Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 30th March 2010

The recent passing of our beloved former President and Captain, Rev. George Good saddened all who knew the talented and cordial clergyman. George loved life with a passion, whether it was fishing on Lough Mask or enjoying a keen round of golf with Austin, Mickey, Joe or whoever might be around that was prepared to share good company for a few hours and wax lyrical about it afterwards in the clubhouse. A smile was always ready to wend its way across that broad face and many a good afternoon or evening was spent by golfers of all ages in his company. In retirement, George played golf on a regular basis in Portnoo and as a novice golfer, I had the pleasure of his company on several occasions. Never once did I realise how celebrated a man he was in ecclesiastical circles, such was his modesty and humility. He also deprived me of my first win in a competition. After a round of eight under par 61 on a glorious summer’s day in 1991, I enjoyed the afternoon pursuing clues in a treasure hunt around Rosbeg, sure in the knowledge that I had the Highlands Hotel Trophy as good as won. My chagrin at later seeing a better quality 61 ahead of me was erased by the knowledge that it was George who had pipped me and he thoroughly enjoyed that fabulous score. George won his fair share of prizes, the last victory coming in 1993 when he was 74 years of age.

Ordained in 1942, Rev. Good was a curate in Dungannon prior to his appointment in 1945 as junior clerical vicar in Christ Church Cathedral. He spent 11 years as Rector of Inniskeel and Lettermacaward from 1949, replacing golf club founder, Canon Ernest Devlin. He joined the committee almost immediately and served the club with distinction over the years, earning the captaincy in 1953 and presidency in 1992 and 1993. George promoted activities for the youth of the area in the fifties, impressing all with his intelligence, understanding and humour. Club stalwart, Helen Shepherd fondly recalls the 5-a-side golf competitions that George organised for the juniors, with each player restricted to one club! His involvement in activities for the youth of the area gained him many fans over the years. Cricket was played on the field adjacent to the 5th fairway during the fifties, with George explaining the rules and providing all the terminology.

He was appointed rector of Raphoe in 1960, Canon of St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Raphoe the same year and Dean two years later. He was installed as Rector and Dean of Derry in 1967 and eventually retired to Cliff Cottage, Portnoo in the eighties. His presence at the Jubilee celebrations of the Ladies’ Branch in August 2007 was the highlight of the day, especially as his late mother, Eileen had been the first captain of the re-constituted ladies’ branch in 1957. We sympathise with his sister, Deirdre and all his extended family and friends.

The club also sympathises with Seamus Bonner on the recent death of his Mum, Josie. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Newcomer, Tony Cannon enjoyed a hole-in-one at the third at the weekend and we send him our warmest congratulations. Our Gaeltacht team did not enjoy their Saturday as much, defeating Cruit Island by five and a half matches to four and a half, but looking like coming up short in their attempt to qualify for the top four play-off. We thank the lads for their labours over the winter and if qualification is not to be, we wish them better fortune in the upcoming county, provincial and national tournaments.

Adrian Maguire came out on top in the Wednesday Open, having three points to spare over Hag’s Castle member, Alex McLean in second. The front nine was unspectacular, with seventeen points accrued, but a birdie on ten began the turn for home in style and a further eighteen points on the remaining eight holes sealed victory.

Myles Cunningham enjoyed a narrow one point win in the Diver’s Centra competition played on Sunday. The fifteen-handicapper was out in seventeen points, a score which would have been better but for an unfortunate blank on nine. A further duck on thirteen could have proved fatal, but for the Killybegs man’s good play on the other holes which yielded a score of twenty points on the back nine. The birdie on the tough fifteenth was just timely!

Results:
March 24: 1. Adrian Maguire (17) 39; 2. Alex McLean (16) 36; 3. John McBride (10) 35; March 28: 1. Myles Cunningham (15) 37; 2. Pauric McHugh (11) 36; 3. Kieran Cunnea (16) 35 b.o.t.; Cat A Eamon McGill (7) 35; Cat B Joe Conneely (15) 35; Cat C Frank McGinley (20) 35; Nines: Marty McGing (15) 20; Paul Cooney (8) 18 b.o.t.; CSS 74; twos: 5 balls each

Fixtures:
The Ardara Society has arranged its first outing of the year for Good Friday morning, commencing at 8.30a.m. This will be a Rider Cup qualifier.
Saturday April 3: Open Single Stableford, Sunday April 4: Lakehouse Hotel fourball betterball stroke, open Monday April 5: Open Fourball Scramble, Ladies & Gents, Wednesday April 7: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors including green fee;