Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 13th January 2011

‘New captain of Narin and Portnoo Golf Club, Brian McGonagle (on left) is congratulated by Seamus McDonagh (outgoing) and Pat Connaghan (vice-captain) at the A.G.M. last weekend’.

An E.G.M. and A.G.M. were held last Friday evening at the clubhouse and a large turnout ensured plenty of fruitful and constructive debate. The E.G.M. was called to discuss a revision of the 1983 constitution of the club and the contribution of those who worked diligently on the project over many years under the stewardship of John Michael O’Donnell was much lauded. This is the club’s fourth extant constitution following those of 1942, 1967 and 1983. The members unanimously endorsed the new revision.

The A.G.M. was a long affair, with the members most energised by matters financial and course related. The treasurer John Malone was highly complimented on a fine year’s work in which expenditure had been much reduced for the second year running. It was generally accepted that the club is on a healthy footing at present but that prudence in these tough times is still essential. The annual membership subscription (now due) has not been increased for 2011 and those present were reminded that there is no longer a re-joining levy for lapsed members of the club. The improvements in the course over the past year were catalogued by the greens convenor, Gerry Feeney and it was his wish that the club continues its transition to purely links greens, as well as fine-tuning the course presentation. The club had received many plaudits in the past year from sporting publications; indeed the current issue of Golf Monthly is most effusive in its praise. Alan Elliott highlighted a very successful year in the competitions department, with the members supporting the events staged. He did however lament the unfinished matchplay competitions and these will now be brought to a speedy conclusion. Lyle Taggart was happy with matters in the handicap area and the members’ complete silence on a matter close to the heart of any golfer was a first for this P.R.O. at any rate! Onward and upward was the general feeling after the meeting and while nothing is ever perfect, it was agreed that we are on the right track. Captain, Seamus McDonagh thanked everyone for all their help during his year at the helm and praised the staff and committee for their Trojan efforts. He recalled those who had passed away, in particular great club servants, George Good and Francie Cunningham: a minute’s silence was observed. Much had been accomplished during 2010 and he highlighted the great work done by the professionals in bringing on the younger generation. Paths had also been added, essential maintenance work had been carried out, bunkers had been re-turfed, and much more besides. He wished Brian McGonagle well during his incoming captaincy and said that the club had an astute and imaginative person to lead us all during what will probably be another tough financial year for the country. Compliments were also paid to Seamus McGarvey who was stepping down after several onerous years as honorary secretary. Brian congratulated Bernie Tonry on her elevation to the lady captaincy and he looked forward excitedly to the year ahead. He unveiled Pat Connaghan of Killybegs as his vice-captain and this proved a popular choice. Others elected to the council included Bart Whelan, president; Dom Gallagher, vice-president; Michael Glynn, honorary secretary; John Malone, honorary treasurer; Gerry Feeney, Alan Elliott, David Kelly and Lyle Taggart. After four hours, the meetings were brought to a close and lo, how they marvelled at how quiet the P.R.O. had been.

Three competitions were played over the week, with some having larger entries than others due to the weather conditions which prevailed. John B. Gallagher, Mark Diver and Tom Rawdon won the rumble on the bank holiday on a day when scoring proved extremely challenging. Tony Dooley’s 32 points on Wednesday over 16 holes was a fine score in the wind, the highlight being a birdie three at the twelfth, Vinny’s Corner. Paul Cooney won Sunday’s event, with the frosty course scuppering the Christmas Cracker once again. His 36 points matched the par of the course and set up a two-shot win over duelling Glenties fourball partners, Gerald McDwyer and Harold Reid.

The Christmas Cracker has been re-named the Winter Cracker and will hopefully be played next Sunday. If not, the Sunday afterwards…perhaps. It will soon be the Spring Cracker at this rate!

The club’s trip to Portugal will take place from March 30th to April 6th, and not in mid-March as I wrote last week.

The club are promoting a special deal with the local hotels whereby one can avail of one night’s Bed and Breakfast and a round of golf for just 49 euro. Please ring the club for any further details.

Results:
January 3: Rumble: 1. John B. Gallagher (11) Mark Diver (18) Tom Rawdon (18) 75; Twos: 16 balls January 5: Wednesday Open 1. Tony Dooley (17) 32 b.o.t.; 2. James Keeney (15) 32; Twos: None!

January 9: Club Open: 1. Paul Cooney 36; 2. Gerald McDwyer 34 b.o.t.; 3. Harold Reid 34 b.o.t.; Twos: 11 balls.

Fixtures:
Sunday January 16: Winter Cracker; Single stableford Wednesday, January 19: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors, including green fee;