Mens Golf Club Notes

COMISKEY WINS BIG TOM MEMORIAL

The inaugural Big Tom memorial competition was played last weekend at Concra Wood in conjunction with the festivities in the town.  A very well supported turnout competed to win this one kindly sponsored by McElvaney Motors.  With a score of 40 points our winner was Patrick J. Comiskey, having narrowly missed out on a count back earlier in the week in the Jimmy Coleman memorial, Patrick continued a decent run of form to take the top spot this time around.  In second position is a man who has had a quiet year by his standards, Gary Morgan with a gross score of 3 over par to give him 39 stableford points took the Category 1 honours.  The Category 2 prize went to Jim McKeown helped in no small part by an Ace at the par 3 sixth hole, no doubt the tills were ringing on his return to the clubhouse!!  Category 3 was won by Eamonn Johnston with 35 points.

Next weekend we will be playing for the Paul Hill Memorial Cup.  This one will be stableford off the green tees.  Please be mindful that the presentation of this prize will take place in the clubhouse on Sunday evening.  The winners will be contacted by the committee and their attendance would be greatly appreciated.  Due to the Challenge Tour event next week tee times are limited, particularly on Sunday so please book early to avoid disappointment.

CHALLENGE TOUR

The challenge tour will role into Castleblayney next week and Concra Wood is looking for as many volunteers as possible to help out over their stay with us.  Please contact a member of the Concra Challenge Tour committee if you are able to help out in any way from a clean-up of the course and clubhouse area to caddying duties.  All help will be most appreciated.

SENIORS NEWS

The Jimmy Coleman Memorial Competition was played on Tuesday last.  Elisabeth Coleman presented the prizes after a great meal in the View Restaurant.  Overall winner Gerry Treacy, well done Gerry. Category 1 Paddy Comiskey. Category 2  E Toal. Category 3  Joe Gleeson. Front 9 Joe Quinn.Back 9 Paddy Niland.  Nearest the pin Pat McNeill.  2 View Restaurant vouchers kindly sponsored by Michael Smyth were won by Nicky Hore and Raymond Kernan.

MAGIC MCQUILLAN WINS MEMBERS

Our final Golfer of the year competition was played last weekend and a good turnout played a tough layout.  The 2 men left standing after 15 events knew what was needed and neither can be disappointed with their efforts.  Stephen McQuillan needed a win on the final weekend and Mel Currie only a top ten finish to take the Champion Golfer 2018 title.  Both achieved their final week goal leaving Mel Currie as your Golfer of the year and well deserved.  Stephen has the nice consolation of having a good chunk of his 2019 annual fees paid for thanks to a four over par score stableford 42 points.  Stephen has seen his handicap reduce by 5 this year, a fantastic acheivement.  Our category winners as follows, Category 1 Mark McCahey 41 points, Category 2 Martin Allen 40 points and Category 3 Bart McNamara 37 points less a cappuccino…

BIG TOM FESTIVAL

Next weekend sees the town of Castleblayney celebrate the life of Big Tom McBride.  The golf club will dedicate the weekends competition to his name in conjunction with McElvaney Motors.  This one will be Stableford off the Green tees.

EUROPEAN CHALLENGE TOUR

Not long now until the Challenge tour golfers come to town and we are asking that any volunteers that are available to caddy or take part in any way, could you please submit your name to Conor in the pro-shop.  There is also a list on the noticeboard to write your name for availability.

SENIORS NEWS

There was a big turnout of 27 last week  with the scoring hitting a new high. Winners Declan McAteer, Paul Shortt and birdie man Vincent Heavin 48 pts. The runners up with their 48 pts would win any other week but alas not this time were Pj Harte, Nicky Hore, Tom Ryan. In 3rd place with a modest 46 pts Joe Quinn, Jim O’Neill, Pj Lambe.

BRENNAN WINS PATRONS PRIZE

Last weekend the course was shortened slightly at the request of our Club Patron Michael McHugh.  The result of which led to a number of high scores.  The pick of the bunch though was that of Emmett Brennan’s. Emmett is usually a Saturday morning player and he posted a 5 over par round for 43 points to win by one from Adrian Kelly.  Adrian wins the category one prize and adds some golfer of the year points to his tally to give himself a chance with only two events remaining.  In third place with a great return of 41 points and taking the Category three prize is Brendan Carragher and Category two goes to Finbarr Carville also on 41 points.

Next weekend is the Blayney cup and is our last Strokeplay event of the year, off the green tees.  This is the penultimate event in our golfer of the year contest and it looks to be Mel Currie’s to lose as it stands.  Funny things can happen though and a couple of high scores for either Stephen McQuillan or Adrian Kelly could see them pip Mel to the champion golfer 2018 title.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES

The final nine hole social will be played on Friday 14th September after which will follow a prizegiving of outsanding prizes.  There is a list on the noticeboard of those to receive same and they will be notified by text message, as usual we ask that all winners attend or at least send a representative to collect on their behalf otherwise the prize will be forfeited.

SENIORS NEWS

18 played and the winners are, Gerry Treacy, Pat McBride, Eamonn Quinn 44 pts. 2nd Andy Whelan, Ian Cameron, Pat Bolger 41 pts.

Congratulations to Tom Ryan who birdied the 4th last week.

