Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 20th October 2009

As an impressionable youngster, I heard stirring tales of sporting derring-do among the golfing fraternity of Narin and Portnoo. One such luminary was that feisty competitor from Dungloe, one Thomas Philbin. He ground down opponents with sparkling iron play and a never-say-die approach to the game. The years have been kind to our Tommy and last Wednesday, he reminded all and sundry of the verve of yesteryear. A front nine of 18 points would have been much better had the blank on four been avoided, but there were no such problems coming home. A six was kept off the card and the end result was a back nine of 22 points for a total score of 40.

The annual Leo Molloy fundraiser was a big success once again and over 100 golfers battled for the honours bestowed on the victors. Sean Whyte was the successful golfer on this occasion, improving on his front nine score of 18 points by five on the return. A birdie on the 11th was the highlight of a solid round’s golf. Emer Duane hails from Pádraig Harrington’s home club and she demonstrated much of the same shot-making skill as she took the ladies’ prize with a fine 39 points.

Kieran Gallagher has been threatening a big score all year and I believe that of all the golfers in the club at present, it is this local lad who can shoot much lower, given the quality of his swing. The Narin Inn is just across the road from Kieran’s workplace and the prize kindly sponsored by that establishment was won courtesy of nines of 40 and 41 strokes respectively. The handicap reduced the score to 68, a tally two shots better than Gerald McDwyer in second.

Finally, the club members wish Hugh and Tiny the best of nights in Glen this weekend as they celebrate fifty blissful years of marriage. I know the youthful Mr. Cunningham will avow that, despite the evidence to the contrary, he was somehow married before he was born, but I have it on good authority from one of his perfidious golfing buddies (he knows which one) that he is indeed a fully-fledged pensioner, plus tax. Never mind Hugh. You have the love of a good woman, and that’s all that matters. Congratulations to the happy couple!

The draw was made for the Golfer of the Year matchplay event sponsored by Connor Mallon, Club PGA Professional, and Bart Whelan has already reached the semi-final. We would urge the competitors to play their matches as soon as possible. Full details can be found on the website or in the clubhouse. The entry sheet for the Winter Matchplay has also been posted and names may be given to either Connor or Darragh.

Results:
October 14: Wednesday Open
1. Tommy Philbin (17) 40 b.o.t.; 2. Tom O’Donnell (15) 40 b.o.t.; 3. Mícheál McGinley (18) 40; C.S.S. 72; Twos: 3 balls each:

October 17: Leo Molloy Fundraiser
Gents: 1. Sean Whyte (15) 41; 2.Thomas Hughes (18) 40; 3. John Malone (13) 39 b.o.t.; 4. John Molloy (7) 39; 5. Conal Keeney (14) 38 b.o.t.; 6. Pauric McHugh (11) 38; 7. Kevin Patton (8) 37 b.o.t.; 8. Gerald McDwyer (12) 37;
Ladies: 1. Emer Duane, Stackstown (32) 39; 2. Celia McGee (17) 37; 3. Mary Nicholson (14) 34;
Nearest the Pin on 18: Michael Duddy; C.S.S. 73

October 18: Narin Inn
1. Kieran Gallagher (13) 68; 2. Gerald McDwyer (12) 70 b.o.t.; 3. Kevin Nicholson (19) 70; Cat A James Quinn (9) 71; Cat B Gerry Feeney (15) 71; Cat C Kevin Gilgunn (19) 71; Nines: Anthony Molloy (19) 32.5; Eamonn McNelis (19) 31.5; C.S.S. 73; Twos: 6 balls each

Fixtures:
Sunday October 25: Conal McLoone Butchers, single stableford, open

Monday October 26: Club 3-Ball Scramble, ladies & gents, open

October 28: Wednesday Open, Ladies and gents, Single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors including green fee;