Mannan Castle News - 13th May 2012 Bank holiday Monday was almost a washout, it rained all night and continued to pour until noon, Kevin our Professional thought he’d be closing up shop and going home early, but die hard golfers came out and played. May Bank Holiday Open 7th May 2...
Friday Evening is Pitch and Putt time at Mannan Castle.
18 hole competitions, €2 Entry, visitors and members welcome. Anytime from 6pm to 8pm.
Congratulations to Martin McEnteggart of Dundalk Golf Club on winning the April draw for a free fourball at Mannan Castle
Mannan Castle News -6th May 2012A good turnout for the PJ McArdle Cup which was played over the weekend; this competition was open to both men and ladies. Congratulations to Caolan Duffy on winning the Cup, also great to see a lady in the winning circle, Caolan just had a better back nine. PJ McArdle Cup 5th/6th May
1st Caolan Duffy (7) 39pts 2nd Rosemary Barry (25) 39pts 3rd David Flynn (20) 38pts May 2nd/3rd Mid-Week OPEN
1st Noel Scott 42pts
2nd Ciaran Traynor 41pts 3rd James McGeown 40pts 4th James Carragher 39pts css Wednesday 69 & Thursday 70 Our ‘Jimmy Bruen Team’ captained by Philip Cassidy were the top qualifiers with 332 in the qualifying round on Sunday in Rossmore. Congratulations to all the other qualifying teams Tandragee, Clones and Cavan . Mannan Castle has always had a relaxed dress code, however lately we’ve been finding more members and visitors ignoring the dress code. Jeans and tracksuits bottoms are not deemed appropriate golfing attire, football shorts and football/soccer jerseys belong on a football/soccer pitch not a golf course. Therefore we will be strictly enforcing our dress code, we ask that all members: men, ladies, seniors, juniors and visitors abide by our dress code. No hoodies, no denim jeans/jackets, no tracksuits/sweatpants, no football/soccer shirts and no football shorts, no singlets and no headgear/hats in the club house. Golf is a sport, and like any other sport you should dress for it. The draws have been made for the Men’s Double Matchplay and Mixed Matchplay please see our Web-site for more details, the deadline for the first round of the is 28th May, you must have your match played by the deadlines, no extensions will be given. Junior Golf Academy has been confirmed for July 5th. Any juniors interested please contact the Clubhouse/Proshop /Sheila Boylan for more details. Ladies NewsGill Rouiller and Mary McCabe are two ladies playing great golf these days, Gill has seen her handicap drop from 10 back down to 8, I’m sure she’ll be playing of a lot lower before the summer is over. Gerry & Kathleen Cumiskey have been very generous sponsors of Mannan Castle Ladies for many years now, we appreciate his continued support, we remind our members to support our sponsors when possible, so if you’re in the market for a car consider Auto Superstore Gerry Cumiskey Ltd, Dundalk Retail Park, Inner Relief Road, Dundalk.
April 30th / May 2nd ROSEBOWL sponsored by Gerry & Kathleen Cumiskey Hard luck to Margaret Carroll and Sadie Larkin who were defeated in the 3rd round of the Irish Mail by a very strong team from Concra, we wish the Castleblaney ladies all the best in the next round. Mannan Castle is hosting the Private Home Care Inter Club Championship on Saturday 19th May We welcome Junior Cup: St. Annes v Skerries; Inter-Cup: Ardee v Seapoint; Minor Cup: Co.Meath v Laytown Bettystown; Challenge Cup: Rathcore v St. Annes. Good luck on Sunday 20thMay to our Intermediate Cup Team captained by Margaret Bourke when play their match against our neighbouring club Nuremore in Ashbourne. Quote of the Week: “You can hit a two acre fairway 10% of the time and a two inch branch 90% of the time.” ~ Unknown Mannan Castle Club News -29th April 2012The winning teams of our CLUB CLASSIC sponsored by AW TREE SERVICES
1st Place Team: Philip Cassidy, Liam Leatham, Eamonn Jackson & Eddie Burke 94pts (43/51) 2nd Place Team: Captain Shane Corr, Dick Bourke, Brian Bourke (Tullamore), John Kieran (Ardee) 94pts (49/45)
Well we may not have had any ladies on the winning teams this year, but nearest to the pin was won by Rosemary Barry, who was 94 inches from the hole on the 17th green and Geraldine Finnegan had the longest drive on the 18th fairway. Thanks again to our sponsor of our CLUB CLASSIC “AW TREE SERVICE” who cover all aspects of tree surgery work, shaping, planting and maintenance. We encourage all our members to support our sponsors so if you have any tree related needs contact Andrew Williams at 087 6526951 /042 96 624228 for a free quotation. Congratulations to our Vice Captain Gerry Matthews on his win in the Mid-Week Open. Mid Week Open April 25th/26th 2012
1st Gerry Matthews 38pts
2nd Kevin Byrne 36pts
css 69 The Open Foursomes Competition held at Mannan on Sunday was open to ladies (any combination) but due to mixed communications no ladies played. It was hard work to try and stay standing on Sunday never mind play golf, congratulations to everyone who played. Open Foursomes Sunday April 29, 2012
1st Martin Kelly & Joachim Delaney
2nd Declan Hilliard & Christopher Kearney
Congratulations to our Men’s Ulster Fourball Team who played the return leg at Mannan Castle today against Belvoir Park, on a good win in the Preliminary Round. This match was played in the good spirit and both teams looked like they enjoyed their day even if it was a little breezy at Mannan, the final results Mannan won 6 ½ to 3 ½, Good Luck in the next round guys. Ladies News Those sensible golfers last Wednesday are probably the ladies who took their names of the timesheet. One might think that the winner of last week’s competition would have played on Sunday, this was not the case, Gill Rouiller scored 36pts in horrendous golfing weather, a fabulous score considering the conditions of the day. Weekly Competition (STB) April 22nd/25th 2012
1st Gill Rouiller (10) 36pts
2nd Rita O'Loughlin (15) 34pts
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Our Ladies Miele Team played Sunday 29 April against Tandragree in the Preliminary Round of the Miele Foursomes Matchplay, two matches were played at home and two away. It was a close, two matches won and two lost, but Mannan won on holes, they are now through to the next round. Can they do it again? This week’s competition is “The Rosebowl” sponsored by Gerry & Kathleen Cumiskey. From Wednesday 2nd May, evening tee times start so for those of you who can’t play earlier in the day 5:30pm tee-time is available. Next weekend there will be no shortage of competitive golf at Mannan Castle; the competition is the “PJ McArdle Cup” is next weekend, 5th & 6th of May this competition is open to all members (ladies and gents) of our club. I didn’t know PJ personally but I feel I know him from all the stories I’ve been told, he was President of our Club for many years, a founder member who was proud to be part of Mannan Castle, he encourage many to take up the game of golf, so I encourage all our members to come out and play next weekend in memory of PJ McArdle. MAY BANK HOLIDAY OPEN
Next Monday, 7th May Bank Holiday we have an OPEN Singles (Stb) Competition (Ladies & Gents) Entry €6 euro for members and €15 for visitors. PITCH & PUTT COMPETITIONS
Every Friday evening from 6pm at the pitch & putt area, 18 holes. We invite everyone to come out and have fun on the pitch & putt area, three categories: 1-14, 15-36 and no handicap €2 euro entry - winner takes all.
