambe spoke fondly of Jimmy in his speech. Senior captain James O’ Neill thanked Elizabeth for attending and Michael Smith and his staff and everyone who played for making a great day of Jimmy’s annual event which is one of the seniors four majors.
This weekend our competition is the Clement McKenna Cup. This stableford event will be played off the green tees.
And finally for this week, the countdown is on to our big event of the season – Patsy Boyle’s Captain’s Prize, which takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The timesheet is posted on the noticeboard, and members can sign up to play the qualifying 18 on Friday, Saturday or Sunday morning. Then on Sunday afternoon the top eighteen, and equals, will take part in a nine hole play-off to sees who is our champion for 2019. It’s not too late to get out there and practise!
16th July 2019
EOIN REEL WINS CREDIT UNION CUP
The Credit Union Cup was played as a strokeplay competition off our gold tees at the weekend. So you won’t be surprised to hear that scoring was modest, even though a hundred of our members took part. When the cards were checked on Sunday night the best score was a mere 37 points – by four different golfers. The winner on a countback was Eoin Reel. Well behind after nine, Eoin’s round turned at 15, where he shot the only eagle of the weekend. A par and two bogeys on the three homeward holes were enough for victory. Those final three holes were the downfall of many another this weekend! Category 1 was won by Philip McCague . His 37 points were the polar opposite of Eoin’s with the best all coming on the outward nine. Category 2 also went to one of our 37 pointers – this time Craig Loughman, whose final three holes he would rather I didn’t mention! And Category 3 went, once again, to Andy Whelan who enjoyed the luxury of compiling his score over the first seventeen holes.
Garreth Woods still leads the way in our Golfer of the Year competition, although his lead was cut at the weekend by Sean Malone. The current Top Three looks like this.
Garreth Woods 50 pts.
Sean Malone 42 pts.
Billy Hanna 28 pts.
On Sunday, Gerry McCaul’s Tudenham Cup team took on New Forest GC from Tyrrellspass. Home wins for the pairings of Alan Bolger and Paul Murphy, Eugene McGuigan and Rory Kelly, and Charlie McDonnell and Sean Malone meant that Gerry’s travelling party could relax and enjoy the day out. Apparently Paul Murphy was well on his away to a course record when sadly, his match ended at the 12th. On the same afternoon, Martin Malone’s Junior Cowdy Cup side played the first leg of their match with Rossmore GC at Concra. Victories for Bart McNamara and Brendan Carragher, and James Connor and team captain Martin meant the game ended in a 2-2 draw, so Martin’s men have it all to do in this weekend’s return leg.
Our Juveniles enjoyed a fantastic sunny summers afternoon of golf in Concra Wood. Congratulations to Conor Mc Caul on winning the Red Group competition this week. Conor is no stranger to the winning line up in Concra. Rachel Mc Loughlan wins the Blue Group competition and this is Rachel’s first individual win of the season, congratulations Rachel! The winner of the Yellow Group was newcomer Rian Mc Grath, well done Rian and hopefully, this is just the start of a long and successful winning streak. Next week we have our first stroke competition. Please enter the competition in the Pro Shop and then make your way up to the hut and the Putting Green. Date for your Diary: Sunday 28th July is the Captains’ Prize to the Juveniles. Captain Patsy and Lady Captain Andrea will present the prizes after the golf and some finger food.
And finally for this week, our competition this weekend is sponsored by MC Blinds. This stableford competition will be played off the green tees. And when signing in, members might like to put their names on the Captain’s Prize timesheet. The big one of the Summer is only a fortnight away. As an ex Captain says, “Gents, bring your A-Game!”
9th July 2019
A SUPER 66 GIVES JAMES HIS MAIDEN VICTORY
Our annual Colt Design competition was played in ideal conditions at the weekend. The sun shone, there was barely a breath of wind, and our course is back to its wonderful best, so you might expect an avalanche of top scoring. Well only one thing could possibly get in the way – Strokeplay! There’s always a premium on straight hitting around Concra, but in stroke events it’s an absolute must. No surprise then that all our prize winners are pretty straight off the tee. First prize was won by the very dedicated James Connor with an excellent score of 66. Anyone who’s ever played with him knows that James loves golf – but golf doesn’t always love James! This time however, he made an incredible start. And when he birdied 10 he was heading for a sub 60 round. As so often happens the Golfing Gods placed one or two obstacles in his way, but after a wobble or two, James bounced back. Another birdie on 15 steadied the ship, and a solid last three saw James over the line. His winning margin was two strokes over runner-up Sean Farrell. Like James, Sean had a flying start, but he was left to rue a wasteful final three holes which cost him the top spot. The Best Gross went to the very in-form Gareth Woods. His 5 over par round was the best of the weekend, and gives him a seemingly unassailable lead on this year’s Golfer of the Year league table. And third prize was won by Concra’s own Steady Eddie, Billy Hanna. Billy never misses a fairway, so Summer conditions are right up his street. Expect to hear much more from him in July and August.
In Seniors news, last week’s winners were Hebor McMahon, Joe Gleason and Barney McDonald with 48 pts. Runners up were Joe Quinn, Pat Horgan and Brian Laide on 47 pts. And Michael McHugh, Larry Coleman and Macartan Lambe’s 44 points secured third place. Welcome back to Michael McHugh and Vincent Heavin.
A presentation of all Open Week prizes takes place this Thursday night (11th July) in our clubhouse at 9 pm.
And finally for this week, our next competition is the Credit Union Cup. This stableford competition will be played off the gold tees.
2nd July 2019
RONAN RETURNS TO THE TOP
Andrea Mulligan’s Lady Captain’s Prize takes place this Saturday, and last weekend her competition for our male members was won by Ronan McDonnell. Lightning delays on Saturday morning didn’t affect Ronan as he stormed to a total of 41 points, three ahead of his closest competitor. Ronan has been working hard on his game and is starting to reap the rewards. He has now set his sights on the unique Captains and Lady Captains prize double! Rory O’Neill’s two-over par round was enough to secure second place on 38 points. Everyone who plays with Rory remarks on his impressive ball striking, and it was no different at the weekend as he played the par fives in three under. Calum Callaghan returned to the prizes with a Best Gross for his solid five-over par round. Mickey Rushe came third on 37 points, edging out Jimmy Lacey, Gene McGuigan and Seamus McElroy on the back nine.
