Preparations underway for Winter programme

The weekend 18-hole competitions are winding down at the end of the month and preparations are underway for the Winter programme in the club. Thoughts are turning to the Winter League, a competition which has gone from strength to strength over the years.With the addition of a sponsor (Seery Distributions) there will be an added incentive to do well in this event this year. The committee has decided to retain the popular format from recent years, i.e. Teams of 5 - 4 to count each round, 6 Rounds - 4 to count, and a 'Grand Final' in February. The list for entries will be posted in the Clubhouse this week (entry fee €50)and the first round will begin in early November.Before that a Celebration Scramble will be held to honour the Ladies AA Insurance Junior Foursomes Team and the Gents Central Towns Trophy squad who brought pennants to the club in 2008 - full details later.MatchplayThe Club matchplay competition is nearing completion, and Damien Farrell booked his place in the final with a good win over Micheal Kelly at the weekend. The other semi-final (PJ Tooher v Thomas Lennon) has yet to be completed, but the final is scheduled for later in the month, with the presentation of all matchplay trophies pencilled in for early November.Meanwhile Bert Burke and Eamon Coughlan will contest the Scratch matchplay in the next week or so. Both of these players are playing well and a 'close encouter' is in prospect.CompetitionsThe heavy rain from Saturday afternoon took its toll on the course last weekend, with casual water appearing in some unusual places. Despite this the scoring was good in the popular Fair and Murtagh Open Hamper Competition.Visitor Michael Grady (5) produced a round of 1 over par to take first place with 40pts. Gary Dolan (13) also had 40pts, but was just pipped on the back nine. Full Results Fair and Murtagh Open Hamper Michael Grady (5) - 40pts, 2nd Gary Dolan (13) - 40pts, Gerry Somers (17) - 39pts, Gross David Coughlan (3) - 35pts, Back 9: Noel Geraghty (17) - 21pts.Next weekend sees the last of the Golfer Of The Year events, The Teacher"s Prize, and Phil Behan has 6 points to spare over nearest rivals Jimmy Digan and Sean Ganly.Ladies" ClubThe annual Christmas Hamper competition for the Ladies will take place on Sunday 12th October. Tee time is reserved from from 11.45 - 1.45. The draw has been made for the Winter League. The first four games should be played between 4th October & 31st December, with the remaining two games between 1st January & 20th February.Results: Monthly Running Competition (September): 1st - Betty Behan (21) - 56pts, 2nd - Pauline Farrell (25) - 53pts. Wednesday Competition (16 holes):1st Marian Carey (17) - 40pts, 2nd Vera Burgoyne (22) - 35pts, 3rd Carmel Carroll (19) - 30pts, 4th Patricia Burke (20) - 29pts.