Quote of the Week “Keep your sense of humor. There's enough stress in the rest of your life not to let bad shots ruin a game you're supposed to enjoy.” ~ Amy Alcott Mannan Castle Club News -22nd April 2012The Table Quiz Friday 20th April was a great success with 19 tables all testing their general knowledge, a big thanks to Michael & Mary McGettigan who did great work organizing the quiz, to Paddy Martin who helped them with the answer sheets & our Quiz Master Peter Marquis. 2nd place Table was the John, Jim & Eithne Hanratty & Shem Whelan. Mid-Week Open April 18th/19th
1st Noel Scott 38pts
2nd Philip Ward 38pts
3rd Stephen O’Hara 38pts
4th Gerry Califf 38pts
PITCH & PUTT COMPETITIONS
Every Friday evening from 6pm at the pitch & putt area, 18 holes. We invite everyone to come out and have fun on the pitch & putt area, three categories: 1-14, 15-36 and no handicap €2 euro entry - winner takes all.
CLUB CLASSICOur Club Classic is next Friday & Saturday 27th/28th April, the format for this event is a four person team, entry €10 for members and €20 for visitors, thanks to Andrew Williams from AW Tree Servicesfor his sponsorship of this event. AW Tree Services cover all aspects of Tree Surgery, chipping waste, felling, shaping , planting and maintenance, fully insured, please contact Andrew for a free quotation (087) 6526951. Ladies NewsAn enjoyable day was had by all at ConcraWood in the Arnmore Alliance: Mannan winners are as follows: 2nd Place Nuala Mulholland 34pts, Catergory 3 Winner Frances Perkins 31pts, Gross Prize Gill Rouiller 23, Arnmore Alliance Golfer of the Gill Rouiller Monday Morning Senior Ladies Competition
Senior Ladies 16th April
1st Sheila McCrory
2nd Margaret Nugent
Peugeot Foursomes April 15th/18th
1st Imelda Hanratty & Anne Feeney 32pts
2nd Denise McGuinness & Siobhan Downey 31pts
Last Thursday 19th April we had three teams away representing the club in the Private Health Care Inter Club Singles Matchplay Event. Our Junior Cup Team (18-15) captained by Jo Morris had an early start and teed off at 9am in Clontarf against Royal Tara alas victory was not ours as we only won 2 matches and lost 3, we wish Royal Tara all the best in the next round. We had two teams playing in Skerries, the Intermediate Cup Team (16-22) captained by Margaret Bourke played Balbriggan and we were sure that Balbriggan had the upper hand as Skerries GC is at their back door, but we had a tremendous win, one match was won on the 13th and two matches were won on the 14th hole. The Minor Team (23-29) captained by Denise McGuinness also convincingly won their matches against a tough Dundalk team. All matches were played in a sporting manner. Sunday April 29th at 4pm is when our Miele Team tees off in the first round of Miele Fourball against Tandragee Golf Club, two matches at home and two away, the girls tee off at 4pm in Tandragee & in Mannan. We encourage our members and friends to come out and support our girls. Mens NewsAnother mixed weather weekend for golf, conditions were tough for everyone but obviously no bother at all for Philip McGovern. Mens Results Stableford April 21st/22nd
1st Philip McGovern 42pts
2nd Brian Slevin 37pts
3rd Peter Reilly 37pts
4th David McSharry 36pts
Our Ulster Fourball Team got off to a flying start after their first match in Belvoir Park Sunday April 22nd in the Preliminary Round of the competition, Mannan are leading 3 ½ matches to 1 ½ , the return leg will be played in Mannan Sunday April 29th they tee off at 2pm. OPEN FOURSOMES Event next Sunday April 29th Member Entry Fee €5 / Visitor Entry Fee €12.50 (ANY COMBINATION) Stay up to date with our news https://www.facebook.com/MannanCastleGolfClub Quote of the Week: “Golf! You hit down to make the ball go up. You swing left and the ball goes right. The lowest score wins. And on top of that, the winner buys the drinks.” ~ Unknown Mannan Castle Club News - April 15th 2012The winning score of last week’s Mid-Week Open was 41pts, a good score, but when you hear that it was brought in by a 1 handicapper that makes it slightly more impressive. Now most of us would be disgusted if we had a 5 on the first hole at Mannan, but that’s how Mark Lambe Jnr’s round started on Thursday, I also heard that he put two balls in the water, (I have not confirmed this with Mark) but when most of us put two balls in the water our round is as good as over, one can only imagine what scores this young man is capable of bringing in. Mark holds the lowest handicap in Mannan Castle, but this week he has reduced it even further from 0.9 to 0.4, what can I say other than congratulations. Mid-Week Open April 11/12th 2012
1st Mark Lambe Jnr 41pts
2nd Darragh Gunn 39pts
3rd Jimmy Lacey 39pts
Our Easter Bank Holiday Open was a great success and we’d like to thank all our members and visitors especially those from neighbouring clubs who came to support us. The course was in splendid condition, the newly rebuilt first tee box looks amazing; our greens were in magnificent condition, one visitor gave them a rating of 10 out of 10, even the weather almost co-operated and most of us got around dry. Giving than the course was in such good condition it is no surprise that there were great scores brought in last Monday, Noel Scott is no stranger to the winners circle at Mannan. The winner of the ladies section is proof that practice makes perfect, Denise McGuinness has definitely put the work into her game over the last few years, congratulations to all our winners. Easter Bank Holiday Monday Open – April 9th 2012