Alan Bolger’s Senior Cowdy team continued our club’s strong showing in Cowdy competitions this year, beating St Patrick’s Golf Club. Home wins for Padraic Conlon, Ciaran McMahon, Shane Donnelly and Gary Morgan gave Castleblayney an impressive lead of 16 and a half to three and a half points. A much changed line up finished the job in Downpatrick, running out 22-18 winners. Alan’s team will face Ardglass in the quarter finals. Our other Cowdy quarter-finalists learned their opponents, with the Junior Cowdy team facing Rossmore, and the Sam Rutherford playing against Lisburn. However, Dessie Duffy’s Rossmore Cup team fell short against a strong Rockmount side.
Our Seniors welcomed Frank Murray back last week. The winners on 49 points were Mickey Quinn, Nicky Hore and Jim McKeown. Heber McMahon, Brendan Laverty and Pat Bolger came second with 44 points. Third place went to Joe Quinn, Raymond Kernan and the aforementioned Frank Murray with 43 points. All of the seniors wish lady captain Andrea the best of luck on Saturday!
And finally for this week, our next competition is sponsored by Paul Murphy’s Colt Design.
25th June 2019
RUAIRI NAILS IT
Ruairi Digby had the sort of back nine we all dream of at the weekend. Having carded a steady if unspectacular 19 at the turn, everything came together with a homeward 25 points tally. Birdies on holes 15 and 18 put the icing on the cake of a season’s best score of 44 points. Our back nine is usually our most difficult, but seemingly not on this weekend. Our Category 1 winner Gareth Woods produced a Nick Faldo–like back nine of pars all the way for a score of 39 points. This sees his handicap reduced to a new low of 6, and most of the season still ahead. Category 2 was won yet again by the very dangerous Michael Byrne. His total of 40 points made up of steady pars and bogeys. And category 3 went to the ever improving Nicky Hore on a score of 36 points.
Gareth Woods is the early leader of this year’s Golfer of the Year league table. This weekend’s score sees him on a total of 34 points – four clear of Sean Malone in second place. The full leader board has been posted in the clubhouse for all to see, and members are reminded that scores in every singles event right up to our Members’ Prize in Mid-September are counted this time around.
In Seniors news this week’s winners on 41 pts were Paul McCarthy, Mickey Quinn and Junior McKeown. 2nd place on 41 pts went to Johnny McGoldrick, Andy Whelan and Pat McBride. 3rd were Gerry Treacy, Joe Gleason and Larry Coleman on 40 points.
June is always a busy month for inter-club golf, and it’s pleasing to report that it’s been a very successful one for Concra’s teams. On Tuesday Gerry McCaul’s Tudenham Cup side enjoyed a 4-1 victory in their match with Slieve Russell GC. Away wins for Eugene McGuigan and Rory Kelly, and Charlie McDonnell and Noel O’Reilly got Concra over the line. Our decision to return to the Cowdy events is proving to be a very positive one. Martin Malone’s Junior Cowdy Cup team made it through to the quarter-finals as they overcame Loughgall GC on Saturday. Needing only one win in their second leg, they left it late before Andy Whelan and Shane Fitzsimons did the business in the final match. Another team looking forward to a quarter-final is Jack McDonnell’s Sam Rutherford Cup side. A fine performance by the pairing of Frank Nolan and Noel O’Reilly (again) was enough to defeat a very game Mayobridge side. And Dessie Duffy is busy restoring our club’s reputation in the Rossmore Cup. On Sunday, his men performed well to gain a first leg 3 – 1 first leg lead over Rockmount GC. Wins for the pairings of Gerry McCaul and Martin Farnan, Sean Malone and Noel Gorman, and Aidan Carragher and Gary Doyle give Dessie’s men a fighting chance in next Sunday’s second leg.
And finally for this week, our Lady Captain Andrea Mulligan’s Prize for Men takes place this weekend. It’s all part of her build-up to her Lady Captain’s Prize on the following Saturday July 6th. We wish Andrea and all our lady members the very best of luck for an enjoyable weekend.
18th June 2019
GREG WINS IN A BLANKET FINISH
We had our tightest leaderboard of all time in the Carna Transport competition at the weekend. When the cards were checked on Sunday night, eleven golfers were within two points of the winner. And three of them shared the top score of 38 points. The winner was Greg Duffy. Having hit the turn on 17 points, Greg went through the gears and recorded a superb back nine score of 21. This edged out both Paudie Kindlon and Francis Murphy who have the consolation of winning Categories 1 and 2 respectively. Category 3 was won by Sean McCoy, another member of that first eleven, on a score of 36 points.
Our club made its long awaited return to the Sam Rutherford Cup on Saturday. Jack McDonnell’s side took on Mayobridge GC at Concra, in the unusual format where holes rather than matches count. And it was a very satisfactory return, as Jack’s side takes a 24 hole advantage into Sunday’s second leg.
In Seniors News, the Gabriel Moore Memorial Trophy was held on Tuesday last. Now some of us need a miracle to get a score on Concra Wood and it’s no coincidence that our winner Heber McMahon with a great score of 42 pts spent last week in Lourdes !! Well done Heber. The Category prizes went to Eamon Toal, PJ Lambe and Tom Ryan. First placed in the team event were Martin Allen, Pat Conlon and Brendan Laverty. 2nd were Declan McAteer, Raymond McCooey and Joe Sheridan, and third team spot went to Pat McNeill, Andy Whelan and Barney McDonald. Maura Moore and Finnian presented the prizes. Maura thanked the seniors for the great turnout for Gabriel’s first anniversary competition. And Finnian spoke fondly of Gabriel and of how much he enjoyed playing golf.
This weekend our competition is sponsored by Shoe City. This stableford event takes place over three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
And finally for this week, the failure to return competition cards has long been a problem in our game. The GUI is now taking steps to encourage all competitors to submit their cards at the end of every round. This is of course essential in assisting the correct calculation of the Standard Scratch Score. A letter which has been circulated to all clubs is posted on our noticeboard, outlining actions which may be taken against those who are inconveniencing Handicap Committees in this way. All members are asked to read this letter, and please return all cards in future competitions.
