Order of Merit summer series reaching conclusion

MULLINGAR GOLF CLUB NOTES

The Egans Order of Merit Summer Series is reaching its climax as Round 8 approaches this Friday. The competition remains tight, particularly in the ladies' division, where only 10 points separate the top three contenders: Paula Delaney, Sheila Cassidy, and Fiona O’Riordan. Paula Delaney currently holds a narrow lead, but the final rounds will be crucial.

In the men's division, Paul Isdell enjoys a comfortable lead over Derek Ruane, though with 225 points awarded to each weekly winner, the standings could still shift. In the Gross category, Matthew Maslin leads, with Thomas Plunkett close behind.

The series has not only highlighted exceptional talent but has also benefited the club significantly. Thanks to Aiden Egan's generous sponsorship, junior players have the opportunity to compete for top prizes, encouraging participation and generating steady income for the club.

As the series nears its end, the competition intensifies, with a fourball at Tralee Golf Links up for grabs.

Corey Doherty PGA Tankard for Men

Last Sunday, August 18, a field of 154 men enjoyed a pleasant and sunny day of stableford competition, teeing off from the Blues. This event was generously sponsored by the Club Pro, Corey Doherty. The results were as follows:

Winner: James Murtagh (17) - 43 pts. Runner-Up: Brian Curran (25) - 43 pts. Third Place: Ross McKinley (05) - 40 pts. Gross: Adam Smith (+02) - 36 pts. Category I (0-9): Adam Conroy (09) - 40 pts.

Category II (10-18): Joe Dolan (10) - 40 pts. Category III (19-28): James Curran (19) - 37 pts. Senior: Pete Purcell (06) - 39 pts. Junior: Oisin Scally (10) - 39 pts.

Well played to all participants, and congratulations to the winners.

Auburn Veterinary Hospital Long Handicap (Thursday)

Despite the rain, the long handicap competition attracted a field of 45 players last Thursday, August 15, highlighting its continued popularity. Auburn Veterinary Hospital, our generous sponsor for the day, deserves special mention for their ongoing dedication to the health and well-being of our beloved animals.

The competition, played over 15 holes, yielded the following results:

Category I (16-20): Thomas Moore (19) - 32 pts.

Category II (21-26): Robert Harrison (24) - 36 pts.

Category III (>27): Harry Dunne (31) - 29 pts.

Congratulations to all three winners.

Seniors

A total of 33 senior golfers took part in last week’s sweepstake, up to and including Friday, August 16. The results were as follows:

Winner: Paul Devaney (15) - 21 pts.

Runner-Up: Billy Moore (06) - 20 pts.

Third Place: Mick Duffy (09) - 20 pts.

Congratulations to the winners.

Junior boys

The results for the Junior Boys’ competition held on Tuesday, August 13, are as follows:

Class 1:

1st Sean Hickey.

2nd Cathal Kilmurray.

3rd Jake Bell.

Class 2:

1st Conor Walsh.

2nd Cian Sheerin.

3rd James Casey.

Class 3:

1st Jake O’Brien.

2nd Oisin Kilmurray.

3rd Aidan Doyle.

Cadets A:

1st Fionn Ledwith.

2nd Charlie Miller.

3rd Jamie Barry.

Cadets B:

1st Rian O’Murray.

2nd Ian Martin.

3rd James Garrity.

Upgrades:

From Class 2 to Class 1: Harry Tilson, Oisin Kelly, Oisin Gavin, Conor McDonnell, and Paul Dooley.

From Class 3 to Class 2: Conor Quinlan, Josh Scahill, Greg McDonnell, Conor Reilly, S. O’Reilly, Cillian Carey, Jamie Flanagan, Conor Walsh, and Aonghus O’Reilly.

Juniors are reminded to take note of the new time schedules for groups. The starting time on Tuesday, August 20, for Class I Boys will be 7:45am.

Next week marks the final major competition of the season.

All junior golfers are requested to remain for the prize-giving ceremony, which will include awards for the following competitions:

The Garry Cup. The President’s Prize. The Captain’s Prize. Match Play Winner. Player of the Year. Most Improved Junior 2024.

Scheduled Adult and Junior tee times are as follows:

Sunday, August 25 (6:00 – 7:00 p.m.)

Sunday, September 1 (5:30 – 6:30 p.m.)

Competition

Sunday, August 25: Lady President Therese Colleary’s Prize to the Men, 18-Hole Strokeplay off Blues.