Mens Results
1st Noel Scott 44pts
2nd Gene McEnroe 42pts 3rd John Clarke 40pts CSS 69 Ladies Results
1st Denise McGuinness 39pts
2nd Angela Gartlan 38pts
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Congratulations to Peter Quinn from Dungannon Golf Club on winning the “March Draw” for a free fourball at Mannan Castle. A Table Quiz has been organized for Friday 20th of April at 9pm in the Clubhouse; we hope to see many members and friends at this fun event, a table of 4 is €20. All proceeds will go toward course paths and course improvements. Congratulations to Mannan Boys who won 6 out of their 7 matches in Rockmount GC in the first round of the Fred Daly Cup, return match is scheduled at home 5th May. Follow us on our on facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MannanCastleGolfClub Ladies NewsThis is the second week in a row that a Sunday player won the weekly competition. Congratulations to all the winners, Jo Morris is playing super golf at the moment this is her second win in a couple of weeks. Siobhan Downey like her sister has definitely put in the work into her game, a second place finish out of field of 30 ladies; Siobhan lost .5 this week, I get the feeling we will see her handicap drop drastically over the next few months. Rita O’Loughlin no stranger to the winning enclosure was in third place. Ladies Results Stableford - 8th/11th April 2012 This week’s competition is the Peugeot Foursomes, so call someone and ask them to play with you don’t wait on the phone call. I’ve spotted a couple of very strong teams on the timesheet already, so I expect to report great scores next week.
Good luck to Mannan “Private Health care Interclub Teams playing Thursday 19th April , two teams Intermediate Cup Team (16-22) captained by Margaret Bourke and Challenge Cup Team captained by Denise McGuinness are playing in Skerries, Junior Cup captained by Jo Morris are playing in Clontarf, good luck to all our teams and a big thanks to all our invaluable caddies.
Sadie Larkin & Margaret Carroll are scheduled to play the 3rd round of the Irish Mail against Concra and this match will held played in Mannan, the dates haven’t been arranged yet, but I’ll keep you updated.
Friday 13th was an unlucky day for our Junior Foursomes Team who were defeated in the return leg at home by a strong Laytown Bettystown Team. Mannan ladies wish Laytown Bettystown all the best as they go forth in this competition.
On a sad note the ladies club would like to extend their deepest condolences to Margaret Flanagan on the recent death of her sister Roberta Morrow.
Men’s NewsTemperatures dropped on Saturday but at least the rain stayed away, it’s tough to play a stroke competition when it’s windy, but that’s when our winner played his round of golf. Super score from Tony Delany who’ll now get to test his golf skills off a much lower handicap after losing 3 shots; Andy Coleman, Jack Corr and Martin O’Brien and a few others were also had their handicaps clipped. Monthly Medal Stroke - April 14th/15th 2012
1st Tony Delany (21) 64 nett
2nd Andy Coleman (10) 66nett
3rd Jack Corr (19) 67 nett
4th Martin O’Brien 67 (18) nett
Good luck to our Ulster Fourball Team playing in Belviour Park next Sunday.
Quote of the Week: "I look into their eyes, shake their hand, pat their back, and wish them luck, but I am thinking, 'I am going to bury you.'" ~ Seve Ballesteros
Mannan Castle Club News -8th April 2012If you are thinking about joining a golf course, why not consider Mannan Castle; you could be a member of a vibrant golf club for as little as €400. Mannan Castle is gaining a reputation for being one of the driest courses in the North East, a well maintained golf course with plenty of opportunities to play competitive golf. Our facilitates are second to none, we have a 6 hole pitch and putt area free to members to work on their game, a driving range, chipping and putting area. Call our clubhouse and speak to Finbar or Kevin to discuss joining Mannan Castle 042 9663308
Our course was built by volunteers and over the last few weeks volunteers have been hard at work with our course staff rebuilding the first tee box, it is looks amazing, well done to all involved.
There is a Table Quiz Night in the Clubhouse at 9pm on Friday 19th April; funds raised from this quiz will go towards the course maintenance in particular tarmacing of the some paths. We ask all of our members to come out to the clubhouse for a night’s craic. €5 per person / Table of 4 €20, we welcome all members and friends to this fun event.
I guess it would be safe to say that Liam Gray ran away with the Midweek Open Competition, I’m sure Liam will have no bother playing of his reduced handicap. Ronan O’Callaghan and Joey Hughes are making the most of their Easter Break, these young lads practically live at Mannan if they are not on the course playing they can be found honing their skills on the putting greens or the pitching area, proving that practice pays off, respectively finishing 2nd and 3rd place. In 4th place was one of our charming seniors Fred Fitzsimons, proving that this is a game for all ages. Congratulations to all our winners.