11th June 2019
PAUL MURPHY’S IRELAND WIN THE “PRANDY” RYDER CUP
We were treated to the annual American invasion of Concra last week. They travelled from all corners of the States to take part in Blayney’s version of the Ryder Cup – the Prandy Duffy Cup. Doonbeg wouldn’t hold a candle to us! On Saturday morning eighteen fourballs teed off in this year’s event which sees James Duffy’s Team USA take on Paul Murphy’s Team Ireland. And it went right down to the wire, with Paul’s men enjoying the narrowest of narrow victories. Not content with this, Paul then turned his attention to winning our domestic version of the Prandy Cup – a Golfer of the Year singles event. The word on the street was that his score of 38 points off the Gold Tees couldn’t be beaten. How wrong we were! With over one hundred members taking part, not one but two competitors bettered his score. Aaron McNamara had announced his return to form in our recent Major Open taking first prize on 41 points. This weekend he managed a total of 40, just enough to win this prestigious event. After failing to score at the first hole, Aaron parred 11 of the next 13, and only needed to bogey the rest to get over the line. David Walsh also produced a score of 40 points, but his back nine of 18 was three short of Aaron’s, so he had to be content with second prize. Padraic Conlon won the best gross prize. His score of 30 gross points contained two twos – a lucrative Double Decker! And in third place was the aforementioned Paul Murphy, whose handicap is now at an all-time low of 8.5.
On Sunday Martin Malone’s Junior Cowdy Cup team took on Loughgall GC in the first leg of their match at Concra. Wins for the pairings of Dermot Brennan and our Captain Patsy Boyle, Shane Fitzsimons and Joe McGrath, and Brendan Carragher and Bart McNamara, and a half match for Andy Whelan and Paraic Craig give Martin’s side a really good chance of progress in the second leg on June 23rd.
Our Seniors winners this week were Joe Quinn, Micky Quinn and Brendan Laverty with 51 pts. Runners up were Pat McNeill, Andy Whelan, Paddy Niland and Raymond Kernan on 50 pts.
- And finally for this week, our next competition is a strokeplay event sponsored by Carna Transport. Members can play on Friday, Saturday or Sunday, and as some of our members aren’t overly fond of strokeplay, there’ll be a stableford prize as well.
4th June 2019
SEAN MALONE WINS PRESIDENT’S PRIZE
Our President Eileen Kerr’s Prize took centre stage in Concra over the June Bank Holiday weekend. Over 120 competitors took part in the men’s qualifier on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the top eighteen battling it out in a nine hole play-off on Sunday evening. The winner, on a total of 59 stableford points, was Sean Malone. Not for Sean a dramatic final green victory, but a comfortable winning margin of 3 points. Leading by two after qualifying with 41 points, Sean added another 18 on Sunday evening. With the wind howling around Concra, that gave the chasing pack no chance. Garreth Woods offered the greatest resistance. A final nine score of 19 points gave him a total of 56, and the Runners Up spot. A regular on the leaderboard in the Majors, Garreth will surely be back for more. The Best Gross was won by Adrian Kelly. He may have recently joined the Seniors, but Adrian still knows how to get the little white ball around Concra. Third Prize went to Pauric Donaghy. Pauric was Sean’s closest competitor in qualifying with 39 points, and no doubt playing in the final group is an experience that will stand him in good stead. And fourth prize was won by Brendan Carragher. His 54 points is further evidence of very steady improvement this season.
Our President Eileen and her guests joined our members to round off the weekend’s celebrations in our clubhouse on Sunday night. Time and again speakers paid tribute to the immense contribution Eileen has made to our project at Concra Wood. In thanking everyone, Eileen made particular mention of the generous donations that were made to Monaghan Arch Club. And she thanked her sponsors Barry Kerr’s Wealthwise Financial Planning and Padraic McKenna of Arena Capital for the wonderful array of prizes.
It was back to normal for the Seniors this week. 24 played and the winners were Nicky Hore, Paddy Niland and Brendan Laverty on 40 pts. 2nd placed were Hebor McMahon, Jim O’Neill, and Pat Bolger (38 pts.) 3rd spot was claimed by Gerry Treacy, Eugene McDonnell and Barney McDonald, also with 38pts.
And finally for this week, it’s that time of year again – James Duffy’s men are coming to town! And this year they’ll be trying to make America great again after losing to Paul Murphy’s Team Ireland in 2018. This is not a weekend for the faint hearted, and all our members can get involved as the match is played in conjunction with the Prandy Duffy Cup. This competition commemorates James’ father Prandy who was a really keen golfer in the early days of our club. And to round off the weekend, the winner for 2019 will be presented with the cup in our clubhouse on Sunday night.
28th May 2019
PAUL CAMPBELL STRIKES AGAIN
Having dominated the Spring League leader board from start to finish, Paul Campbell was looking forward to a productive 2019. It’s taken him a few weeks to bring this form into the 18 hole format, but it was worth the wait. On a windy weekend 40 points was enough to see him across the line in our Brennan’s Furniture sponsored competition. Such was the difficulty of our course that our Standard Scratch came in at 35 points, meaning Paul loses a full two shots. Somehow I think he’ll be fine! Category 1 was won by Michael McEntegart, who amassed his 39 points over the first 17 holes. Playing straight into the breeze on 18, Michael could only muster a 6, handing victory to the aforementioned Mr Campbell. Categories 2 and 3 were a little lower scoring. 36 points was all it took to secure prizes for Mark Conlon and Darren McQuillan.
Frank Mc Donnell’s Jimmy Bruen Shield side are out of this year’s competition. On Sunday evening their match against Clones GC went all the way to the final green in the final match, but unfortunately Jimmy Lacey and Barry O’Reilly were pipped at the post and Clones progressed by 3 matches to 2. There was better news for Dessie Duffy’s Rossmore Cup team. His team was never in trouble as they completed a convincing victory over Ashfield GC at Concra. Next up for Dessie’s men is Rockmount GC.
In Seniors news, 27 stalwarts headed to Slieve Russell for the annual getaway on Monday and Tuesday of last week. Let’s get the category winners out of the way before we get to the big story.
