Narin & Portnoo Golf Club Notes 7th April 2011

Those fortunate enough not to be dosed over the past fortnight have enjoyed lovely golfing conditions and the extra hour in the evening is bringing the post-hibernation golfers onto the pristine links once more. The last two Wednesday competitions have seen the ‘old guard’ to the fore with Frankie Kennedy enjoying a one point win over Sean Hanrahan and James Keeney pipping Patrick Boyle on a break-off-tie. Their routes to success were polar opposite: James nailing the back nine with a trio of three-pointers, while Frankie did likewise on his front nine.

Sean Hanrahan recovered from his midweek runners-up finish by winning the March Medal sponsored by Coast and Cliff Rescue with 69 nett. The seven-handicapper had three birdies on his card before he reached the last, but he must have sensed that a good finish was still required following a damaging quadruple bogey on the picturesque ‘Downstrands’ hole. The class told when his birdie attempt dropped on the final hole to give him the narrowest of victories on a break-off-tie from in-form, Gerald McDwyer. Sean is the non-playing captain of the Ulster Cup team and his side are soon to play Bushfoot from Co. Antrim. We wish the team, and indeed all our club teams well for the busy schedule to come.

The captains of the County Donegal golf team events are as follows: Donegal League (v Gaoth Dobhair) Patrick Boyle; Minor League (v Donegal) Frank McGinley; Seniors (v Dunfanaghy) James Quinn; Juniors (v Cruit Island) Martin Roarty.

The fourball event last Sunday saw a newcomer to the podium, Michael Lovett team up with P.J. Gallagher to win the Keltic Hygiene first prize. Their score of 43 points betterball included birdies at ‘Aisling Uí Dhomhnaill’, ‘Dolmen’ and ‘Downstrands’ on the front nine alone and despite a few hairy moments on the way home, the lads held their nerve to win comfortably. Noel Quinn needed only one shot to complete the long 11th hole, his tee shot holing out for a fabulous hole-in-one.

Michael Naughton is enjoying a deserved break following the excellent performances of his Gaeltacht team. Their penultimate match was a tough one, away to Rosapenna. Seven points were won on the day, a good return on away turf. Saturday last had the team playing in Cruit Island and eight points was sufficient to qualify for the top four playoff to be held in the middle of this month. Hopes are high that the club can add to its sole Gaeltacht League success back in 1995 and we wish the team every success.

The professionals are running a junior golf camp on the 26th and 27th of April. If previous years are anything to go by, it should be a big success! The course includes a carefully structured programme of events, fun competitions and games. The cost is 50 euro per child, which includes lunch each day a complimentary academy shirt. For booking, please call Connor or Daragh at 074-9545107 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 074-9545107 end_of_the_skype_highlighting or 087-6331370 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 087-6331370 end_of_the_skype_highlighting. The club is now active on Facebook and the latest news and information can be followed at Narin & Portnoo Golf Club or Narin & Portnoo Pro Shop.

Results:
March 23: Wednesday Open: 1. Frankie Kennedy (12) 38; 2. Sean Hanrahan (7) 37 b.o.t.; 3. Owen Boner (14) 37 b.o.t.; CSS 72; Twos: 3 balls March 27: Coast & Cliff Rescue: 1. Sean Hanrahan (7) 69 b.o.t.; 2. Gerald McDwyer (12) 69; 3. John McBride (10) 70 b.o.t.; Cat A Patrick Boyle (11) 71 b.o.t.; Cat B Michael McGinley (17) 70; Cat C Kevin Gilgunn (20) 73; Nines: James McGuinness (26) 33 b.o.t.; Tony Dooley (17) 34.5; CSS 73; Twos: 3 balls March 30: Wednesday Open: 1. James Keeney (14) 37 b.o.t.; 2. Patrick Boyle (10) 37; 3. Gerald McDwyer (11) 35 b.o.t.; CSS 73; Twos: 12 balls.

April 3: Keltic Hygiene: 1. P.J. Gallagher (10) & Michael Lovett (23) 43; 2. Ciaran O’Kane (8) & Gerry Feeney (14) 40 b.o.t.; 3. Tom O’Donnell (10) & Eamon McGill (9) 40 b.o.t.; Hole-in-one: Noel Quinn on the 11th (16 balls); Twos: 3 balls.

Fixtures:
April 10: Errigal Éisc Teoranta; Single stableford; Open April 13: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 20 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors, including green fee;