BRILLIANT BRIAN

Brian Digby was an early riser last Saturday morning for his regular game at Concra but he couldn’t have known what a trail he was to blaze that day.  A superb score of 44 points won the Steelform Sections sponsored competition albeit by only one shot in the end.  Hot on his heels was the 2003 Golfer of the year winner Adrian Sewell with his best return at Concra in some time, Adrian however will have to settle for the Category 3 prize on this occasion.  The category 1 winner was Thomas Brennan with 41 points, great to see Dr. Thomas back in the enclosure after a spell away from golf last year and the Category 2 winner was David Walsh with 34 points.  A quick mention too about Paul Murphys 31 points, not too special you may think until you look a little closer at his card that included two 2’s one of which was an Eagle at the par 4 eighth hole.  Well done Paul, pity about the rest of the round though!

Next weekend we play for Michael McHughs Patrons prize, a change in the tees as previously advertised on the noticeboard this one will be Stableford played off the GREEN tees.

The midweek Social nine holes are drawing towards a close and it is anticipated that the final one of 2018 will be played on Friday 14th September at which time a prize giving of outstanding prizes will take place after the event.  A list will be posted in the clubhouse of the winners that are due to collect.  Please take note and make the effort to come along on the night.

Finally our new practice area is really taking shape between the putting green and driving range, many thanks to everyone who participated.  This will be a great facility for us all to improve the short game, there surely can’t be any more excuses now!!

SENIORS NEWS

26 played on Thursday last. The format was the waltz and the winners are Andy Whelan, Nicky Hore, Tom Ryan and guest Ian Cameron all the way from Southampton with 41 pts. 2nd Mickey Quinn, Barney McDonald, Tom McHugh 40 pts. 3rd joe Quinn, Tony Carville, Junior McKeown 39 pts.
Thanks to all the seniors who turned out for the turf laying around the new practice area.

CURRIE’S HOT STREAK CONTINUES

The Culloville House sponsored competition last weekend played off the gold tees provided a lower scoring encounter than what we have seen lately.  Difficult windy conditions accompanied by an odd shower meant a tough test for most of us.  Mel Currie though has shone in recent weeks and this time he has topped the leaderboard to win his first competition of the year and consolidate his spot at the top of the Golfer of the year standings.  Mel shot a modest 37 points but this was enough by 2 to take the honours from Michael McEntegart in 2nd position who takes the Category One prize.  Category Two was won by Mervyn Brown with 34 points and Category Three went to Fergal McGuigan also on 34 points.

Next weekends competition is sponsored by Steelform Sections and is stableford off the green tees.

A couple of midweek competitions to watch out for next week, Wednesday 29th August sees our own monthly major sponsored by the Glencarn Hotel and the following day the Golf Digest team make a return to Concra Wood with some great prizes on offer both days they are well worth taking part in.

SENIORS NEWS

Tom McHugh teed up last week for the first time in almost a year, great to see Tom back golfing and looking well.
Results are, winners Mickey Quinn, Pat Conlon, Nicky Hore, Pat McBride 48 pts. 2nd Joe Quinn, Andy Whelan, Tom Ryan 46 pts. 3rd Pat McNeill, Paul Short, Tony Carville 43 pts.

SEAN SHOWS THE WAY.

Last weekends competition sponsored by Doohamlet Construction saw a good turnout of players take the field.  One man from Armagh shot the lights out on his way to a net score of 65 to win by four shots.  Sean Hughes has been working hard on his game of late with coach Conor up at the range and its certainly paid dividends.  In second place is a man no stranger to the winning enclosure, Shane Donnelly shot a net 69 to pip Mel Currie into 3rd place on a break down.  The best gross score was shot by Calum Callaghan with a 3 over par round, Calum has had a few of these prizes thus far in the year and must be wishing there was a strokeplay event every week!

Next weekends competition is sponsored by Culloville House and will be Stableford off the Gold tees.

Our golfer of the year table is beginning to take a bit more shape with both Mel Currie and Stephen McQuillan picking up points last week and going level with each other whilst putting some daylight between themselves and the chasing pack.  Not quite a 2 horse race yet but with only 5 events remaining they have every chance of becoming Club Champion this year!  Its up to Nudie, Greg Duffy, Padraic Conlon and others to do some work between now and mid September.

SENIORS NEWS

Results for last week. Winners Mickey Quinn, Eamonn Toal, Paul Short.
Runners up Martin Allen, Joe Quinn, Pat Horgan, Frank Murray.

PADRAIC WINS CAPTAINS PRIZE 

Our eagerly awaited Captains Prize was played last weekend.  Fantastic weather and good course conditions made for some high scoring with 37 points required to qualify for Sunday afternoons play off.  20 players made the cut and the leaders on 42 points a piece were PJ Ward and Padraic Conlon who played alongside former winner Jason Murphy in the final group.  Some more good scores followed and both Pauric Donaghy and Francie Boylan led the field until Concras own Bar Manager Padraic Conlon tapped in on the ninth for a total score of 61 Stableford points to win his first Captains prize.  Celebrations followed into the night and Captain Brian thanked his family and sponsors for their generosity, particularly Comiskey Engineering and Super Valu.

Full results, 1st Padraic Conlon 61pts, 2nd Francie Boylan 60pts (b/d) Best Gross Charlie McDonnell (Even Par), 3rd Padraig Donaghy 60pts and leading qualifier PJ Ward.