Mid Week Open 4th/5th April 2012
1st Liam Gray (12) 47pts
2nd Ronan O'Callaghan (9) 44pts
3rd Joey Hughes (11) 41pts
4th Fred Fitzsimons (16) 37pts
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We would like to encourage members and visitors not just arrive to Mannan to play the open but to book their tee-times for our Mid-Week Open Wednesday/Thursday either by calling Proshop/Clubhouse at 042 9663308 or booking online http://www.mannancastlegolfclub.ie.
A few changes to our “Club Classic”, this year it will be held over two days Friday and Saturday April 27th/28th. The format will be a four person team, entry for visitors €20 and members €10. The timesheet has just opened for this event.
Ladies NewsBridie Fitzmaurice had a hole-in one on the 8th hole was in disbelief when her playing partner told her that her ball was in the hole. Drinks were on Bridie Wednesday afternoon, typical as I played in the morning! Our Lady Captain Ann Connolly is playing super golf at the moment, she’s definitely not letting the pressures of her captaincy interfere with her golf game; she was one of the first ladies out playing on Sunday morning finishing in second place with a score of 66, considering that Sunday was a much nicer day than Wednesday one would have been confident that Ann’s score would have been enough to win especially considering the frigid and windy weather Wednesday brought. But Sheila Boylan has made her 2012 debut in style, her first round of golf in 2012 she brings a fantastic 65 net, we hope to see a lot more of Sheila on the golf course this year.
Ladies Results April 1st/4th Stroke (M)
1st Sheila Boylan 65 2nd Lady Captain Ann Connolly 66 3rd Bridie Fitzmaurice 69
A great turnout for the 1st Presentation of Prizes last Wednesday Evening, more updates next week.
Lessons for beginners have started in the Driving Range on a Thursday evening; if you know of anyone who is interested in taking up golf and who would like to come along to these lessons please have them contact Kevin.
Our Senior Ladies competition will commence Monday April 16th at 10:30am, all our lady members 50 years young are welcome to join us.
Mens NewsIt’s time to sign up for Singles, Double and Mixed Club Matchplay, sign-up sheets are in the clubhouse and the Proshop.
Great scores this weekend, but the winner of Easter Weekend competition was one of our senior men James Foran.
Mens Easter Weekend Results
1st James Foran (25) 44pts
2nd Leo Connolly (12) 43pts
3rd Paul McNeil (16) 43pts
4th Barry Conroy (17)40pts
Quote of the Week “Hitting the ball is the fun part of it, but the fewer times you hit the ball the more fun you have. ~ Lou Graham
Mannan Castle Club News - 1st April 2012We all enjoyed the week just past blue skies and sunshine and tropical temperatures. You don’t expect to see golfers playing in shorts, short sleeves wearing sunglasses and applying sunscreen in March, but we enjoyed it while it lasted. A reminder to our members and visitors that although Mannan Castle operates a relaxed dress code, however, we do request that everyone dress conservatively and avoid wearing singlets, track suits, football jerseys and football shorts and denim jeans. If a major jean company sponsored the Master’s or the US, Irish or British Open then perhaps we could wear jeans on the golf course, but they don’t, so we shouldn’t. As the temperatures rise I have to remind our younger golfers that football jerseys, football shorts are not acceptable attire on the golf course. Our Proshop now stock some great stylish golf clothes, but some of the major and discount department stores carry totally acceptable and reasonably priced golf tee shirts and trousers. Golf is a great sport, but like all sports you should dress for it. Our Thursday Open was won by our lowest handicapper in the club Mark Lambe who played a super round of golf; this young golfer was 2 under par for his round, which included 12 pars and 4 birdies, well done Mark and all the other winners. Thursday Open 29th March
1st Mark Lambe (jnr) (1) 39pts,
2nd Declan Hillard (13) 38pts,
3rd Eoin Sherry (19) 38pts
4th Ronan Finnegan (18) 38pts
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Our men’s handicap secretary Michael Courtney should be in good form this week, as he was the winner of the driver raffled by our Professional Kevin McGivern. Watch out the next raffle Proshop, Kevin tells there might be one to coincide with the Masters. Are you interested in taking up golf as a sport, group beginner classes have started on Thursday evenings from now until the end of April, it’s not too late to sign up for a class, anyone interested should contact our Professional Kevin Mc Givern at 042 9663308 This week 4th & 5th April is the kick off our Midweek Open, you can now book online at http://www.mannancastlegolfclub.ie or call the Clubhouse at (042) 9663308 Our Easter Bank Holiday Open Monday 9th April, Singles/Stableford, Men and Ladies, book early too avoid disappointment. Mannan Ladies NewsIt was an early start on a very foggy Monday morning as our Intermediate Cup Team (16-22) headed to Rush to play a match against Greenore. Team captain Margaret Bourke was thrilled with her teams win in this Preliminary Round, so now Mannan Castle’s Intermediate Cup & Minor Cup Teams are both through to the next round in Skerries on April 19th. This week our competition was the Breffni Shield Foursomes, great scores all around the board this week in a format that doesn’t suit everyone. Both winning pairs qualify for the away competition hosted this year in Nuremore; I asked Mannan will not be giving any travel expenses for this trip. Breffni Shield - March 25th /28th
1st Mary MacNamee & Nuala Mulholland 64
2nd Lady Captain Ann Connolly & Teresa Butler 64.4
Congratulations to Margaret Carroll and Sadie Larkin who won their 2nd round match against Greenore in Daily Mail Foursomes. This week’s competition is our first Stroke (M) of the year. There will be a presentation of prizes (Spring League) in the clubhouse on Wednesday evening after the /strongWeekly Competition (STB) April 22nd/25th 2012/divLast Thursday 19nbsp; afternoon competition. All members who have a pr/spana href=strong/p/supize to collect are asked to attend or send a representative. Mannan Men’s NewsThe temperatures for the weekend golf returned to normal March-like temperatures, but thankfully it stayed dry, another great turnout for our weekend competition and great scores, I get the feeling that the handicap secretary won’t have time to swing that new club this, as he’ll be too busy chopping a few handicaps. Congratulations to all the winners. Weekend Competition Results March 31st / April 1st
1st Jim Carolan 42pts 2nd Jack Branigan 42pts
3rd Jimmy Courtney 41pts 4th Tommy O’Brien 41pts Next weekend’s competition is the Easter Competition (Stableford).
