Narin & Portnoo Golf Notes 10th June 2009

Narin and Portnoo President, Tony Boner presents the third prize in the President’s Prize to low-handicapper, John Bonner of Cruit.

Eight-handicapper, Finnian O’Doherty went round Portnoo in 44 points to win second place in Tony Boner’s President’s Prize at Narin last Sunday.

The first of the two ‘Majors’ was played last Sunday and a big entry set out in eager anticipation of landing Tony Boner’s President’s Prize. One of the early starters was Frankie Quinn and the Glenties exile stormed around the course in ten under his handicap. Out in 24 points, he maintained that impetus from then on, coming home in 22 more for 46 stableford points. The birdie at the 8th was the undoubted highlight. On four previous occasions, Frankie has finished the runner-up in big competitions, and he was to be pushed close this time as well, despite his massive score. Teenage whizzkid, Finnian O’Doherty matched Martin Roarty’s 36 gross points of two years ago to come within two points of Frankie and his round of level par will give the youngster great confidence. With the winner not able to attend the presentation, much of the limelight shone on the young fellow and we expect him to reduce his handicap to Category One status this summer. John Bonner raced to Portnoo from Letterkenny where his club, Cruit were playing to receive the third prize from a proud president who has graced the office with his presence over the past two years.

The McElhinney Stores Scramble on Bank Holiday Monday garnered a fair bit of interest with the perfect conditions making it a very enjoyable experience. Scoring was low once again and the only quadumvirate to beat sixty involved Angela Boyle, Michael Cosgrove, Cathy Quinn and Willie Quinn. Eleven pars, six birdies and an eagle at the tenth graced a fine card.

John Simpson won the latest Wednesday Open with an excellent score of 40 points, which included nines of 21 and 19 points. This was his third win of the year which makes this disgruntled P.R.O. very jealous!

Nan and Noel Quinn’s Mixed Foursomes team achieved a wonderful victory last week in Bundoran when they defeated Newtownstewart in the first matchplay stage of the Ulster competition. They now await their last 16 opponents and we wish them the very best. The team consisted of: H. Reid and G. Cafferty; C. Donoghue and M. McCann; D. McCole and N. Quinn; N. Quinn and C. Quinn; M. Roarty and M. Ó hIarnáin.

Results:
June 1: Club Scramble 1. Angela Boyle, Michael Cosgrove, Cathy Quinn, Willie Quinn 59.5; 2. Jo Dunleavy, Karen Dunleavy, Eoin Dunleavy, David Molloy 60.3; 3. Frankie Kennedy, Eileen Kennedy, Sean Cafferty, Grainne Cafferty 60.5

June 3: Club Fundraiser: 1. John Simpson (16) 40; 2. Michael Naughton (15) 37; 3. Joseph Shovlin (12) 36 b.o.t.; 4. Anthony Thompson (19) 36; C.S.S. 73; No twos recorded

June 7: President’s Prize: 1. Frankie Quinn (22) 46; 2. Finnian O’Doherty (8) 44; 3. John Bonner (7) 41; Gross: Harold Reid (6) 31; 4. Cathal Donoghue (12) 40b.o.t.; Cat A Richard Shepherd (9) 40; Cat B Declan Gallagher (12) 40 b.o.t.; Cat C Kevin Byrne (19) 40; Nines: Eamon McGuinness (23) 20 b.o.t.; Maurice Crotty (13) 23; Visiting President: Tony Gallinagh (23) 27; Past President: Michael Naughton (14) 29; Prize to the Ladies: Máire Walsh (8) 73; 1st Guest Eileen Kennedy (20) 23; 2nd Guest Eithne O’Boyle (27) 32; Twos: 3 balls; C.S.S. 73;

Fixtures:
The details of upcoming competitions may be viewed on the club website, which is currently being renovated.

June 13: 3TS and Canon Devlin Cup, open to ladies and gents, a qualifier for the Narin and Portnoo team to play at the Slieve Russell. The leading lady and gent will play with the Professional and Club Captain in the lucrative event, which is a fundraiser for Turning the Tide of Suicide.

June 14: Coastal Windows June Medal, Open (first prize only awarded to members)

June 17: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 15 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors including green fee