Next weekends competition is sponsored by Doohamlet Construction and will be played off the green tees.

SENIORS NEWS 
22 played and the winners are, Brian McGovern, Joe Quinn, Tom Ryan. 2nd Micky Quinn, Joe Gleason, Brendan Laverty. 3rd Martin Allen, Paddy Niland, Micky Reid.
A big thank you to all the seniors who turned out during the week for the bunker work, much appreciated

BRODIGAN BANG ON FORM.

Mixed weather faced players for last weekends MC Blinds sponsored competition.  Ian Brodigan must have given a call into Met Eireann as he picked the most benign day, playing on Friday afternoon to score a net 68 beating Michael McEntegart on a count back.  Best Gross went to Mark Currie with a four over par score.  Mark got the better of brother Mel this week in the prizes with both men finishing in the top ten.  Third place went to Martin Farnan with a net 69.

Next weekend is our Club Captain Brian McGoverns prize sponsored by Comiskey Engineering.  As per usual we play 18 holes between Friday and Sunday morning with the top players entering a nine hole playoff on Sunday afternoon.  The presentation of prizes will follow on Sunday evening along with a meal and music.  If you fancy a flutter on yourself or any other participant, Padraic has a book open in the bar with odds displayed.  

So to try and pick a winner from the field,  Francis Murphy is a man with plenty of playoff experience, perhaps he’ll go all the way this year.  Greg Duffy, Nudie and Stephen McQuillan are the form men at the moment topping the golfer of the year standings.  As we all know though anything can happen and let’s hope for good weather and good craic for the weekend.  All the best Brian.

SENIORS NEWS 

15 played and the results are. Winners  Eamonn Toal, Par Horgan, Junior McKeown. 46 pts. Runners up PJ Harte, Micky Quinn, Barney McDonald. 41 pts

MIGHTY MCELROY

Scoring was high at Concra Wood at the weekend with no fewer than 10 players breaking standard scratch on the day.  Latton man Seamus McElroy though was the one who topped the leaderboard with a fantastic score of 42 points to win the Clement McKenna memorial competition.  Seamus had one point to spare over his nearest rival Sean Malone who must be kicking himself over a blank on the 18th, 3 Wood off the tee next time Sean!!   Sean has the Category 2 prize to ease the pain however.  Category 1 went to Mel Currie on 39 points, narrowly beating off competition from brother Mark who had one less.  Category 3 was won by our Junior Captain Pauric Donaghy on 36 points.  Well done to all.

Next weekends competition is sponsored by MC Blinds and is Strokeplay to be played off the green tees.

CAPTAINS PRIZES

Our Lady Captain Carmel’s Captains prize takes place this weekend, we wish her all the very best and hope the great spell of weather continues.  Best of luck to all the ladies taking part.

Captain Brian will host his prize the following August Bank holiday weekend and the timesheet is now on the noticeboard.

GOLFER OF THE YEAR

Our golfer of the year competitions have reached the halfway stage with 8 competitions played and as many remaining.  Our leaders at this point are the mercurial Nudie Hughes and Doohamlet legend Greg Duffy both on 38 points but with only 10 points seperating the top 8 players and another 160 1st place points up for grabs between now and Members Prize in Mid-September it really is wide open this year.

SENIORS NEWS

The Castleblayney seniors was formed at our old 9 hole course in 1998 by the Blayney golfers of the day most of which were founder members of that course. We have a lot to thank them for. The same members are still going head to head to this day on Concra Wood. Sadly we have lost a few along the way. So much has been achieved since then, thanks to all involved we now have a championship course and facilities to match anything in the country.
31 played Monday last to celebrate the anniversary and fittingly it was one of the members from the school of 98 who came out on top. Jim ONeill returned a fantastic 43 pts. Jim has a lot of competition in his house when it comes to golf but I think this will keep the boys quiet for a while. Category winners were 1 Martin Allen 38 pts. 2 Paddy Niland 38 pts. 3 Pat Horgan 36 pts. Great to see Tom and Michael McHugh join us for the meal and presentation in the View Restaurant after golf.
The gardening club will do a tidy up before Captains day, watch out for the text, looking for a big turnout.

STEPHEN ON SONG

With Captains Prize only a few weeks away many members are getting plenty of practice in over the past week and one man who has hit top form is Stephen McQuillan.  Stephen won his Category in last weekends competition and this week went one better, his superb score of 43 points was enough by 3 to win Gerry McMahons prize.  In second place on 40 points was Garreth Woods who took the Category 1 honours, Category 2 went to Sean Mulligan with 35 points on a breakdown and Category 3 went to Andy Whelan on 38 points also on a breakdown.

Next weekend we play for the Clement McKenna memorial cup.  This competition will be Stableford played off the green tees.

PRESENTATION OF PRIZES 

A reminder to most of our recent prize winners that a presentation will take place this Wednesday evening 18th July after the nine hole social.  We would ask that all that are due to receive a prize to make the effort to come and collect.  If you cannot please arrange for a representative to collect on your behalf or you will forfeit the prize.

