Super scoring as James Murtagh dominates Grange Motors singles
The rescheduled Grange Motors men"s singles took place last weekend in quite fine weather considering the time of the year and with improved underfoot conditions, there was a fine turnout of competitors and some excellent scores returned.The popular winner, not for the first time this season was James Murtagh with a fine forty three points.James got the top spot by the narrowest of margins from Benny O"Dowd, with Patrick Reynolds one shot further back, scores that would win first place on many a day. The gross winner - perhaps his first - was Greg Cleary. All prizewinners beat or equalled the standard scratch score of the day; indeed a few non winners also have lost a couple of points off their handicap.The presentation of prizes will take place on Sunday evening next at five o"clock in conjunction with those for all the men"s confined matchplay events and the Cooney Sports golfer of the year awards which were won by Seamus Mc Wade and Mark Kelly (junior), for their good play and consistency in all the events through the year. Seamus won by just five points from Dan Grehan. Stephen Bray finished in third place.Grange Motors singles resultsFirst: James Murtagh (17) 43 pts.; second: Benny O"Dowd (14) 42 pts.; best gross: Greg Cleary (6) 32 gross points; third: Pat Reynolds (17) 41 pts.; Division 1: Dan Grehan (7) 36 points; Division 2: Joe Grehan (12) 38 points; Division 3: Eddie Byrne (18) 39 pts.; Seniors: James O"Dowd (12) 35 pts and the Junior prize was won by Mark Kelly (7) with 38 points also.Seniors" golfThe weatherman was reasonably kind to the men"s seniors on Tuesday last and some keen competition ensued. The winner of the first prize was Aidan Tomkins with 26 points (twelve holes) by the narrowest margin from Tommy Lyng and Frank McKeon, who was relegated to third on the count back rule. The popular super senior"s winner was James Hearn. The ever popular turkey competitions will be commencing shortly.Morgan Golf and Sports winter league up and runningThe competitions committee have set up the teams for the winter league, details of which are being posted on the "board. The qualifying rounds will be over eighteen holes and players may return any number of cards from now until February 22. The top five cards from each team will be used towards their individual effort to qualify for their team for the play offs. All play to commence on the fourth tee. In conjunction with same, I believe, the turkeys are on the market over 15 holes (fourth to eighteenth).Four person Invitational team eventMembers and visitors please note that the popular four person team event is currently taking place with the final day in early December, with the top award being a trip to Doonbeg links in County Clare. Details in the club house.CongratulationsThe word is out! We congratulate Liam Conlon and Breege McCarrick, who have been revealed as vice-captain nominees for 2009 by the current incumbents, Damien Daly and Geraldine Bell, respectively. We wish them both an enjoyable next two years. By the way nomination sheets are currently posted for the ladies" and gents" AGMs. Ten days prior to the meetings they will be signed off.Captain"s Dinner next Friday nightAccommodation is expected to be taxed to the limit on Friday night next as members turn out to honour our captain Pat Keenaghan and show our appreciation for his herculean efforts on our behalf during the past season.