Successful Grant Thornton Scratch trophy event

The forty eighth running of the Mullingar Grant Thornton scratch trophy took place over the past week and again proved a very competitive event. The field consisted of all the top Irish players, the field included also of a half a dozen of our own members, all of whom acquitted themselves very well.Despite the fact that there was a quality field the conditions, which consisted of an uncharacteristic and unseasonal north/north-west wind and squally showers, allied to lightening fast greens, and the full six thousand six hundred and eighty five yards, made for very high scoring. Indeed the winning score was the highest in this scribes memory. The results below will show that only the first and second placed competitors broke the par score of two hundred and eighty eight. Four of our Mullingar contingent made the halfway ‘cut’; we congratulate Paul Burke, Gary Shaw, first time entrant James O’Rourke and of course Des Morgan, who finished in the prizes and but for a couple of uncharacteristic mistakes could have finished at the top of the board. Our other Contestants were David Lally (retired injured) and youngster Mark Kelly, the recent winner of the Finian Garry Memorial Trophy. There’s always next year lads. The popular winner was Athlone man Keelan McDonagh, former Irish Youth’s champ and runner up in this year’s South of Ireland Championship. He won by two shots from Irish close Champion Dara Lernihan, white the holder Connor Doran finished third. We heartily congratulate the winner and feel confident he will follow in the footsteps eventually of some of our illustrious former winners. Congrats to Padraig Harrington (1994 winner) on his selection to play for Europe again against the USA in the forthcoming Ryder Cup.Results Grant Thornton scratch trophy - winner Keelan McDonagh (Athlone) 285; second - Dara Kerlihan (The Castle) 287; third - Connor Doran (Banbridge) 292; fourth - Conor Glynn (Carton) 294; fifth - Des Morgan (Mullingar) 295; sixth - Rory Mc Namara (Headford) 285 .Compliments to all who worked so hard to ensure the success of this prestigious event; the event’s sub committee under the chair of Albert Lee; the officers and members of the relevant committees, those who acted as starters, ball spotters from dawn, scorers, etc. The staff from the general manager right through all the outdoor and indoor personnel. The caterer and his staff excelled yet again with the huge numbers over the week end. We greatly look forward to next year’s event.Singles versus par competition on Sunday nextAfter the heady heights of last week end the men return to their own matters and next Sunday the event is a singles versus par competition in a break from the normal stroke and stableford tournaments.Seniors’ golfI’ve been asked to remind the senior gentlemen of the club that the annual senior captain’s golf and dinner takes place on this coming Friday evening with some time allotted on the BRS, ‘though those competing may play at their convenience during the day. Those attending the meal are asked to append their names on the sheet in the locker room for the numbers for the caterer.Long HandicapLast Thursday’s long handicap competition, which was kindly sponsored by Philip and Bridie Morris attracted an entry of over seventy, each vying for the prizes on offer. The winner, with an excellent twenty seven points over the twelve holes was Tommy Keating (16) with twenty seven points. Second and third prizes were won by Bernard Smyth (16) and Aidan Mulligan (25), both with 26 points. Presentation will take place on this Thursday evening.Ladies BranchLast week was a very busy week for the Ladies branch with no less than two competitions. On Monday 23rd August there was a two2 person event sponsored by Kyle Maguire of James Maguire and Sons Butchers. Always a popular event there was an excellent turnout with 46 teams competing. There was great excitement when the family’ Von Trapp’ were announced as winners.The Mother and daughter duo of Susan and Eileen Trapp won with 42 points. 2nd spot went to Lily Donoghue and Ann Bennett just beating Eileen Devine and Moira O’Brien on the back 9.Wednesday’s competition was sponsored by Michael Cryan. The lucky woman on the day was Nancy Cooney with 37points. Runner up spot went to Moira O’Brien, who had a great week. Annemarie Conlon won the gross and Doreen Casey was third. Ber Chambers had the best senior card. Both nines were won by Jean Smyth and Pauline O’Hara.Well done to all who played in the Mid Leinster Junior Championships in Birr. We were well represented with 5 women from the club travelling, 2 of whom qualified for the matchplay stages.Team NewsRemember, all roads lead to Tramore on Saturday next September 4th. We have three teams competing in the ILGU Interclub Championship (formerly AA) finals. A bus is being organised so get your names down on the sheet in the locker room. First team is out at 1030hrs. Let’s paint Tramore Turquoise!! Best of luck to all involved.Results James Maguire 2 Ball: First - Susan Trapp (23) Eileen Trapp (25) 42 pts. Second - Lily Donoghue (25) Ann Bennett (27) 41 pts. Third - Eileen Devine (22) Moira O’Brien (22)41 ptsMichael Cryan 18 hole singles: First - Nancy Cooney 18(20) 37pts. Second -Moira O’Brien (28)36pts. Gross - Annmarie Conlon (14)22gross pts. Third - Doreen Casey (19)36pts.