It’s been a while since a member of the Conlon household has topped the weekend scoring at Concra Wood.  Padraic however put an end to that barren spell by winning the Shoe City sponsored competition with a fantastic score of 40 points.  No doubt Lucia and Vera will try to stake a claim to any prize that’s forthcoming!!  Category 1 winner was Jimmy Lacey with 39pts, Category 2 goes to Joe Brady on 38pts and Sean Hughes wins Category 3 with 37pts.

Next weekend our competition is sponsored by Colt Design and will be Strokeplay off the gold tees.

This Wednesday 27th June sees our second midweek Major take place with an entry fee of €25 for members and €45 for visitors some superb prizes are available to the winners.  Also our annual Open week is on the horizon starting Monday 9th July.

The club would like to acknowledge the passing of Rita McCaul last week mother to member Gerry McCaul.  Our condolences to Gerry and all his family. May she Rest In Peace.

SENIORS NEWS 

Seniors Captains Day
27 seniors played on captain Micky Quinn’s day on Monday last, with a meal and presentation of prizes after golf. A great day and a great overall winner in our lowest handicapper Declan McAteer with 41 pts. Well done Declan.
Other winners, category 1 Martin Allan, category 2 Eamonn Toal, category 3 Brendan Laverty. Nearest pin Joe Quinn.
Team event, winners Declan McAteer, Jim O’Neill, Joe Gleason, Pat McBride.
Thanks to captain Micky Quinn for a great day.

BRENNAN WINS PROFESSIONALS PRIZE

With a number of members bearing the surname Brennan it would be hard to guess which one was in the mix for last weekends competition.  Christopher Brennan though is a young man who hasn’t appeared much around Concra due to a day job further afield but he certainly made the most of his round last Sunday morning shooting a 3 over par round 40 points score.  This was just enough to take the spoils from Ciaran Prunty who might rue some missed opportunities on the back nine but Ciaran can at least console himself with winning the Category 2 prize with 39 points.  Category 1 went to Sean McKernan with 38 points and Category 3 goes to our club president Paul Shortt with 37 points.  Paul who has the stress of his big day over him now would appear to be relaxed and enjoying his golf again!!  Well done to all.

Next weekends competition is kindly sponosred by Shoe City, Dundalk Road.  This one is again stableford off the green tees.  We ask that all players return their cards irrespective of how many holes played or points awarded.  The level of non-returned cards is beginning to creep up again.

Our Wednesday open competitions continue and Wednesday 27th June will be our Monthly Major, this time sponsored by Heineken.   Entry fees are €25 for members and €45 for visitors.  Some great prizes to the value of €1,400.00 up for grabs including a powakaddy FW3 and a Bushnell rangefinder.

Looking further ahead our open week begins 9th July so try and keep some time free to get out and enjoy some midweek golf.

SENIORS NEWS

18 played and the winners were PJHarte, Joe Quinn, Barney McDonald. 2nd Eamonn Toal, PJ Lambe, Raymond McCooey.

NUDIE WINS ANOTHER TITLE

Nudie Hughes is a man used to winning ways and last weekend he showed a clean pair of heels to the rest of the field by winning the Prandy Duffy Cup.  This competition sponsored by the Duffy family each year has become one of the outstanding events and much coveted.  Nudie’s 42 points off the gold tees was a fantastic return and allows the handicaps convenor a chance to take the scissors out!!
Category winners were as follows Barry O’Reilly 39 points, Category 2 Dessie Woods 38 points and Category 3 Mickey Byrne 38 points.  

We have to give a massive thank you to our visitors from the USA who took part in the annual Prandy Ryder Cup who made a terrific weekend one to remember.  A very substantial donation was made to Castleblayney Cancer Care and a cheque presented on Sunday evening.

Next weekend our competition is sponsored by our Club Professional Conor McKenna.  Conor is now eight years with Concra Wood and does a terrific job meeting and greeting members and visitors alike.  Be sure to call in and check out his new stock of summer apparel to update the wardrobe!

SENIORS NEWS 

The seniors hit a new high last week, 2 featured in the top 3 of Paul Shorts presidents prize. Thanks Paul for a great weekend.
The hot weather has  had a detrimental effect on some seniors with one arriving with a floppy hat, sunglasses, three quarters length trousers and a blackthorn walking stick, however he still managed to  score 20 pts.
Results were, 1st Gerry Treacy, Jim ONeill, PJ Lambe 49pts. 2nd Declan McAteer, Pat Horgan, Paddy Niland  on 45 Pts.
Get well soon to Hebor McMahon.
Last week we lost our long time member and friend Gabriel Moore, Gabriel will be sadly missed R I P. Condolences to Maura and family.

GARY DOYLE WINS PRESIDENTS

A superb weekend of weather greeted the golfers at Concra Wood who took part in Paul Shortts Presidents Prize.  The 18 hole regulation play holes allowed for the top 24 players into a nine hole play-off on the Sunday.  With only 6 shots separating the narrowed field it was all up for grabs.  Leading the pack were Jimmy Lacey, Alan Bolger and Gary Doyle who each scored 41 points on their intitial 18 holes.  It was Gary Doyle who was to prevail as the winner with a two putt bogey after a solid bunker shot on the ninth hole meaning an addtional 19 points for his final nine holes and a 60 point overall score.  A great win for the Carlow man who joined the club a little over two years ago.