Quote of the Week: “To some golfers, the greatest handicap is the ability to add correctly.” ~Author Unknown Mannan Castle Club News - March 25th 2012Our inaugural March Bank Holiday was a great success we had just shy of 190 golfers hit the fairways of Mannan last Monday. We enjoyed blue skies and sunshine, it’s still March and there was a sharp breeze/wind and a little nip in the air. The timesheet was full, there was a festive buzz around the clubhouse, it almost felt like Captains Day, the course was busy, the first group teed off at 7:30am and there was no gaps in the timesheet at all, but we had good looking and charming ranger who kept everyone moving along nicely, well done Louise. It was great to see so many of our members supporting the Open, also good to see golfers from neighbouring clubs and not so near who joined us. Of course considering this was the first qualifying competition of the year, it was tough with no placing in the rough, but obviously this didn’t bother Andy Coleman, or our Vice captain Gerry Mathews or Damien Garland. The best compliment I heard was from a visitor who reckons that “Mannan Castle has to be one of the driest courses in the North East at the moment”. March Bank Holiday Monday MEN’S RESULTS
1st Andy Coleman (11) 39pts
2nd Gerry Mathews (12) 38pts
3rd Damien Garland (14) 37pts
CSS members 70 / visitors 72
March Bank Holiday Monday LADIES RESULTS
1st Angela Gartlan (24) 35pts
2nd Denise McGuinness (34) 35pts
3rd Roisin Brady (7) 34pts
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Congratulations to our “NEAREST TO THE PIN” on the 17th winner Paul Callan 3ft
Thursday was a beautiful day to play golf it really felt like Spring was in the air and it was great to see ladies playing in the Open. Patrick Maguire was in top form with a score, 42 points which is tremendous golf considering we only have placing on the fairways. Well done to Finbar Boylan who had a second place finish with 39pts, and Gerry Kellett featured again, this guy is definitely playing some consistently good golf. Congratulations also to Gill Rouiller who not only won the Ladies Thursday Open, but she won our weekly competition as well, that’s what I call steady golf. Thursday Open - March 22nd 2012 Mens Results
1st Patrick Maguire (20) 42pts
2nd Finbar Boylan (16) 39pts
3rd Gerry Kellet (23) 38pts
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1st Gill Rouiller (9) 36pts
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Upcoming events, just a few dates to mark in your diary next month
4th/5th April the start of our 2 day Mid-week Open
9th April (Easter Bank Holiday Monday) Singles/Stableford Open (Ladies & Gents)
Visitors can now book using our BRS system http://www.mannancastlegolfclub.ie or by calling the clubhouse at (042) 9663308
20h April Friday 9pm Quiz Night in the Club house to raise funds for our new tarmacadam path on the 2nd hole.
Mannan Castle Ladies NewsCongratulations to Gill who thanks to her win with 38pts this week is back down to a single digit handicap of 9. Mary Mc Cabe featured again this week bringing in 37pts to secure with a second place finish and well done to Karen Forrester our third place winner with 36 also lost a shot and now plays of 10. Weekly Competition - March 18th/21st 2012
1st Gill Rouiller (10) 38pts
2nd Mary McCabe (22) 37pts
3rd Karen Forrester (11) 36pts
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On Monday last our Minor Cup team (23-29) captained by Denise McGuinness won their first match of the year in the Preliminary Round of the 2012 Private Home Care Inter-club Championships beating Greenore at Seapoint. This was a very sporting match and thanks to Seapoint Golf Club the host club for a great welcome. Congratulations to all the winning team and the very supportive caddies. Our Challenge Cup Team (30-36) captained by Nuala Mulholland also played in the same competition but hosted by Ardee on Saturday against Hollystown, but alas victory was not ours but it was very close, still you can’t win them all. Good luck to our Intermediate Cup Team (16-22) captained by Margaret Bourke who tee off early Monday morning Monday 26th of March in Rush, hopefully I will have good news to report. Mannan Castle Mens NewsThis weekend’s competition was the Capaldi Cup which was played in glorious sunshine. Gerry Kellett is a name that everyone in Mannan Castle knows at the moment, congratulations Gerry on yet another winning score. Our 2nd, 3rd and 4th place winners may well be the future of Mannan Castle great to see these teenagers amongst the prize winners especially given that approximately 170 played in this weekend competition. Weekly Mens Competition March 24th/25th1st Gerry Kellett (19) 42 2nd Jack Corr (19) 42 3rd Ronan O’Callaghan (10) 41 4th Darragh Kelly (12) 40 Quote of the Week “Baseball players quit playing and they take up golf. Basketball players quit, take up golf. Football players quit, take up golf. What are we supposed to take up when we quit?” ~George Archer Mannan Castle Club News - March 18th 2012Great work has been done by hard working volunteers this week in the clubhouse, everyone pitched in our clubhouse manager Finbar Boylan, our Professional Kevin McGivern, Captain Shane Corr, Jimmy McCahey, Gregory McCaughey, Tom Fox, Thomas Gartlan were all busy prepping and painting and thanks to Sharon Duffy for all the running around getting supplies etc. Of course we had plenty of “supervisors” stopping in to chat and give their opinions on how the work should proceed. At the end of the week our club house bar/restaurant has been transformed into a bright airy space, well done to all involved. Our inaugural March Bank Holiday Open has one of the fullest timesheets I’ve seen in ages, in fact there were no spaces left, almost 190 golfers booked to play on Monday. It’s great to see such a full timesheet, maybe it’s because our members are a friendly bunch of golfers, maybe it’s just because the weather begins to feel like Spring, perhaps it’s the fact that our course is one of the driest around and our greens are in spectacular condition, whatever the reason we hope everyone who plays golf in Mannan over the bank holiday has a great experience. Our course is in exceptional good condition at the moment and the credit is due to the many hard working volunteers and team of groundskeepers who had the foresight to work on the drainage issues as they arose over the past years. Watch this space for the results of the Open next week. Our Midweek Open will start 4th & 5th of April, but our Thursday Open is still running until then and it’s great to so many men from surrounding clubs competing, congratulations to Andrew Finegan from Rossmore who came 2nd in our Thursday Open last week. Gerry Kellett is playing some great golf these days, one thing for sure he is not going to be playing of 24 for much longer, this is the second or third time that he’s featured in the last few weeks. Thursday Open 15th March 2012
