2008 Scratch Matchplay Competition results

Congratulations to Bert Burke, whose experience and guile proved too much for Eamon Coughlan in the final of the 2008 Scratch Matchplay Competition. Eamon had taken some notable scalps during the year and was leading by one hole on the 16th tee box.However, Bert did enough to be one ahead after 17 and closed out the match on the 18th green. It is Bert"s fourth victory in this event.The second semi-final of the Club Matchplay is down for decision next weekend, with the final the weekend after. Brendan Kehoe/Johnny Mullally have already taken the Paddy Brady title, and the presentation of all the matchplay trophies is scheduled for Sunday, November 2.CompetitionsLast weekend Paddy Carroll (15) shot a superb 64 (nett) to take the Teacher"s Prize by five clear shots from Dinny White (4), who carded one over par to easily take the Category one prize. Full results: Teachers Prize: 1st: Paddy Carroll (15) - 64, Cat 1: Dinny White (4) - 69, Cat 2: Billy Coughlan (13) - 71, Cat 3: Arthur Allen (18) - 70, Gross: Louis Cunningham (4) - 41, Back Nine: Patrick Byrne (18) - 34.Meanwhile, Phil Behan wrapped up the Golfer of the Year title, when none of his closest rivals were able to add to their totals in the final round at the weekend. Next weekend the competition is the annual Club Hamper, timesheet now available, while the following weekend (the Bank Holiday weekend) sees the last of the sponsored competition, the Henry Arrigho Open Fourball.Thursday Open CompetitionSince last April the Club has hosted a successful Thursday Open Competition for Ladies and Gents, which has given visitors the opportunity to enjoy the on and off course facilities of the club. Almost 2000 players have been involved this year and a special word of thanks to Committee member, Frank Kiernan, who has worked tirelessly to ensure that the competition is operated efficiently. Very often we forget the background work that people like Frank contribute to the successful running of events within the club on a week in, week out basis. Full results are available and this competition will run until the end of October, so there are only a few opportunities left to enjoy this competition.Laduies BranchThe Wednesday competitions are continuing for the Ladies Club and the Winter League is also up and running, with the first four games due for completion before December 31. The results of the Wednesday Competition are: 1st Marian Carey (17) - 34pts, 2nd Eileen White (20) - 32pts, 3rd Anita McLoughlin (23) - 29pts.Congratulations to Maura Doyle, President Elect, on her victory in the weekend Christmas Hamper Competition, sponsored by Terry Coughlan.The full results are: 1st Maura Doyle (17) - 41 pts (back 9), 2nd Veronica Colgan (36) - 41pts, 3rd Eileen White (20) - 36pts, Cat 1 Anna O"Brien (13) - 35pts, Cat 2 Patricia Burke (29) - 35pts, Cat 3 Anne Healy (36) - 34pts.