Mullingar Golf Club Notes

Last week saw the start of The Senior Summer 9-hole competition with 34 members taking part, playing on any day, Monday to Friday. The winners were: first, Noel Murphy with 22 points; second, John Ahern with 21 points; and in third place was Jim Baker Snr, with 20 points.

Well done to all the winners and many thanks to Kieran McGurran for setting up the competition. Members are reminded that they can play Monday to Friday off the white tees on the front 9 holes, with just one card submitted for scores. Juniors have priority on Tuesday as usual during the summer, as do Ladies on Wednesdays.

Members are also reminded that they have to enter the competition via computer in the pro shop before play and scores must be returned after play via the computer in the locker room. The front nine blue cards must be used to return scores which are placed in the box in the men’s locker room. Entry fee is €3 and prizes will be pro rata as per the number of entries. Summer rules ‘play as it lies’ apply as competitions count for handicap purposes. The results will be announced as soon as possible after last cards on Fridays. Bonus points will not apply but will resume for the 9 holes competitions in September.

Long Handicap

The Long Handicap competition returned last Thursday after a short break due to Open week. The competition was sponsored by Cavanagh Isdell Accountants and 76 members participated. Played in fine weather and with plenty of run on the ball, Catergory 1 winner was Brendan Ganley (19) with 31 points. Category 2 winner was Noel Murphy (26) with 32 points and category 3 winner was Pat Layde (34) also with 32 points. This week’s competition is sponsored by Gilleran’s Bar.

The draw for the Long Handicap matchplay competition, sponsored by Buckleys SuperValu is up on the notice board in the locker room. Preliminary round matches have to be completed by 05 July with the next round being completed by 30 July.

Sunday Competition

Last Sunday’s competition which was a Fourball Betterball format was sponsored by Sleator Kia with the winners going forward to the HolmPatrick Cup Regional Qualifiers. While the weather conditions for the most part of the day were good, some intermittent rain showers presented additional challenges for those caught out in them. In a very tight contest, Kyle Maguire and Damien Hand emerged as winners with 44 points. Patrick Curran and Brian Daly came second also on 44 points with Des Toomey and John Hearns in third place also on 44 points. Congratulations to the winners and many thanks to Sleator Kia for their sponsorship.

Next week’s competitions

Next Saturday and Sunday we have Mr. Captain Steven O'Hara’s Prize to Men 18 Hole Singles Stroke Qualifying Round, with the final scheduled for the following Saturday 01 July. On July 2 we have a sweepstake sponsored by the men’s branch. Brackens Family Open Fourball also takes place on that Sunday.

Presentation Night

A presentation of prizes for the first six Long Handicap competitions will take place in the clubhouse this Thursday 22 June at 8.30 p.m. All prize winners are requested to attend. Our Presentation night for Mr Captains prize to the ladies will be held on Wed July 5 at 9pm on the same night as our annual Play in Pink competition.

Interclub matches

On Thursday our Senior Cup Team were in action away against Abbeyleix GC. Flying the flag for Mullingar at home were Gareth Carr and Gavin Flanagan while the away contingent comprised Adam Smith, Patrick Davitt and Mike Mina Ronane. With a selection of reserves and Captained by Bernard McDonnell, assisted by Paddy Dunne and John Dromey, the team was well prepared for their encounter with Abbeyleix.

Exerting pressure on their opponents from the start the Mullingar team raced into an earlier lead from which they were never caught. With two away wins and one home win already secured the remaining matches were called in, thus giving Mullingar victory. Well done to Bernard and all his team on a great win.

Meanwhile, on Sunday the Barton Cup Team, captained by Michael Donnellan were in action against Esker Hills. Once again playing away from home the Mullingar team put in a great effort but unfortunately were beaten in a very tight competition.

Egan Order of Merit Summer Series/Friday Opens

Egan Order of Merit Summer Series remains on a brief hiatus for one more week to facilitate St Lomans Golf Classic. Our Friday Opens will return Friday June 30. BRS Open.

9 & Dine

The 9 & Dine timesheet is full but keep an eye for cancellations, it is a thoroughly enjoyable social evening.

Interclub Results

Ladies Intermediate Cup captained by Miriam McManus & Liz Armstrong had a significant win against the Glasson Ladies despite the temperamental weather conditions. Thanks to Helen Collier and Suzanne Duffy for stepping in to get the Mullingar ladies off. Well done to all players and team captains.

Barton Cup, captained by Michael Donnellan, Mullingar lost to Esker Hill. Hard luck to Michael and all players.

Fixtures

Saturday June 24 at 12, Tudeneham Cup captained by Kieran McGurran. Mullingar v Glasson, with Mullingar having home advantage.

Wishing Kieran and his panel Redmond Burke, Niall Conroy, Eugene Dunne, Aiden Egan, Tommy Frayne, Kyle Maguire, Billy Moore, David Murphy, Derek Plunkett, John Plunkett, Robbie Ryland, John Swarbrigg and Barry Watters the best of luck.

All support is greatly appreciated at home and away, please be mindful as you follow matches as the course is very busy.

Junior notes

Our Junior Programme kicks off this Tuesday 20 June, with over 200 Junior Members taking to the course. We kindly ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your start time to meet with the co-ordinators. A big thank you also to all the volunteers who’s efforts ensure this goes ahead every summer and finally to Eleanor McArdle, Aideen Kellaghan & Pat Reynolds.

Important safety reminder

During thunderstorms, golfers should vacate the course as soon as possible for their own safety. A golf course is one of the most dangerous places to be during thunder and lightening. A warning siren will be sounded which means leave the course, however you do not have to wait to hear this! Your safety is more important than a round of golf.

Other news

Our Ladies Club Fourball, Knockout match competition kindly sponsored by Joli Hair and Beauty is underway, and the deadline for round 1 is 2/7/2023.One of the highlights of our Summer Calendar is our Cathy Smith & Una Stephens sponsored Club Foursomes Matchplay competition which is also progressing with round 1 finished on 14/5/2023 and round 2 to finish by 18/6/2023.

Best of luck to everyone in our club competitions.

Finally, every success to Eleanor Mc Ardle and Aideen Kellaghan and all our Junior members as the Junior season 2023 commences on Tuesday of this week.

Thanks to all our volunteers who are helping with the Junior programme.