The presentation and meal on Sunday evening was well supported and the President thanked all the sponsors for their contributions as well as his own family for travelling to be with him for his special weekend.  The main prize winners on the night as follows, 1st Gary Doyle, 2nd Heber McMahon, Best Gross Alan Bolger, 3rd Andy Whelan, Leading Qualifier Jimmy Lacey.

Next Weekend sees the Duffys Vs the Paul Murphy select teams take to Concra as the USA battle Castleblayney hoping to win the annual bragging rights.

Along with that the Prandy Duffy Cup for members will be played for from Friday to Sunday.  Please be aware that the presentation of these prizes will take place on Sunday evening so it would be very much appreciated that the leaders of the field be available to return to the clubhouse at that time.

SENIORS NEWS

Winners  this week were Pat McNeill, Nicky Hore, Pat Bolger 43 pts. Pat Bolger has got that hurling swing going now. 2nd Declan McAteer, Paddy Niland, Tom Ryan, 41 pts. 3rd Gerry Treacy, Paul Short, Joe Gleason, 39 pts. 25 played.

Gardening.
A big thank you to the ladies section for their generous donation to to the gardening club
Also thanks to the lads who turn out each week.

O’NEILL AGAIN??

The O’Neills from Oram are certainly making their mark on the scoring charts this year, last week Roy finished top of the pile and not to be outdone this week brother Tiarnach has taken the bragging rights in the house by winning the Taveys menswear sponsored competition with 40 points.  No doubt Jim and David are under pressure to get into the prizes now!!  Category one winner this week was Padraic Conlon with 37 points. (I think brother Mark has conceded that he’ll not be in the prizes any time soon!!).  Category 2 went to the ever improving Rory Niland with 39 points and Category 3 was won by Fergal McGuigan with a more modest 34 points.

Next weekends competition is sponsored by Brennan’s furniture Clontibret.  This one will be Stableford played off the Green tees.

Moving On

Best wishes go to Chris Watt, assistant pro to Conor, whose last day at Concra was at the weekend. Good luck in the new post in Dublin Chris.

SENIORS NOTES 

24 seniors played on Friday with Concra looking splendid in the sunshine.
This week Raymond Kernan teamed up with Eamonn Johnson and Nicky Hore to take 1st place with 45 pts. 2nd place went to Gerry Treacy, John Keenan, Paddy Niland 43 pts. 3rd were Micky Quinn, Joe Gleason, Barny McDonald 42 pts.
Most of the seniors were sharpening up their game in preparation for our annual away trip. You can read all about it next week.
Welcome back to Frank Murray. We missed you Frank.

ROY MAKES THE PODIUM AGAIN.

Fresh from having his category prize collected last Friday evening (one of the few that did!) for an earlier competitive performance, Roy O’Neill went one better last weekend in the Coogan Cup Strokeplay event.  Roys net 67 was enough to take first prize in what may be the last non-counting competition of the summer (fingers crossed).  Best Gross on the day was Calum Callaghan, last years golfer of the year is still playing some great golf and his 3 over par round gets him into the winners circle once again.  2nd prize went to Stephen McQuillan with a net 70 and the evergreen Andy Whelan showed up some of the young guns by posting a net 71.  Well done to all.

Next weekends competition is sponsored by Tavey’s Menswear Carrickmacross.  This one will be stableford off the green tees and hopefully we will see the end of placing (ask in the proshop and keep an eye out for notices about the clubhouse and 1st tee.)  There has been a noted increase in the number of non-returned cards over the past few weeks.  We ask all members to return cards no matter the score.

The Wednesday evening nine hole social is making a welcome return this week.  We encourage all members men and ladies alike to assemble at the clubhouse from 5pm onwards.  Pay a €5 entry and a draw will take place as players arrive.  This is a great way to meet other players and have a fourball over the front nine.  Draws will take place at the main door. 

We note the passing of Joe Brady Sr of Cullaville, father of our member Joe Brady, may he rest in peace.

SENIORS NEWS

McGoldricks Back.
19 played on Tuesday last and Johnny McGoldrick, Jim O’Neill and Raymond Kernan (again) won with 45 pts. Now if you were about Concra early morning it would be no surprise to see J McGoldrick heading down the first at 7.30 am. So the more you practice the luckier you get. Another ingredient needed in a winning team is a young man called Kernan. Raymond’s hit rate is 70% right now.
Runners up were Captain Brian McGovern, Hebor McMahon, Andy Whelan, Pat Bolger, 44 pts.
Get well soon to our club patron Michael McHugh who is home after a spell in hospital, all the lads are looking forward to seeing you again when the weather picks up.
Sincere condolences to our senior member Joe Sheridan and his family on the death of Joes wife Anna. Rest In Peace.

PJ LAMBE WINS

Summer finally landed over the bank holiday weekend and with it some good scoring in the Combilift sponsored competition.  The outright winner with a fine score of 40 points was PJ Lambe.  PJ was just one shot ahead of no less than 3 others on 39.  Seamus McElroy was next best in the countback and wins the category 3 prize, Ronan McDonnell was the pick of the Category 2 players on the same score and Category one went to Shane Donnelly on 36 points.  Shane has been away from golf for a while but he’s obviously not lost it proven by a very solid back nine.

Next weekend we play for the Coogan Cup.

The Spring league Matchplays reached a conclusion with Mark McCaheys team coming out on top over Francie Boylan’s men.  Well done to Mark, Rory Niland, Finbar Carville and Gerry Brennan.