Day 1, Category 1: R McCooey, Cat. 2: P Niland, Cat. 3: N Hore.
Day 2, Category 1: R McCooey, Cat. 2: E Johnson, Cat. 3: Junior McKeown.
The usual team events also took place.
Frank Nolan, on his first annual senior outing, gave a Senior Masterclass. After a steady 30 pts on day 1, he stormed through the field on the final day with a superb -2 round or 44 pts to take the overall prize. It was a joy to watch Frank, who at one stage was 5 under. What a round playing off a handicap of 6! Congratulations Frank. You have elevated senior golf to a whole new level.
Our Spring League, which was sponsored by Noel O’Reilly’s Forklift and Machinery Sales, enjoyed a rather protracted matchplay series. However, that process is now complete – and it’s still Spring! The winner is Gerry Mc Caul, who beat Eugene Mc Guigan in the final last week. It all went to down to (another) final hole finish, with Gerry coming through by the narrowest of margins.
And finally for this week, news of our President’s Prize, Eileen Kerr makes a little bit of history in our club this weekend, as she’s the first female to host the President’s Prize. She is sticking with tradition in that our format is 27 hole stableford, with the top eighteen qualifiers – and equals – taking part in a nine hole play-off on Sunday afternoon. Eileen has, however, dispensed with the custom of members bringing gifts for the incumbent. Instead all will have an opportunity to make a donation to the very worthy cause of the Monaghan Arch Club. We wish Eileen and her family the very best for the weekend.
21st May 2019
McELROY WINS THE TAVEY 500
Conventional wisdom suggests that scoring improves in stableford events. However, there was no such luck for the 91 members who took part in our weekend competition which was sponsored by Eamon Tavey’s Menswear. Tough rough places a real premium on hitting fairways and greens, and most of us appear to be struggling. The winner on a steady, if not spectacular, score of 39 points was Seamus McElroy. Seamus did most of the spade work on a front nine of 23 points, and his back nine of 16 was just enough for a one stroke victory. Padraic Conlon and Pauric Donaghy both returned cards with 38 points, and both were left ruing mistakes at the last hole. A bogey for Padraic and a double for Pauric means they’ll have to be content with their category prizes. Our other winner in Category 2 was Michael Byrne – a steal with 36 points.
On Sunday Noel O’Reilly’s Ulster Cup side had it all to do as they went into their second leg against Rosapenna GC at Concra. Trailing 6-1 after the first leg Noel’s men never looked like overcoming the odds, so a very strong Rosapenna side head into Round 2. There was better news from Dessie Duffy’s Rossmore Cup team. They took home two matches from Ashfield GC, with wins for the pairings of Aidan Carragher and Dermot Beirne and Noel O’Reilly and Declan Smyth. Let’s hope they can finish the job at home on Saturday. And commiserations to Michelle Costello and her All Ireland Mixed Foursomes side who missed out on qualification by the narrowest of margins on Sunday at Rossmore GC. Having matched fourth placed Slieve Russell’s qualifying score, they were edged out on the fifth card. It doesn’t come any closer than that!
In Senior News, the winners last week were Mickey Quinn, Jim O’Neill, Tom McHugh on 43 pts. 2nd spot was claimed by Eamonn Toal, Pat Conlon, Arthur McGeogh, also on 43 pts. And 3rd prize went to Joe Quinn and Adrian Sewell (40 pts).
And finally for this week, our competition is sponsored by Brennan Furniture this weekend. And then on the June Bank Holiday weekend it’s Eileen Kerr’s President’s Prize. The time sheet is posted on our noticeboard with spaces available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This is a 27 hole event, with qualifiers taking part in a nine hole play-off on Sunday afternoon for the year’s first Major prize.
14th May 2019
MURPHY’S LAW
If you happen to bump into Paul Murphy in the coming days, be sure to congratulate him on his great victory in our first strokeplay competition of the year which was sponsored by McElvaney Motors. His sizzling 69 has largely gone unnoticed by texters of all colours who’ve been commiserating with him on Liverpool’s glorious failure in the Premier League. Life can be cruel at times! At least his golf never lets him down. It took a scrupulous countback to separate Paul’s score from Ciaran McMahon’s who was narrowly edged into second spot on the same score. The Best Gross prize went to Charlie McDonnel with a round of 77. And Third Prize went to my tip for 2019 Aidan Carragher, whose 70 sees his handicap reduced to 15.
In Seniors news, we had a record score of 56 points last week from Eamonn Toal, Nicky Hore, and Junior McKeown. In 2nd place with a mere 48 pts Gerry Treacy, Jim O’Neill, Pat McBride. All seniors please note: Slieve Russell annual outing Tuesday 21st – Please be there at 9 am.
This weekend our competition is sponsored by Eamon Tavey’s Menswear in Carrickmacross. And all recent prize winners are asked to attend our presentation on Friday night in Concra at 8.30 pm.
And finally for this week, more commiserations – this time to Sean Malone’s Pierce Purcell Shield side. On Sunday at Cloverhill GC they finished fifth in the qualifier, which sees only the top four go through. Let’s hope there’s more luck on the side of Noel O’Reilly’s Ulster Cup team who attempt to overcome a 6-1 first leg deficit against Rosapenna GC in Concra on Sunday.
7th May 2019
ANNUAL CLASSIC AT CONCRA WOOD
Our annual Golf Classic sponsored by The View Restaurant took centre stage over the May Bank Holiday Weekend. It was won by Sean Malone, Philip McCague, Dermot Brennan and an absolutely thrilled Noel Boyd enjoying his maiden victory. One thing is for sure, this is a team that knows how to celebrate! Their 86 point total gave them a 2 point winning margin over no fewer than four other teams. After a lengthy countback the minor placings were declared as follows: 2nd Paddy Cumiskey, Johnny Redmond, Paraic Craig and Andy Whelan, 3rd Brian Coleman, David Walsh, Francis Murphy and Adrian Sewell, 4th Bart McNamara, Dessie Woods, Greg Sibley and Gareth Woods, and 5th Emmet Brennan, Finbarr Carville, Martin Farnan and Shane Fitzsimons.