1st Gerry Kellett (24) 40pts
2nd Andrew Finegan (10) 40pts (Rossmore)
3rd Thomas Gartlan (17) 40pts
Mannan Castle Mens NewsI just saw the “Cowdy Inter-Club Trophy” behind the bar at Mannan, which was presented last week to last year’s Captain Seamus Whelan by J. McClelland, it’s great to see it back at Mannan Castle. Congratulations again to all on winning Cowdy Teams on being named “The Cowdy Club of the Year 2011”. St. Patrick’s Day Weekend competition was a Criss-Cross format and the winning team this year was the duo of Dennis MQuillan and Oliver Fleming well done lads. There’s that name again Gerry Kellett has definitely found his game; he was on the 2nd place team with Chris Lokko. St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Results (Criss-Cross)
1st Dennis McQuillan (20) & Oliver Fleming (13) 51pts
2nd Gerry Kellet (24) & Chris Lokko (14) 50pts
Mannan Castle Ladies NewsMary McCabe is definitely on fire these days; she was in top form last week scoring an amazing 42pts. Well done to Ann Carragher on her second place finish with 38pts, Ann didn’t play much golf over the winter season but she’s back playing super golf. Our third place finisher Angela Connolly was keeping a low profile until now; I actually think that this was Angela Connolly’s first round of golf of 2012 at Mannan. Congratulations to all the winners. Ladies Weekly Competition March 11th/14th
1st Mary McCabe (21) 42pts
2nd Ann Carragher (13) 38pts
3rd Angela Connolly (21) 35pts
Congratulations to our members Rita O’Loughlin who won at Concra last Monday in the North Leinster Senior Alliance with 39pts and to Margaret Carroll who came 4th with 34pts. Well done ladies. Good luck to Sadie Larkin and Margaret Carroll in the 2nd round of the Daily Mail Foursomes which will be played in Greenore. Good luck also to all our teams playing in the 2012 Private Home Care Inter-club Championships this week and next week, hopefully I will have good news to report over the next few weeks. Quote of the Week: “Golf can best be defined as an endless series of tragedies obscured by the occasional miracle, followed by a good bottle of beer.”~ Unknown
Mannan Castle Club News
March 11th 2012
Limited spaces available for men, who would like to play in the Mixed Matchplay competition, please let Finbar or Kevin know if you are interested. Of course we’d love to see more ladies sign up for this competition, c’mon ladies don’t be shy. Everyone must now sign in for all competitions on the new computer terminal in the Proshop. Stay informed with the day to day activities in our club, by checking out our web-site, don’t just use it as a tool to book your tee times, “Latest Results” and “Club News “are constantly updated. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of our Club Newsletter; it’s available in the Cashell Room or Proshop. I mentioned last week that it was great to see Tom Fox back playing and back in the winning circle, but I have to follow that by says that he is on fire; some may say it’s an easier game when we are playing winter rules but 47pts is incredible golf. Thursday Open (18 holes) March 8th 2012
1st Tom Fox (18) 47pts
2nd Liam Gray (15) 42pts
3rs Gerry Kellett (24) 38pts
If you are playing decent golf and you would you like to be considered for an Interclub Matchplay Team, please sign-up in the clubhouse.
All roads lead to Mannan Castle on the Bank Holiday Monday March 19 when we host our first ever March Madness Open, entry for members €5 and €15 for visitors. The timesheet is filling up for this event book now to avoid disappointment using our BRS system; visitors can now book on our BRS system at http://www.mannancastlegolfclub.ie
Men’s News
We are proud to announce that Mannan Castle have been named “Cowdy Club of the Year 2011”, for the second time in three years. Congratulations to all who played on Cowdy Teams, a special word of thanks to all the Captains.
Captain Shane has updated his newsletter to the men, important letters from the Mens Committee can now be viewed on our Web-site in the Member/Mens Section/Captain Shane’s News Letter.
Over 160 played in this weekend’s competition, an incredible turnout for a weekend competition in March. Tomas Pepper was the clubhouse leader until his neighbor came in with a better back nine, Ruairi O’Connor has been playing very steady golf these last few months but just hasn’t managed to make it to the winning circle, he final got the magic in his golf game right. Congratulations to all our weekend winners, I should also note that Cathal Copas had 42pts this weekend, but was deducted points for previous wins. This is the last week of the Spring Voucher Competition; next week starts the Weekly Competitions.
Results Weekly Voucher Competition (18 holes) March 10th/11th
1st Ruairi O’Connor (16) 42pts
2nd Martin Donaghy (22) 42pts
3rd Tomas Pepper (5) 42pts
4th Jimmy McCarthy (5) 41pts
5th Noel Scott (20) 41pts
6th Kieran Coyle (12) 40pts
Next week’s competition is The Brendan Woods Memorial Cup, the format for this competition is Criss-Cross, I’d just like to wish Tony Hanna and Frank McDonnell the defending champions the best of luck next week, a little birdie told me that Frank turned 75 years young this weekend and I’d just like to wish him a Happy Birthday.
Ladies Club
We played 18 holes last week, but looking at our scores one wouldn’t think we were still playing 13 holes. Conditions on Wednesday were tough out there; strong wind seemed to be in our face on almost every hole, we had numerous hail showers, but to be fair the sun did shine.