Captains Mixed Foursomes

The Captains Mixed Foursomes returned triumphantly last Saturday, thanks to Helen Moorhead and her subcommittee. With a full timesheet of 58 teams, the event was a resounding success, showcasing the club's strong community spirit.

Ted Eighan (handicap 9) and Margaret Eighan (handicap 32) took first place with a score of 66 Nett, followed by Rosemary Nolan (handicap 36) and Oisin Scally (handicap 11), also with a 66 Nett, on countback. Other notable performances included Ann Bennett and Christopher Bennett in fourth place and Andrew O’Rourke and Mary McCormack in fifth.

The event also featured a lively social gathering with a BBQ, live music from John Smyth, and a raffle, with Barbara Gilmartin winning a wedge kindly donated by Corey Doherty.

Thanks to club captains Sheila Cassidy and Andrew Maslin for their sponsorship, and to all who contributed to making the event a success. The Captains Mixed Foursomes will now be an annual fixture.

Junior Golf - Upcoming Events

Tuesday August 20: Daly and Garry Cups followed by a presentation in the Clubhouse.

Sunday August 25, 6-7 pm: Junior/Adult 4ball

Tuesday August 27: Pink Day

Sunday September 1, 5.30-6.30 pm: Junior/Adult Team of 4

Recent Results:

Class 1: 1st Sean Hickey, 2nd Cathal Kilmurray, 3rd Jake Bell.

Class 2: 1st Conor Walsh, 2nd Cian Sheerin, 3rd James Casey.

Class 3: 1st Jake O’Brien, 2nd Oisín Kilmurray, 3rd Aidan Doyle.

Cadets A: 1st Fionn Ledwith, 2nd Charlie Miller, 3rd Jamie Barry.

Cadets B: 1st Rian O’Murray, 2nd Ian Martin, 3rd James Garrity

Several juniors have been upgraded to higher groups. Please check your new times.

Girls' Competition

Class 1: Amy Leavy (40) 39 pts.

Class 2 (12 holes): 1st Anna Donoghue.

Class 2 (9 holes): 1st Alannah Burke, 2nd Lucy Kilmurray.

Class 3 (6 holes): 1st Ella Frayne, 2nd Mary Kate Gilbert, 3rd Neasa Kennedy.

Under 15 Boys: Our U15 boys faced Edenderry last Wednesday in an interclub match, putting in a valiant effort. Unfortunately, Edenderry won 2-1. Well done to all involved.

Mullingar Ladies Branch - Mr President’s Prize – Conor Maguire

The weather was perfect on Wednesday August 14 for Mr President Conor Maguire’s 18-hole stroke competition. Congratulations to Sherrie Buckley (24) who won with a fantastic score of 68 Nett. Other top performers included:

2nd: Celine Whitelaw (33) 68 Nett.

3rd: Tori Trower (24) 65 Nett.

Gross Prize: Sarah Burke (9) 81 gr.

Category 1: Eve Hickey (16) 67 Nett.

Category 2: Emma Duffy Keena (21) 72 Nett.

Category 3: Ciara Devine (25) 69 Nett.

Category 4: Amy Leavy (34) 69 Nett.

Senior Prize: Cally O’Donovan (22) 72 Nett.

Super Senior: Lillie Donoghue (36) 74 Nett.

Front 9 Winner: Jackie Mills (22) 30 Nett.

Back 9 Winner: Emily King (33) 31 Nett.

9-Hole Competition

1st: Jeanette Hogan (10) 24 pts.

2nd: Brege McCarrick (11) 20 pts.

The ladies branch thanks Mr President Conor Maguire for his generous sponsorship and support.

Competition Fixtures

Wednesday August 28: 18-hole stableford competition, sponsored by Specsavers Audiology (alternate dates: Saturday and Sunday).

Save the Date - Sunday September 1

Lady President Therese Colleary’s 18-hole stableford Major competition. Timesheet opens Saturday August 24.

Presentation Night

After Mr President’s Prize, other presentations were held for The Fashion Shop, Nuts and Grains, DJM Accountants, and the Past Lady Captains.

The ladies branch extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors for their generosity.

Hi-Low Competition; Una Stephens and Cathy Smith Foursomes

Congratulations to the ladies who have reached the finals of these competitions. We look forward to thrilling matches ahead.

Interclub Activity

Best of luck to our Revive Active team, captained by Lady Vice-Captain Aideen Kelleghan and Suzanne Duffy, who take on The Heath on Sunday August 25.

Let’s show our team spirit by wearing our club colours in support. More news next week.