Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 9th March 2010

The Captains’ Drive-in will be held at Narin this Saturday, commencing at 10a.m. sharp. It had been postponed due to the sudden passing of Competition Convenor, Francie Cunningham. We wish Seamus McDonagh and Margaret Roarty every success during 2010 and after the big build-up I gave them the last time, they’d better not let me down on the day! I’ve been advised not to needle Seamus too much, so I will leave that to others, while Martin’s fine form of late has put it up to the Strabane woman to come up with a big, straight drive. Nothing less will suffice! The proceeds of the fourball scramble will go towards the Hydropool in Dungloe.

Last year’s Captain’s Prize winner, John Bán Gallagher was at his best once again last week in capturing the February Medal on a break-off-tie from Stephen McGinley. His front nine was so-so, but he really turned it on coming home, birdying 11, 13 and 16 for a 38 gross return. He thus becomes the first qualifier for the Golfer of the Year competition to be staged later in the year.

James Doherty of Dunfanaghy enjoyed his visit to Narin last Wednesday and returned to that lovely course with a Wednesday Open success safely tucked into the golf bag. The competition was played over 15 holes on the day, yet James’ total of 36 points was magnificent. The little birdie on 16 capped a fine performance.

Barry Keeney teamed up with Tony Gildea to win last Sunday’s fourball betterball by three clear strokes over Finnian O’Doherty and Kieran Cunnea in second. The Glenties native featured prominently on the card, birdying 2, 10 and 18. Tony chipped in with several key putts at vital moments and the result was an eight under par total of 44 points.

Results:
March 28: 1. John Bán Gallagher (11) 69 b.o.t.; 2. Stephen McGinley (15) 69; 3. Martin Roarty (6) 70 b.o.t.; Cat A Kieran Hagan (10) 72; Cat B Alan Elliott (15) 70; Cat C Martin Sweeney (27) 73; Nines: Ciaran O’Kane (12) 32; James Keeney (14) 34; Twos: 2 balls each
March 3: 1. James Doherty, Dunfanaghy (13) 36 b.o.t.; 2. Sean McGinley Snr. (17) 36;
March 7: Nesbitt Arms Hotel 4BBB 1. Barry Keeney (13) & Tony Gildea (16) 44; 2. Finnian O’Doherty (4) & Kieran Cunnea (16) 41; 3. Sean McGinley Jnr. (16) & Tom Rawdon (20) 40 b.o.t.;

Fixtures:
Saturday March 13: Captains’ Drive-in, Draw at 10a.m., shotgun start, ladies & gents, fourball scramble, open
Sunday March 14: Glenside Bacon Monthly Medal, open
Wednesday March 17: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors including green fee;