Well our new handicap secretary was proud to announce that she was the winner of our first 18 hole competition of the year and a past handicap secretary was second, well done girls.
Results 18 Hole Weekly Competition March 4th/7th
1st Jo Morris (19) 33pts
2nd Ann Carragher (17) 32pts
Congratulations to Sadie Larkin and Margaret Carroll who are now through to the 2nd round of the Daily Mail Foursomes after beating our neighbouring club Nuremore, in what can only be described as a close match as it ended on the 18th.
Quote of the Week: Golf is like a chain. You always have to work on the weakest links. ~ George Archer
Club News 4th March 2012If you played this week you may have noticed that some of our hardworking volunteers, Jimmy Courtney, Tom White and Michael McBride were hard at work on the 5th hole planting trees to the left of the fairway, well done lads the trees look great. I guess that means the bunker on the left of the fairway that always seems to catch my drive will be moved soon, Murphy’s Law states that my golf ball will find the new bunker no matter where you put it. Declan Hillard won last Thursday’s Open, according to rumours it turned out to be quite a profitable day for Declan, who by all accounts is hitting a mighty ball these days. (see Open Results) Mannan Castle is hosting a March Bank Holiday Open /Singles Stableford (Ladies & Gents) Monday 19th March, so come celebrate St Patrick’s Weekend on the green fairways of Mannan Castle, the timesheet is now open and visitors can now book into this Open using our new updated BRS system. The cost of the Open is €5 for members and €15 for visitors, everyone welcome. Ladies NewsMany of our ladies played in the Leinster Ladies Senior Alliance, which was played in Greenore Monday last, congratulations to Ann Carraher who was the only Mannan lady to feature in the prizes winning the front nine with 18pts. Yvonne Duffy was out first on the tee box Wednesday morning, so she can say that she was the clubhouse leader all day. One of the steadiest lady golf golfers we have Gill Rouiller was second this the last weekly 13 hole competition. This week is the start of the 18 hole competitions, that means summer is only around the corner. (see ladies results) No surprise that Team Sage captained by Gill Rouiller with 28pts won the Spring League 5pts ahead of the field. Sadie Larkin’s Team Rosemary and Rita O’Loughlin’s Team Parsley both with 23pts tied for 2ndplace. Now that’s the Spring League done and dusted, a reminder that the Interclub matches are starting soon, and team captains having been watching to see who’s playing well.Mens NewsBlue skies and sunshine bring the best out in everyone; this can be said for the majority of those who golfed this weekend. Out of a field of 120 or more golfers who played over the weekend, Noel Mullins who has been keeping a low profile scored a very respectable 42pts to secure second place, but it was Cathal Copas who won the competition by bringing in a tremendous 45pts. It was great to see Tom Fox back in the winning circle; Tom has been nursing an injury, but it’s good to see he’s back in the swinging again and it good to see he’s got his swing back again. I guess the rest over the winter season has done him the world of good. Congratulations to all the winners. (See mens results) Captain Shane has updated his News Letter...regarding "Golfer of the Year" and "Signing in for Competitions" follow the link from Mens Section Quote of the Week: “I’m gambling that when we get into the next life, Saint Peter will look at us and ask, “Golfer?” And when we nod, he will step aside and say, “Go right in; you’ve suffered enough.” One warning, if you do go in and the first thing you see is a par 3 surrounded by water, it ain’t heaven.” ~ Jim Murray Club News 26th February 2012 Our Captains arrived in style in a shiny black vintage 1953 (I think) Wolseley Four Forty-Four saloon in immaculate condition, after the usual champagne reception and photo session, our captains headed to the 16th tee box, both struck the ball with amazing ease straight down the middle of the fairway, boring I know I’d have more to write about if one of them had duffed a shot or put the ball into the river. The course looked magnificent, new brilliant white flags on every hole sponsored by Kingspan and new score cards sponsored by Gerry Cumiskey Ltd.; in these recessionary times we are thankful to our very generous sponsors. I overheard someone say over the weekend that you need a team with low handicappers to win in this format; well there were no low handicappers in the winning group just a couple of steady golfers, well done lads, great score. You should have seen Frances Perkin’s face when she was told she was drawn with the young guns playing of 7 and 5, I thought we’d have to get the defibrillator out for her, she was singing a different tune when she returned to the clubhouse. Captain’s Drive-In Results: 1st Place Team with 54.7pts Gerry Gorham (23), Pat Mc Donnell (20), Trevor Dardis (15), Brendan Marley (15)
2nd Place Team with 55.8pts Caolan Duffy (7),, Tomas Pepper (5), Brendan Dooley (25), Frances Perkins (35)
I met a very cheerful Liam Gray walking off the course Thursday last after his round and no wonder he was happy as he is playing super golf at the moment scoring 33 points for 13 holes, in 2nd place was Tommy Hoey with 32pts, I guess there’s still life in the silver fox. (see Latest Open Results) As I mentioned last week the “WANTED” Posters around the clubhouse will be coming down shortly, if you haven’t already collected a “Bounty” you have until March 11th to claim it. The mixed matchplay will return to Mannan Castle, at the moment we have 26 ladies who are interested in playing; now the question becomes do we have men willing to pair up with them. Ladies there is still time to sign up the signup sheet is on the ladies noticeboard, don’t be shy! Men’s News
No competition this week due to the Captain’s drive-in.
Ladies News
The Arnmore Alliance was hosted in Headfort Golf Club last Monday and the mighty Mannan women took home all but one prize, well done girls!
