Narin & Portnoo Golf Notes 2nd June 2009

Gerard McCabe continued his run of good form in the Wednesday Open courtesy of a fine round of 38 points. The 14 handicapper went out in level twos and a birdie at 14 allied to several pars augmented the score considerably. Sean Hanrahan finished with a typically dramatic flourish in matching Gerard’s score, only to lose on countback. Tom Costello of the Sunset Ridge Gold Club finished third for the U.S.A.

Sunday’s event was sponsored by the Dolmen Centre in Kilclooney and an entry of over 130 enjoyed the sunny golfing conditions. Whereas one adventurous pink-shirted male became involved in a Mexican stand-off with a slightly larger bovine male on the second fairway, golfers from every corner of the country grappled with fast greens and debilitating heat on the rest of the pristine links. James Keeney coped best on the day, enjoying a solid front nine of 19 points, before coasting home in 22 for a combined 41 points. Highlight of the round was a birdie four on the long 14th hole but the other seven pars must also have pleased the veteran Glenties player.

Patsy Harkin’s Minor League men enjoyed a fruitful second round first leg win over Donegal on Sunday afternoon. Four pairs won for Narin and Portnoo, with the other pairing only losing out on the 18th. The tie was won overall the following day in Murvagh, with one and a half matches secured courtesy of a win for Frank McGinley and Paul McGinley and a half for Pat Connaghan and Kevin McCready. The quest continues!

Seamus McDonagh’s Pierce Purcell side lost convincingly in the first matchplay stage against Letterkenny on Friday last. Played in Murvagh, the boys were second best all evening against a side which was the leading qualifier in the previous stage. Perhaps the omens were never really that good, especially as one team member had to fish both himself and his golf bag out of the drain on the second during a traumatic practice round! We wish Letterkenny well in the rest of the tournament.

Harold Reid’s Junior Cup team failed to qualify at Letterkenny on Sunday, with all five players shooting in the low to mid 80’s. The standard was very high but the team of Harold, Donie McCole, John Molloy, Eamon McGill and Eddie Gregg performed admirably.

We commiserate with the family and friends of the late John Joe Sweeney who passed away at the weekend. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Results:
May 27: 1. Gerard McCabe (14) 38 b.o.t.; 2. Sean Hanrahan (12) 38; 3. Tom Costello (16) 35; C.S.S. 75; Twos: 2 balls each

May 31: Dolmen Centre 1. James Keeney (16) 41; 2. Declan Gallagher (12) 40; 3. Colm Friel (10) 39; Cat A Denis Carbery (8) 38 b.o.t.; Cat B John Simpson (17) 38 b.o.t.; Cat C Mícheál McGinley (18) 34; Nines: Bart Whelan (14) 21 b.o.t.; Frankie Kennedy (13) 23; CSS 73; Twos: 3 balls each

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

June 7: President’s Prize, closed

June 10: Wednesday Open, ladies and gents, single stableford, 15 euro entry for G.U.I. visitors including green fee