Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 3rd May 2011

The passing of Geoffrey Boyle has saddened all of us who encountered the amiable Narin man during his long association with the golf club. The word gentleman is bandied about quite a bit, but the popular retired pharmacist epitomised all that was ever implicit in the epithet. In the clubhouse, he loved good company, a chortle or three and banter toing and froing; most of all, he yearned for a good fourball. The craic with James McGinley, Benny Quinn, John Gillespie and the likes over many years kept them coming back for more, regardless of rain, hail or tempest. Captain in 1976, Geoffrey worked hard for the club, serving on the committee in the sixties and seventies and sponsoring his own event. He was a perennial winner, winning either a singles or pairs event almost annually. His greatest partnership was with James McGinley and together they were hard to beat. The pair captured the John Player Fourball title in both 1978 and 1979, qualifying for the National Finals of this once prestigious amateur tournament. The database of winners at the club records successes by the lads in many other events, including a well-merited Winter League victory in 1988. They let others in on the winning act too, teaming up with fourball pals, the late John Gillespie and Benny Quinn to win the Am-Am at the club in 1993. Geoffrey was not reliant on others for success. He twice won the Canon Devlin Cup in 1988 and 1993 and shot 61 in successive years to win events in 1984 and 1985. A hole-in-one in 1982 at the old 13th hole was a source of great pride to Geoffrey, as was his wife Bríd’s elevation to the Lady Captaincy in 1980. To Bríd and their family we send our sincerest condolences and prayers. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

A busy week of golf in the post-Easter period culminated with the expected success of the Ulster Cup team against Bushfoot. Just half a point had been required following the home clean sweep and the lads were eventually called in while up in five matches. The captain, Sean Hanrahan, his vice-captain, Cathal Donaghue and their talented panel are to be commended for this fine start; those who played over the two legs were: Joseph McLoone, Gerald McDwyer, Sean Cafferty, Hughie Moore, John Ban Gallagher, Columba Gavigan, P.J. Gallagher, Frankie Kennedy and Patrick Boyle.

The Easter Monday Scramble was won by the Ardara foursome of George Doherty, Eamon McGill, Don Earley and Shane Whittington with 58.1 on a break-off-tie. The pairing of Gladstonian experience and relative youth is one that may prove a template for others to follow.

Colm Flood shot the lights out in Wednesday’s Open, scorching around the links in 49 points off 26 handicap. He added 23 points on his return to the clubhouse to the 26 he accumulated heading out! Seven pars and a birdie at Hemmersbach’s Gap (14) sealed a fine success for the young man of whom we shall hear more in the years to come.

P.A. Gallagher won Pat The Cope’s event on Sunday by a single point from P.J. Campbell in second. The strong breezes made life difficult for the golfers but Patrick coped best, returning in 20 points for a fine victory in this long-running competition.

Summer coaching for juniors will commence on Saturday, May 7th with PGA professionals Connor Mallon and Daragh Lyons conducting lessons in three categories. These will continue every Saturday right through the summer. The time-slots are as follows: Under 10s from 2 to 3p.m.; Under 14s from 3 to 4p.m.; Under 18s from 4 to 5p.m. For Registration call 0749545107.The fee per lesson will be 5 euro per child.

Results:

April 25: Scramble: 1. George Doherty (17) Eamon McGill (9) Don Earley (9) Shane Whittington (14) 58.1 b.o.t.; 2. Hughie Moore (13) Bridie Moore (36) P.J. Gallagher (10) Dan Gallagher (20) 58.1; 3. Harold Reid (6) Donie McCole (9) Ger McDwyer (11) Kieran Cunnea (15) 58.9b.o.t.; April 27: Wednesday Open 1. Colm Flood (26) 49; 2. Adrian Maguire (15) 42; 3. Andrew McGovern (10) 40 b.o.t.; CSS 72; Twos: 4 balls April 30: GAP Tourism Classic 1. Patsy Harkin (18) Anthony Harkin (16) Brian McGonagle (15) Lyle Taggart (14) 96 pts.

May 1: Pat The Cope Gallagher M.E.P. 1. P.A. Gallagher (20) 38; 2. P.J. Campbell (27) 37; 3. Willie Quinn (7) 36; Cat A Harold Reid (6) 33; Cat B Sean McGinley (17) 35; Cat C Eamon McGuinness (18) 36; Nines: Charlie Diver (20) 20; Patrick Breslin (15) 21; CSS 74; Twos: 3 balls

Fixtures:

May 8: Patrick Johnny Sally Monthly Medal; May 11: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors, including green fee;