In Seniors news, 22 played on Thursday last and the winners with 41 pts were Pat McNeill, Paul Short, Brendan Laverty. 2nd Johnny McGoldrick, Pat Conlon, Pat McBride 40 pts.3rd Eamonn Toal, Eugene McDonnell, Arthur McGeough 39 pts.
The Inter-club season is now in full swing. On Sunday Frank McDonnell’s Jimmy Bruen Shield side made it through their qualifier at Clones GC. His main men were the Billy Gene pairing of Messrs. Hanna and McGuigan who shot an excellent round of 81. And if anyone thinks there’s nothing special about an 81, believe me in Clones on Sunday it was Top Class. They now meet Clones GC in the round of 32.
On Bank Holiday Monday Noel O’Reilly’s Ulster Cup team made the long journey to Rosapenna GC for their opening round match . A win for Damien Cumiskey was as much as they could muster on the day, so they have it all to do in the second leg in a fortnight.
And finally for this week, it’s back to our busy schedule for the month of May. Our weekend competition is a strokeplay event sponsored by McElvaney Motors. And good luck to Sean Malone’s Pierce Purcell side who represent our club in this year’s qualifier at Cloverhill GC on Sunday.
30th April 2019
Michael Byrne Wins Des McGlynn Cup
After a break for the Easter holidays, we have two competitions to report on this week. Members competed for the Des McGlynn Cup on a sunny Easter weekend. While this was our first round without Winter rules, the benign conditions meant scoring was high. The winner on a score of 42 points was Michael Byrne. Having had no fewer than three blanks, Michael held his nerve, and a birdie at the last was enough to squeeze him over the line on a countback. The unlucky man to be edged out was Tiarnach O’Neill. He also shot 42 points off an identical handicap of 19, but lost out on the back nine. He’ll have to make do with the category 2 prize on this occasion. Category 1 went to the very in-form Alan Bolger. Having his best season ever, Alan’s 40 points total sees his handicap reduced to 5. And category 3 was won by James Connor, whose 38 points means he’ll never play off 21 again!
Last weekend we turned our attention to our Corrigans’ Kitchen event. Storm Hannah put paid to any chances for Saturday’s competitors. And while conditions were hugely improved on Sunday, our very testing rough placed an absolute premium on straight hitting. It’s no surprise then that our winner is one of our most accurate strikers. Gavin McEneaney scored on every hole as he plotted his way to 41 points, a score that sees his handicap back down to where it belongs – single figures. Category 1 was won by another striker, Ciaran McMahon. Ciaran fired in three birdies on his way to a score of 39 points. No one will be more surprised than Ruairi Digby to find that his 36 points prevailed in category 2. Whereas category 3 winner Martin Malone had already scored 36 points standing on the 16th tee. But as so often happens in Concra, those last three holes take their toll, and in the end he signed for a total of 38 points.
Twenty eight Seniors played on Tuesday last and the winners were Paddy Comiskey, Pat Horgan and Larry Coleman with 44 pts. Pat McNeill, Adrian Sewell and Brendan Laverty were beaten on the countback, and third slot went to Michael Quinn, Nicky Hore and Tony Carville on 42 points.
This weekend our attention turns to our Club Classic which is sponsored by The View Restaurant. There are still a number of places available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Contact our office at (042)9749485 or any committee member.
16th April 2019
The old dog for the hard road!
Scoring in Concra was low this weekend as golfers struggled with the very windy conditions. This meant that Francis Murphy’s 32 points was enough to win the Mementoes sponsored competition. The old dog for the hard road! Category 1 was won by Mac Sammon with 31 points. Declan Smyth posted the same total to add a Category 2 prize to his win earlier this year. Let’s hope Declan can carry this form into the summer! Our captain Patsy Boyle also continued his early season form to claim Category 3 with 30 points. Our competition this weekend is the Des McGlynn Cup.
The seniors had seven teams of four for last Thursday’s 1 2 3 waltz format competition. Three teams finished on 44 points, with Eamonn Toal, Adrian Sewell, Jim O’Neill and Barney McDonald coming out on top after the maths was done. Brian McGovern, Andy Whelan, Joe Gleason and Tom Ryan were second, with Pat McNeill, Pat Horgan, Brendan Laverty and Macarten Lambe third.
Having seen off some tough competitors in the O’Reilly Plant Hire Spring League, things don’t get any easier for leading qualifier Paul Campbell as he faces Gene McGuigan in the semi-finals. David Lennon plays Gerry McCaul for the other place in the final. Good luck to all.
Joe McGrath’s All Ireland Fourball team succumbed to a strong Mayobridge side on Sunday. Joe is very thankful to his team for their efforts this season.
9th April 2019
NEW PUTTER – NEW ALAN
Alan Bolger has long been a fine striker of the golf ball. However, he hasn’t always enjoyed good fortune on the greens. Well it seems that’s all about to change, as his new putter – a Christmas present – appears to be something of a magic wand. On Saturday he rolled in putts from all angles to return a score of 44 points off a handicap of 6 – that’s two under par in old money! This was enough for a two point winning margin in our Declan Loughman Sports competition. The runner-up spot went to Pauric Donaghy. A product of our youth system, Pauric scored 42 points off a 22 handicap, his best ever round. And third prize was won by Sean McKernan who shot the best 40 points of the weekend.
Joe McGrath’s All Ireland Fourball team got the inter-club season under way on Saturday. Wins for the pairings of Paul Campbell and Patrick Cumiskey, and Paddy King and Joe himself, and a half match for James Connor and Aidan Carragher gave Concra a two and a half all home draw against Mayobridge GC. This leaves them with a mountain to climb in the second leg. We wish Joe and his team the very best on Sunday.
20 hardy Seniors played on Wednesday last with a cold northerly wind blowing through Concra Wood. The winners who returned 46 pts were Eamonn Toal, Nicky Hore and Paul shortt. 2nd place went to Pat McNeill, Pat Horgan and Tom Ryan with a modest 42 pts. Lately there has been some concern regarding the draws for teams. One suggestion is to bring in the independent observer from the national lottery. Watch this space! Welcome back to Johnny McGoldrick and wife Susan on their return from Zimbabwe after 2 months humanitarian work. With Concra Wood looking splendid a big thank you to all the senior gardeners. Up coming jobs are, flower beds at entrance, starters hut, paint hanging basket poles and spread bark on bank at practice area.