Next Friday 11th May we hope to have a casual mixed nine hole event, weather permitting.  This will start from 5pm, just turn up pay a €5 entry and you will be drawn with other available players.  A presentation of outstanding prizes will also take place on Friday evening, remember if you do not attend or send a representative to collect your prize it will be forfeited.

On the inter-club front our Ulster Cup team bowed out for this year, having taken a lead from the away leg Sean Malone’s men looked to be in the driving seat against Ballybofey at home but alas it wasn’t to be narrowly missing out.

SENIORS NEWS

16 played and the winners were Pat McNeill, Andy Whelan and Raymond Kernan 41 pts. 2nd Gerry Treacy, Paul Shortt, Pat Horgan, Pat McBride 38 pts.
Welcome home to Johnny Mcgoldrick, the game is a bit rusty at the moment but Johnny will make the cut for the annual outing in 3 weeks time.

O’NEILL WINS CORRIGANS

Rory O’Neill has been knocking on the door of the winners podium over the past few weeks and has finally made it to the top with a fantastic 1 over par round amassing 39 points.  Rory narrowly beat Francis Murphy into 2nd position with the better back nine.  Best Gross was won by Frank Nolan whose 2 over par round was enough for that prize.  3rd place goes to Billy Hanna who recently celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary, congrats on both fronts Billy!!

Next weekends competition is sponsored by Combilift. It will be stableford played off the GOLD tees for the first time this year.

A date for your diaries to take note that there will be a nine hole mixed competiton played on Friday evening 11th May.  This will be followed by a presentation of outstanding prizes from the past number of weeks.  More information will be posted on the noticeboards in due course.

The midweek Open Singles competitions have also recommenced this year.  These competitons are great value for visitors and remember that members paying their regular fee are also entered into the 2’s.  For the lower handicapped players the Senior scratch cup for 5 H/C and below takes place on Sunday 20th May. For the big hitters the first Black tees Friday event will take place on Friday 11th May.  Lastly our first Major midweek open of the year takes place on Wednesday 30th May. 

SENIORS NEWS

23 played last week and welcome back to Tom Ryan after his unfortunate layoff. Tom wasted no time getting into the winning ways again with Brian McGovern, PJ Lambe and Raymond Kernan 47 pts. 2nd Joe Quinn, Nicky Hore, Jimmy Lambe 46 pts. 3rd Eamonn Johnson, Pat Horgan, Barney McDonald 43 pts

TIDY GENE CLEANS UP

Gene McGuigan is always a man who is capable of posting a big score during the golf season and last weekend he did just that.  Genes 41 points was just enough to win the first cup of the year in taking the Des McGlynn memorial cup, he could even afford a blank on the par 3 sixth!!  The unlucky man to lose out on the break down was Padraic Conlon.  Padraics game is always to be admired, especially as he usually has to carry brother Mark around in the weekly fourball. This week at least he can console himself with the Category 1 prize.  Category 2 winner this week was Conor Reel with 37 points and the Category 3 prize went to Sean Mulligan with 38 points.

Next weekends competition will be sponsored by Corrigans and will be stableford off the green tees. 

SENIORS NEWS

24 seniors played on Thursday last and the winning team with 47 pts was Pat McNeill, Andy Whelan, Nicky Hore, Jimmy Lambe, 2nd Declan McAteer, Larry Coleman, Pat McBride, Pat Bolger 44 pts. 3rd Martin Allen, Eamonn Johnson, Joe Gleason, Barny McDonald 42 pts

GAVIN’S THE MAN

Gavin McEneaney shot a fantastic score of 42 points to win the Declan Loughman Sports sponsored competition last weekend.    Gavin’s 4 over par round was three points better than the next best.  In fact 3 members had 39 points with both Emmet Brennan and Roy O’Neill winning Categories 1 & 2 respectively, Finbarr Carville the unlucky one missing out on a countback.  Joe McGrath took the Category 3 honours with 35 points. 

Next weekends competition is sponsored by Mementos and will be Stableford off the green tees.

The inter club teams got underway last weekend with Sean Malone’s Ulster Cup team giving a dominant performance winning all 7 matches with 29 holes to be brought to the away leg.  Brother Martin’s All Ireland fourball team had their match postponed meaning 2 matches this weekend to complete the tie in time.  Good luck to all.

SENIORS NEWS.

On Masters week 18 Seniors turned out on Concra Wood with our club captain Brian McGoverns team winning with 41 pts. Brian was assisted by Eamonn Toal and Pat McBride. 2nd place went Pat McNeill, Adrian Sewell, Nicky Hore 40 pts.
Last weeks scoring format was an Irish Waltz and that’s 1 2 3, 1 2 3, 1 2 3.

CONCRA WOOD DRIVE IN A GREAT SUCCESS

Great numbers turned out last Saturday for our annual Captains Drive in for Brian McGovern and Carmel McAleavey.  The weather finally allowed our 18 hole team event sponsored by Heineken to go ahead and Brian and Carmel made sure to make the most of it by hitting solid shots off the tee-box to mark the official start to the golfing calendar.  22 teams took the field and with 2 scores counting on each hole some great scoring ensued.  With the sponsor on board, Mac Sammon steered his team to victory with 89 points along with Pat Conlon, Tate Donnelly and Mona Metcalfe.   Not far behind, the runners-up were Cathal Simpson, Ronan McDonnell, Nicky Hore and Yvonne Duffy.  A special mention has to made to the Junior Captain Pauric Donaghy who had his first hole-in-one at the 14th hole, that one will live long in the memory, well done Pauric.   Best wishes to Brian, Carmel and their respective committees for the year ahead.