1st Mary MacNamee 37pts
2nd Mary Malone 35pts (Cavan)
3rd Rose O’Reilly 35pts Cat. 1 Gill Rouiller 31pts Cat. 2 Nuala Mulholland 32pts Cat. 3 Siobhan Downey 34pts Front 9 Frances Perkins 19pts Back 9 Denise McGuinness 17pts While other clubs are only starting their spring league, we at Mannan Castle are into the final week of our league; I just know our ladies are really looking forward to playing 18 hole competitions which start March 4th/7th. The winner of the weekly competition last week was none other than our Lady Captain Ann Connolly with a fantastic 28pts and yet again in second place Angela McBride who had 26pts and even after a 2pt deduction she still managed to secure second place. (see Latest Ladies Results) Quote of the Week: "The people who gave us golf and called it a game are the same people who gave us bagpipes and called it music." ~ Unknown
Ladies Club News 19th February 2012 You may remember that Mary McCabe featured most weeks in the Winter League, well she is at it again, playing awesome golf that is! On Sunday Mary scored 28pts to secure 1st place in this week’s competition. Margaret Bourke beat Siobhan Downey on the breakdown with 27pts for 2nd place. In Margaret’s own words “great day, great golf and great company!” Margaret was in the company of another budding golfer Siobhan Downey, now it’s not that long ago that Siobhan was taking group lessons in the driving range, she is definitely one to watch, and I suspect she won’t be playing of 36 for much longer! Mens News
“Saturday’s child works hard for a living”, well the guys who played Saturday worked hard for their scores this weekend they were treated to glorious sunshine, wind, hailstones, snow and rain all in one afternoon. Sunday was definitely the better day for golfers this weekend and our 1st and 2nd place winners selected the best day to play. Our winner Cathal Copas had a previous win a few weeks ago; therefore 2pts was deducted from his score of 35pts, incredible golf Cathal keep up the good work. Mannan men have been bringing in excellent scores over the last few weeks; I can assure you that the handicap secretary is watching the scoring trends and he’s eagerly awaiting the start of 18 hole competitions.
Other Club News Thanks for all the texts and emails last week, regarding how our Captain and Lady Captain are arriving. Some members seem convinced that Captain Shane and Lady Captain Ann will roller skate to Mannan, some think they’ll arrive in a horse drawn carriage, a bicycle made for two, I’ve heard rumours that they’ll arrive in a hot air balloon, Lady Captain has even joked about a parachute jump! A few of you even believe that the doctor knows where to find a spare ambulance, but according to our Health Minister the HSE has no extra ambulances! We’ll just have to wait and see how our Captains’ arrive, they seem to have their lips tightly sealed; one thing I know for sure is that they are scheduled to arrive at noon on Sunday the 26th of February. After the champagne, photo sessions and all the hoopla, the Captain and Lady Captain are scheduled to play their round of golf with their respective spouses, I reckon Captain’s Team Connolly/Corr is definitely one to watch! Has the Captain’s Team ever won the Drive In Scramble? A reminder to put your/strongnbsp; Limited spaces available for men, who would like to play in the Mixed Matchplay competition, please let Finbar or Kevin know if you are interested. Of course we’d love to see more ladies sign up for this competition, c’mon ladies don’t be shy./supnd name on the timesheet for the Captains Drive In, the draw will be made later this week. The course is in spectacular condition at the moment, it really is great to see so many of our members replacing their divots and repairing their pitch marks. Our greens are in fabulous condition at the moment, ledivQuote of the Week:nbsp;/strongt’s keep them that way, it’s great to see most members repairing their pitch marks. If your shot hits the green on the fly, there will be some damage, find it, repair it, then look for and repair at least one other that someone else missed. If you notice any ball mark on the green that needs fixing, fix it. March is only around the corner, how do you intend celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? This is a rhetorical question, there’s no need to text or email me your answer! Make time in your schedule to play in our Bank Holiday Monday Open. This is the first time we’ve had a March Bank Holiday Open at Mannan Castle, so keep March 19th free, there will be prizes for ladies and gents, the cost is €15 for visitors and €5 for members. A note to visitors, you may now book to play in our Opens using our BRS system, http://www.mannancastlegolfclub.ie, alternatively you may still call Kevin, our resident professional to book your tee time at 042 9663308
News Update 05.02.12 Dear Members, It’s a huge honour for me personally to be the men’s captain of Mannan Castle Golf Club for 2012 & I would like to again thank last year’s captain Seamus Whelan for nominating me. As you may know, the club’s organisational structure has changed in a number of significant areas since last year and I thought it sensible to outline these changes as to how it will affect the men’s club and also how it is proposed to run the club in 2012. I am personally completely supportive of these changes which will help strengthen and improve the club as a whole. Function of the Men’s Club My committee for this year is: Gerry Matthews (Vice Captain) I would ask that if any member has any issue or concern regarding any aspect of the men’s club during the year that they would initially contact my vice captain Gerry (086-2611010) so that it can be brought to the attention of the committee as a whole. It’s hoped that any such issues would be dealt with in a speedy manner. Captains Prize 2012 Competition Entry Competition Entry Fees From the beginning of March, the weekend entry fee will be €6. This is a reduction of €1 from last year. Members should be aware that €2 of every entry fee goes to the Management Committee to help with the overall running of the golf club with the remainder going to the men’s club to pay for prizes and the running of team competitions. As a committee, we feel it is vital, more than ever, to give members value for money and hence our decision to reduce these fees. The reductions are being funded through lowering the costs of the men’s club and also in the expectation that it may help attract more players to play in our competitions. It may be that there could be scope for further reductions at a later date. It’s important for members to realise that these fees will not apply to entry for the Captains prize or for a number of weekend competitions which are run as club fundraisers e.g. the Club Classic, Open Week & 50 prize event. Again, I would strongly encourage members to support these competitions as they are vital for the running of the overall club. As you are aware, our club professional Kevin McGivern runs a “2’s” competition every weekend. This is popular with most members and is run separately from the men’s competition. Entry is not compulsory and is entirely at the discretion of each player. A number of suggestions have been made to both myself & other Committee Members as to how “the two’s” format might be tweaked/altered. We would recommend that these ideas be taken up directly with Kevin for his consideration. Golfer of the Year Team Golf Competition Captain Handicap Range Kind RegardsShane Corr |