And finally for this week, sibling rivalry! Is it a good thing or is it a bad thing? I don’t know the answer to this age old question, but I do know that it’s alive and well in the Woods family. Last week we reported on Gareth’s out of competition hole-in-one at the 6th hole. Well this week brother Dessie went one better. His hole-in-one at the 14th was recorded on an official card. Now what are the chances of that happening? We await their next move!
2nd. April 2019
CAMPBELL CONTINUES TO DOMINATE
We should have known when Paul Campbell topped the Spring League that his game was on the up. And last weekend he took things to a new level. Having disposed of Greg Duffy in the matchplay , Paul turned his attention to our 18 hole competition which was sponsored by Gerry McMahon’s Tradex Paints. And what a round he had, returning 43 points of a handicap of 18. This gave him a two shot winning margin over Patrick Comiskey and James King. These two had to be separated on a countback, with Patrick taking the spoils on the final three holes. And spare a thought for Gareth Woods. One of our keenest golfers, Gareth makes the long journey to Concra every week from Lucan. On this occasion, a delay led to him not entering the competition, and lo and behold he had a hole-in-one at the sixth. And as everyone knows, this deems his ace unofficial. However bar etiquette still applies!
The O’Reilly Plant Hire Spring League has reached the quarter-final stage. The main man Paul Campbell faces Pat Conlon, while Damien Cumiskey takes on David Lennon. Gene McGuigan’s reward for overcoming Francie Boylan is an encounter with Ciaran McMahon. And having knocked out our long time leader – and sponsor – Noel O ‘Reilly, Frank Nolan faces the tricky task of playing Gerry McCaul for a place in the semis. Good luck to all.
Our Senior winners last week were Pat McNeill, PJ Lambe, and Pat McBride 48 pts. 2nd Joe Quinn, Jim O’Neill, Pat Bolger, Hebor McMahon 46 pts. 3rd Micky Quinn, Paul Shortt, Macartan Lambe 45 pts.
This weekend our competition is sponsored by Declan Loughman Sports. This is a stableford event.
And finally for this week, we’ve heard all the excuses. “You’re the youngest!”, “I’ve no glasses with me!”, and even “You stayed at school longer than me!” etc. etc. Anything but mark a card! As we all become familiar with the many changes in golf in 2019, our committee asks that all members swap cards on the first tee, and everyone marks a card. When mistakes arise, this practice makes things so much easier to resolve. And our busy Competitions Convenor deserves a quiet life!
26th March, 2019
DECLAN’S OFF TO A FLYER
Declan Smyth got his season off to the best possible start at the weekend, winning our opening 18 hole competition which was sponsored by Sealo Freight. Declan’s game has been returning to its old self of late, after a couple of quiet seasons. So he’s delighted to have recorded a fine score of 41 points at the first time of asking. The runner-up spot went to Aidan Carragher. His 40 points total included two twos, making this a very pleasant payday! Aidan is the man to watch in 2019. His handicap of 16 is going to fall like a stone to single figures. And third prize was won by Dessie Woods on a score of 38 points.
The good weather is back and the Seniors were out in force again last Wednesday. The course was in great condition and scoring was high. Eamonn Toal, Paddy Niland, Joe Gleeson took top spot with 53 pts. Pat McNeill, Pat Horgan, Barney McDonald and Pat Bolger were second on 49 pts.
This weekend our 18 hole competition is sponsored by Gerry McMahon Paints. It should be a very busy weekend as this event takes place alongside our Spring League match play. We’ve already seen some interesting results, with Paul Campbell defeating Greg Duffy and Ciaran McMahon getting the better of Paraic Craig. Two big matches have yet to be played. Noel O’Reilly will have to bring his A-Game as he faces Frank Nolan. But the game of the round is surely Gene McGuigan versus Francie Boylan. This one is just too close to call!
19th March 2019
Paul tops the league
After a Saturday closure we managed to get the final week of the O’Reilly Forklift & Machinery Sales Spring League on Sunday. After dominating the league table for five weeks, Noel O’Reilly was pipped at the post by Paul Campbell who takes the spoils as leading qualifier – with Noel in second spot. The Top 16 all finished on scores of 76 points and over and happily there was no need for a countback. The draw is available on our notice board and website and all matches must be played by Sunday 31st March.
Our category winners also made it into the Top 16. In Category 1 Frank Nolan’s score of 23 points saw him leapfrog a dozen competitors to end up in fifteenth place. Category 2 was won by Gary Doyle whose 22 points took him comfortably home in 10th place. And Paraic Craig matched Gary’s 22 to win Category 3, and take fifth position in the league.
On Bank Holiday Monday over 100 golfers took part in our first Open Competition of the season. The winner was James Forde on 41 points, runners up Aaron Kelly on 39 points edging Joe Brady into third place on a countback.
The seniors played on Friday last and the results are. Eamonn Toal, Pat Horgan, Pat McBride, Junior McKeown 48 pts. 2nd place with 47 pts Pat McNeill, Andy Whelan, PJ Lambe, McCarten Lambe.
On Tuesday 26th March we are hosting a Rules of Golf Roadshow in our clubhouse. This will be conducted by GUI and ILGU officials. The event starts at 7.30pm and is open to all members.
And finally for this week, the 18 holers start this weekend. We kick off with a stableford event sponsored by Seamus Leonard and Sealo Freight.
12th March 2019
RAIN STOPS PLAY
We had hoped to report on the final week of our Spring League in this issue, but thanks to a weekend of dreadful weather, it never happened. Luckily we did plan for this, so we have a spare weekend up our sleeves. Members can have a second tilt at Week 6 this weekend, and hopefully that report will be with you next week.
Our Seniors played on a very windy Thursday, and the results are as follows; Winners with 50 pts Eamonn Toal, Pat Horgan and Arthur McGeogh. Runners up with 44 pts Eamonn Johnson, Nicky Hore, Barney McDonald.
We extend our deepest sympathies to our Captain Patsy Boyle and his wife Bernie on the death of her mother May McCabe. May she rest in peace.
And finally for this week, our first 18 hole competition of the new season takes place on the weekend of March 23rd and 24th. This event is kindly sponsored by the very generous people at Sealo Freight.