An 18 hole club competition ran over the weekend and was won by David Lennon with 39 points, in second place was playing partner on the day Gavin McEneaney two points adrift.  A mention here too for a man of few words, Seamus Bishop had an unusually low scoring round for him but credit where it’s due, a birdie on the 14th hole means he was the only member of the 2s club at the weekend and it made up for half his final score!!

Next weekends competition will be sponsored by Declan Loughman Sports, stableford format played off the green tees.

Best wishes to Martin Malones All Ireland Fourball team who travel to Belfast next Sunday to take on Greenacres.  Hopefully a positive result will be brought back to Concra for the home leg.

SENIORS NEWS

17 seniors played on Thursday last and the results are. Winners on the count back with 44 pts Pat McNeill, PJ Harte, Jimmy Lambe. 2nd Brian McGovern, Eamonn Toal, Pat McBride.

RORY ON FORM

Rory Niland made it three wins this calendar year last weekend by scoring no less than 40 points in the Sealo Freight sponsored competition at the weekend.  Rory played some very solid golf over the 18 holes with no birdies but only one double bogey in the round and 22 points on the back nine meant he beat Category 2 winner Gary Doyle on a breakdown.  Category 1 went to Gary Morgan, his steady score of 37 points was enough to take that prize.  Category 3 went to Martin Malone with 36 points.  Martin is preparing his team for battle in a couple of weeks in the All Ireland Fourball against Greenacres, he may include himself in the teamsheet going on this form!

VIEW BAR AND RESTAURANT SPRING LEAGUE

The View Bar and Restaurant sponosred Spring League Round 4 was completed last weekend with the top 4 teams decided and Matchplay fixtures along with it.  Captain Brian McGoverns Team 12 will face off against Francie Boylans Team 4 and Billy Hannas Team 11 will face Mark McCaheys Team 1.  Captains can you let your fellow team members know and we ask that these matches be fulfilled by Sunday 15th April at the latest.  Category winners for last week were Category 1 Greg Duffy, Category 2 David O’Neill, Category 3 Joe McGrath and Category 4 Jim O’Neill.

DRIVE-IN

Next weekend we’re hoping for 3rd time lucky in the Heineken sponsored Captains Drive-In on Saturday 31st March, a new time-sheet was put up on the noticeboard last week, if you haven’t already put your name down please do so as a draw will take place on Thursday evening.  There will be 18 hole club competition running for anyone who wishes to play over the weekend that can’t make the Drive-In.

PRO-SHOP

Masters draw €10 per entry, you will be assigned 2 players for that and only 45 entries!  Winner will take home a Taylormade M4 Driver.

New clubs for 2018 from the 3 leading brands in golf; Ping, Callaway and Taylormade and new aparell has arrived at the pro shop, from; Galvin Green, Footjoy, Rhonisch and Green Lamb, Adidas and Nike clothes will be arriving soon!

Check out CMK Golf on Facebook. Please support your local Professional!

SENIORS NEWS

The early start of 10am must have suited with 27 seniors teeing up on Thursday last. The hand picked team of captain Brian McGovern, President Paul Short and Nicky Hore who teed off at 8.30am, due to an important meting with TD Heather Humphreys, failed to perform, possibly due to time pressure!!  However no such worries for Joe Quinn, James ONeill, Raymond Kernan who took 1st place with a no stress 46 pts. 2nd Martin Allen, PJ Lambe, Eamonn Quinn with44 pts. 3rd place With 42 pts Pat McNeill, Joe Gleason, Junior McKeown. 

Brian in the driving seat..

Captain Brian McGovern had the best possible preparation for next weekends drive in by being in the prizes last weekend as his 33 points were enough to win the 15 hole competition, we’re expecting great things off the first tee next Sunday Brian, no pressure!!  Playing partner Andy Whelan also took the course apart and showed up some of the younger members with another great score.  Andy’s 32 points got him into second position to secure another podium spot this year.

SPRING LEAGUE 

The view restaurant sponsored Spring league is coming to a conclusion and with three scores counting last week and next, we’re seeing some likely candidates for top four spots but there are a number of teams that could have their say.  Category winners this week were: Cat 1 Gene McGuigan, Cat 2 Gerry McCaul, Cat 3 Pat McNeill and Cat 4 Andy Whelan.  Good to see Paul McArdle down on the time sheet again and by all accounts he hasn’t lost it since an extended lay off (he’s still carrying the bag too!!).

CAPTAINS DRIVE IN

The Heineken sponsored Captains drive in is this Sunday 18th March.  We ask anyone who wishes to play to get their name on the list on the notice board by Saturday afternoon, a draw will take place that evening for four person teams.  There will be a 10:30 shotgun start for a classic style format, 2 scores counting each hole.  Please assemble at the clubhouse by 10am at the latest. Presentation of prizes and finger food will follow immediately after the golf.  Best of luck to both Brian and Carmel for this weekend and the rest of the year.

