Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 2nd June 2011

Gerard McCabe was the proud recipient of the 2011 Narin and Portnoo Golf Club Captain’s Prize presented by Brian McGonagle.

The golfers who won prizes in the Brian McGonagle’s Captain’s Prize to the Ladies were, from left: Mary Nicholson (1st), Nan Quinn (2nd) and Agnes Shovlin (3rd).

Deirdre and Kevin Patton won the Mixed Foursomes Prize at Narin and Portnoo Golf Club and are pictured with club captain, Brian McGonagle.

Michael Naughton won the Past Captains’ Shield at Narin and Portnoo Golf Club and is pictured receiving his prize from Brian McGonagle.

Mr. Brian McGonagle presented his Captain’s Prize to Gerard McCabe at a presentation in the clubhouse last Sunday night. The Ardara golfer was consistent throughout the weekend, recording scores of 38 and 39 points for a total of 77 and deserving possession of a fabulous painting of the iconic seventh hole. His first round left him four shots adrift of Brendan Quinn who shot a great 42 points. Gerard went about his business in splendid fashion on Sunday, putting well and coping better than most with the vagaries of the windy conditions. A blank on seven dented his progress for a bit, but a birdie, four pars and several valuable bogeys thereafter earned him his laurel wreath. Other notable scores over the weekend included several fine 39s on the Sunday and a notable eagle for past captain, Seamus McDonagh at the 14th. The wind proved a handful, with medium-length par fours turning into virtual par fives when fronted head-on, while stopping a ball on the downwind holes tested the mettle of the best exponents of the game. The rain stayed off for the most part, a much-needed bonus for the captain after the terrible weather of Tuesday (Prize to the Ladies) and Friday (Captain’s Mixed Foursomes). The former was won by Mary Nicholson on a break-off-tie from Nan Quinn. The latter saw two-times reigning Clements Foursomes winners, Kevin Patton and his wife, Deirdre win out despite the deluge. Michael Naughton won the coveted Past Captains’ Shield with 36 points and his acceptance speech creased the chuckle muscles of the patrons for its wit and topicality. All in all, it was a lovely week’s golfing celebration and we wish Brian well for the rest of his captaincy.

Paul McCloskey won his second Wednesday Open in succession with another 42 point total! Five three-pointers on the back nine earned him his victory and the close attention of the Congu Handicap Reduction application! He has now lost four shots in just seven days, yet a round of 36 points on day two of the Captain’s Prize shows that there’s more to come.

The Minor League team had a tough encounter with Ballybofey & Stranorlar last week, losing 3-2 at home. Winners on the day were Pat Connaghan & Kevin McCready and Hugh Francis Shovlin & Sean Callaghan. The lads face an uphill battle to progress in the away leg but there’s steel in those veins, so all is possible!

The club’s senior team is in a strong position in its tussle with Rosapenna, leading four-one from the away leg. None of the pairings were beaten, with three recording wins and two getting vital halves. The return will be on July 1st.

Results:

June 22: Wednesday Open

1. Paul McCloskey (21) 42; 2. Aaron Bennett (10) 38 b.o.t.; 3. Anthony Thompson (13) 38; C.S.S. 73; Twos: 6 balls June 25/26: Captain’s Prize:

1. Gerard McCabe (14) 38/39 77; 2. Kevin Patton (10) 74; 3. Michael Campbell (12) 73 b.o.t.; Gross Finnian O’Doherty (3) 61; 4. Vincent Bonner (12) 73; 5. Bernie Boyle (15) 72 b.o.t.; 6. Hughie Moore (12) 72 b.o.t.; Cat A Don Earley (9) 70; Cat B Brendan Quinn (15) 72; Cat C John Callaghan (19) 71; Best Past Captain Conal Keeney (16) 68; Best Saturday Sean Hanrahan 38 b.o.t.; Best Sunday Maurice Crotty 38; 2nd Saturday Jim Harley 38 b.o.t.; 2nd Sunday John Michael O’Donnell 37 b.o.t.; Lady’s Prize Mary Nicholson (15) 73; Best Guest Lady Bernie Tonry 33; Best Guest Gent Aodh McCormack 31; Mixed Kevin Patton & Deirdre Patton 73; Past Captains’ Shield Michael Naughton 36; 181 played.

Fixtures:

July 3: United Fish Industries single stableford, open July 6: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors, including green fee; July 8/9: Pro-Am sponsored by the Harcourt Hotel.