5th March 2019
CAPTAINS DRIVE IN
Our Captains went ahead with their Drive In on Saturday, in what can only be described as the foulest of weather conditions. No sooner had Patsy and Andrea, and our Junior Captain Keith, teed off than everyone headed for the clubhouse. Yet there are more than a couple of hardy golfers in our ranks. When the cards were checked on Sunday night, more than 50 members had taken part in Week 5 of the O’Reilly Plant Sales Spring League. This week’s star performers were David Lennon in Category 1 with 23 points, Paul Leonard with a season’s best 24 points in Category2, and Martin Malone who took the Category 3 prize with 22 points. As we enter the final week, Noel O’Reilly still leads the way on 81 points, with Francie Boylan and Gerry McCaul in hot pursuit on 80 and 79 respectively. As of now 72 points is the qualification mark for the top 16, but that’s sure to rise by Sunday night.
In Senior news, 24 played on Wednesday last and the winners were Heber McMahon, Nicky Hore, and Raymond Kernan on 47 pts. Second place went to Des Morgen, John Keenan, and Pat Bolger (43 pts). 3rd on the count back Micky Quinn, Brendan Laverty, Tony Carville (42 pts). All slots are now filled for our Senior outing to Slieve Russell. Anyone who wishes, can put their name on the reserve list.
And finally for this week, the new rules introduced by the R & A in 2019 are certainly causing plenty of discussion, not to mention a headache or two. There is a very informative brief guide available to all members in our clubhouse, so it might be a good idea to stick one in your golf bag. You never know, it might just come in handy!
26th February 2019
NOEL ON POLE
Noel O’Reilly is in pole position after Week 4 of our Spring League which is sponsored by – well, himself! More than one or two of his rivals have begun to suspect that the first prize must be something special, because all of Noel’s nearest challengers are members of the ten o’clock gang – a group of hardy veterans who draw for partners every Sunday morning at ten. Gerry McCaul and Eugene McGuigan are breathing down his neck – which can’t be pleasant for Noel! And with two weeks to go the race for the rest is wide open. Remember the top 16 qualify for the knockout stages.
The same group dominated our weekend nine hole competition as well. Greg Duffy won Category 1 with 21 points, while Martin Malone took Category 3 with 22. They would have had a clean sweep only for Dermot Beirne who won Category 2 with 22 points. Believe it or not, he won it on a countback from – who else – Noel O’Reilly. You just can’t keep a good man down!
In Seniors news, 26 seniors played on Thursday last and here are the results. Winners Pat McNeill, Joe Quinn, PJ Lambe with a great score of 52 pts. 2nd Paul McCarthy, Paddy Niland, Pat McBride, Pat Bolger 49 pts. 3rd Gerry Treacy, Eamonn Toal, Brendan Laverty 48 pts. A big welcome back to Raymond Kerman who has been sidelined with an injury since last June and also to new member Macartan Lambe.
And finally for this week, the draw for partners for our mixed scramble takes place on this Friday night (1st March). This event follows our joint Captains’ Drive In on Saturday at noon. We wish Patsy and Andrea the very best of luck on the tee and in the year ahead.
19th February 2019
23 IS THE MAGIC NUMBER
2019 is going to be some year for big scores – that’s if the Spring League is anything to go by. In Week 3 we had no fewer than five members who scored 23 points. The best of the bunch was Ronan McMahon who went round the front nine in level par to win Category 1. Victory was particularly sweet for Gerry McCaul in Category 2 as he edged out Noel O’Reilly on a countback. As sponsor of the league, Noel would no doubt have turned down the prize anyway! And in Category 3 Pat Conlon took top spot, pipping Pat McNeill at the post!
This weekend it’s week 4 when the leaderboard will really take shape. Remember it’s four scores to count after Week 6, so the more often you play, the better your chances.
Our Senior Captain Jim O’Neill held his drive in on Wednesday last, and all of the 30 seniors received a box of Bon Bons and a wee dram before teeing off. Jim led the way with his now famous knee bend and a drive straight down the middle. After golf finger food was served, Jim said some complimentary words regarding the social side of the seniors and the big turnout. The winners with 53 pts were Eamonn Toal, Pat Horgan, and birthday boy Tom Ryan. 2nd place went to Martin Allen, Andy Whelan, Tony Carville (50 pts), and 3rd spot was claimed by Joe Quinn and PJ Lambe on 48 pts.
And finally for this week, a reminder that our joint Captains’ Drive In takes place on Saturday March 2nd at 12 noon. This will be followed by a nine hole mixed scramble. We look forward to a good turnout for the traditional kick-off of the golfing year.
12th February, 2019
PATSY DOES IT AGAIN
Since taking on the role of Captain, it’s been win, win, win for Patsy Boyle. He was at it again at the weekend with a score of 22 points, which squeezed him past Sean McCoy to win category 3 on a countback. Category 2 was even harder to call, with David O’Neill’s 19 points edging out none other than his namesake David O’Neill! For the record that’s Doohamlet David beating Oram David. Category 3 was more clear cut with Eugene McGuigan out in front on 22 points.
The O’Reilly Plant Sales Spring League continues this weekend. The leaderboard is posted on the notice board. And members have a second event to look forward to as our Valentines Weekend Mixed Scramble takes place on Saturday at 12 noon. Anyone wishing to take part is asked to sign up or contact the office or Pro Shop by Thursday 14th.
Our Seniors were delighted to get out on Concra after the week of frost. 21 played in Wednesday’s competition, which was in the waltz format – that’s one score counting on the first, two on the second and 3 on the third. Winners with 44 pts were Gerry Treacy, Andy Whelan, and Nicky Hore. 2nd Micky Quinn, Adrian Sewell, Pat Horgan (42 pts). 3rd Martin Allen, Joe Quinn, Joe Gleason on 42 pts.
And finally for this week, another date for your diaries. The Captain’s and Lady Captain’s Drive In takes place on Saturday 2nd of March at 12 noon. The traditional start to the golf season will be followed by a nine hole mixed scramble. Let’s hope the weather – and the golfing Gods – are kind to Patsy and Andrea!