SENIORS NEWS 

19 played on Thursday last with the fairways dry and in great condition. Welcome to new member Brian Laide. Winners this week were Eamonn Toal, Micky Quinn, Junior McKeown 46 pts. 2nd Joe Quinn, Jim ONeill, Pat McBride 45 pts. 3rd Declan McAteer, Pat Horgan, Arther McGeogh, Brian Laide 42 pts.

MAGIC MALONE

Our latest 15 hole competition played last weekend saw a great performance from Martin Malone.  His 35 points was more than enough to take first prize.  In second place was Francie Boylan who shot 33 points for his 15 holes.  A nine hole competition was also run over the weekend the result of this one was a little tighter.  James King came out on top on this occasion with a score of 20 points which won on a breakdown. James must be getting plenty of practice up at the driving range as he’s been spending enough time up there!!  In second place was our newly installed Captain Brian McGovern also with 20 points.  Weather permitting we will be running another 15 hole competition alongside a nine hole event next weekend.

SPRING LEAGUE

The Spring league is due to commence on Monday 22nd of January so we would encourage as many players as possible to join in.  As usual please put your name, handicap and Spring league entry on an envelope with a €10 entry fee into the box at the computer.

Finally, the club would like to convey our deepest sympathies to committee member Billy Hanna and the Hanna family on the death of Billys father, William Hanna Snr, who passed away last week.  May he rest in peace.

SENIORS NEWS

Our brand new captain Mickey Quinn held his drive in on a foggy Wednesday last. The best description of Mickeys drive would be EXPLOSIVE. However he was allowed to reload and this one was down the middle. After drinks and lots of Christmas pudding play did eventually get under way. After golf finger food was served and 2017 captain Pat McNeill handed in his cards. Pat was thanked for the good work during his year which was actually 15 months.
The yearly accounts were published and the major winners were, Presidents prize Andy Whelan.
Captains  prize Eamonn Toal.
Jimmy Coleman Memorial Trophy Joe Quinn.
Best attendance Hebor McMahon.
Most Improved Pat McBride.
Winners this week, Gerry Treacy, Eamonn Toal, Nicky Hore with 51 pts. 2nd Pat McNeill, Sean Mulligan, Paul Short with 48pts. 3rd Martin Allen, Pat Conlon, Tony Carville with 45 pts.
Good luck to captain Mickey and enjoy your golf in 2018.

RORY DRIVING IN STYLE

Our first 15 hole competition of the year only brought out a few brave souls to face the cold conditions.  The man who topped the leaderboard with a score of 32 points was Rory Niland.  Rory received a new driver from Santa and it’s paid instant dividends as he used it to great effect, he could even afford a blank on the fourth!!  In second place this time around was John Keenan who was 2 shots further back.

There will be another 15 hole competition this weekend played off the green tees.

SPRING LEAGUE

The spring league will be upon us soon and we would ask that any members who wish to take part to please put a €10 entry fee into an envelope with their name and handicap with spring league entry clearly written on the front.  We hope to get this one up and running soon so that the matchplays between the top 8 teams at the end can take place in good time.

ANNUAL SUBS

Anyone who is yet to pay their annual subscription could they contact Annette in the office for payment options.  042 9749485 Ext 2.

Finally we would like to wish all members a very Happy Golfing New Year and here’s to lower handicaps for 2018.

MARKS MEN FINISH THE JOB.

The Sealo Freight sponsored Winter league came to a conclusion at the weekend and the front runners from week 2 of Mark McCahey, Martin Farnan, Gary Doyle and Nicky Hore wound up winning by a clear nine points from the field.  Well done to Marks team who posted consistently good scores between them over the six weeks.  Second place however was not as much of a formality, Billy Hannas team 7 had been in position to overtake Marks team had they slipped up but alas they fell short at the final hurdle and they themselves were pipped by Greg Duffys team 1 by the narrowest margin.  Well done to Greg, Paul Campbell, Martin Moore and Larry Coleman on taking second spot.  Category winners for the turkey prize this week were as folows, Cat 1 Paul Murphy 18 pts, Cat 2 Martin Farnan, Cat 3 Martin Moore 21 pts and Cat 4 Nicky Hore 21 pts.

Our Annual General Meetings took place on Friday last and with it the changing of the guard took place with our new Captains formally being announced as both Brian McGovern and Carmel McAleavey take office.  Best wishes to both Captains and their respective committees for 2018.  Our newly elected president Paul Shortt and lady vice president Eileen Kerr also took up their new posts on the night.  The future of Castleblayney Golf Club looks bright, anyone who wishes to enquire about membership for next year please make enquiries with Annette in the office 042 9749485 Ext2.

SANTA

Santa will be making an appearance at Concra Wood on Saturday 16th December at 2pm.  Please do join us for a great family day.  All are welcome members and visitors alike.

XMAS Draw

Tickets for our annual Christmas draw are currently on sale at the bar, pleae support this endeavor as it raises much needed funds for the club.  Tickets are priced at 3 for €5.

SENIORS NEWS

Just 8 holes played last week due to frost but that didn’t affect the scoring. Winners with 44 pts were Declan McAteer, Joe Quinn, Pat Horgan. 2nd Pat Conlon, Paul Short, Brendan Laverty, Pat McBride on 44 pts. 3rd Pat McNeill, Adrian Sewell, Junior McKeown with 40 pts.