28th January, 2019
SPRING LEAGUE KICKS OFF
The new singles format for our Spring League has proven to be popular with 84 members signing up, and no fewer than 70 taking part in Week 1. Top of the league at this early stage is Tony Carville with 22 points, a score which also took first prize in the weekend competition. The category winners were David Lennon and Damien Cumiskey on 21 points apiece, while our Captain Patsy Boyle is among the prizes again with 22 points. These nine hole events are repeater competitions, but members must submit their first score to the Spring League each week.
Now for the Seniors news. With the weather not playing ball last week 22 was a good turnout of the grand masters! Ballybay man Paul McCarty joined us last year; in the old days Paul played off 6 and now off 18 is comfortable. Paul led his team of PJ Lambe and Brian Laide to victory with 49 pts. 2nd Eamonn Toal, Paddy Niland, Jim O’Neill 47 pts. 3rd Brian McGovern, Sean Mulligan, Tom Ryan 44 pts. Members are reminded that in order to qualify for a subsidy on this year’s trip away ,you will need to have played 8 times by May.
And finally for this week, a date for your diaries. The aforementioned Patsy Boyle’s Captain’s Drive In takes place on Saturday March 2nd. There’ll be further details on times and format in the coming weeks.
21st January 2019
HISTORIC WEEKEND FOR IRISH GOLF
Golf took centre stage on the Irish sports pages at the weekend. Not only did Shane Lowry give everyone’s spirits a lift by winning the HSBC tournament in Abu Dhabi, but the GUI and ILGU both voted overwhelmingly to amalgamate. A two year transition period will now take place, with the new organisation, Golf Ireland, set to “go live” on January 1st 2021.
On the domestic front, we had a nine hole competition in Concra. The winner on a score of 23 points was Eoin Hamilton. He took the spoils on a countback from Billy Hanna, thanks to a superior finish. Third place went to our Captain Patsy Boyle, whose 22 points finished with a flourish – a birdie 2 at the ninth! This weekend our competition will be played in conjunction with the Spring League which is sponsored this year by O’Reilly Plant Sales. Good luck all entrants!
In Seniors news 23 members played this week, and here are the results: Winners Pat McNeill, Paul Short, Tom McHugh, Tony Carville 48 pts. 2nd Hebor McMahon, Andy Whelan, PJ Lambe, Pat Horgan 48 pts. 3rd Eamonn Toal, Eamonn Johnson, John Keenan 46 pts.
And finally for this week, heartiest congratulations to Jimmy Lacey and Barry O’Reilly who have led the Castleblayney hurlers to the All Ireland Junior Final. They brought huge support to Mullingar on Sunday, where they enjoyed a one point victory over Carrick of Leitrim. The final takes place in Croke Park on February 10th. They‘ll no doubt be delighted to have their work done in plenty of time for the start of the new golf season!
15th January 2019
JOHNNY CLAIMS TOP SPOT
The signs of Spring are there for all to see. The daffodils are blooming, the lawn mowers are humming and our golf course is chock -a-block. Not surprising then that we had some high scoring in our weekend nine hole competition. The winner on a super score of 23 points was Johnny Redmond. The mark of a great round is how it’s finished, and Johnny’s not going to forget this one in a hurry, as he finished it off with a birdie 2 on the ninth. And he needed it, as his score was just enough to edge out Paul O’Hagan and Paul Campbell, who take second and third prize on 22 points apiece.
This weekend we have another nine hole event. When signing in members can enter the Spring League. This year the league is a singles competition. Played over six weeks, each competitor’s four best scores count. The top sixteen on the final league table will then take part in a knockout format to determine who this year’s champion will be. Start date for the Spring League is Friday 25th January.
In Seniors news, 25 played the waltz format and the results were. 1st Eamonn Toal, Nicky Hore, Tom Ryan 44 pts. 2nd Hebor McMahon, Pat Conlon, Tony Carville 44pts. 3rd Brian McGovern, Paddy Niland, Pat Horgan 43 pts.
Review of 2018 majors
20th Anniversary Jim O’Neill.
President Day Eamonn Toal.
Jimmy Coleman Cup Gerry Treacy.
Captains Day Declan McAteer.
Gabriel Moore Cup Joe Quinn.
Money list top 5 2018 (excluding the 5 majors)
1 Eamonn Toal. 2 Joe Quinn. 3 Nicky Hore. 4 Andy Whelan. 5 Pat Horgan
Best attendance. Eamonn Toal and Andy Whelan tied on 44.
Gardening
It’s back to work this week for the gardeners, anyone who would like to help out please contact Andy on 0871171665.
A big thank you to the ladies and the senior men for their generous donations during 2018. More planting to do 2019
And finally for this week, a reminder to members that this year’s annual subscription was due to be paid in December. Anyone whose sub is outstanding is asked to contact our office ASAP!
8th January 2019
FESTIVE GOLF
The wonderfully mild weather conditions over Christmas were enjoyed by record numbers of golfers at Concra. So, there are plenty of results to report this week. First up there’s the Cooltrim Oil Winter League. This was won by Team 12 – Brian McGovern, Sean Malone, Heber McMahon and Phelim Quinn – on 174 points. Second prize went to Jim McKeown, Thomas Duffy, Patrick Niland and Paraic Craig of Team 15. The final week’s category winners were Greg Duffy on 19 points, Sean Malone (again!) on21 points, Pat McNeill on 21 points and Paraic Craig (again!) on 19 points.
Our special event at Christmas time was the Mixed Scramble on December 29th. The winners were Ronan McMahon, Martin Farnan, Pat O’Connell and Chris Monahan on a score of -8. This was just enough to edge out Caitriona Bolger, Martin Malone, Dermot Brennan and that man again Paraic Craig on a countback. All funds raised on the day will be spent on our course, and we hope to hold another scramble in February.
Last weekend there was a large turnout for a nine hole singles event. The category winners were Gavin McEneaney, Emmet Brennan, Martin Allen and Seamus Leonard. And the only 2 of the entire week was shot by David Lennon!
So this weekend there’ll be another Nine hole competition for members, and next week we’ll have news of a new format for our Spring League.
And finally for this week a reminder to you all that it’s time to study the new rules for2019. There’s never been so many changes at once in living memory, so it’s not going to be a case of learning them “on the hoof”. You have been warned!