Lady Captain Roisin McCormack and Captain Brendan Cullen hosted the 2025 Past Captains’ Day on Saturday 20th Sept. Some might suggest the day is a breeze on the golfing calendar, but in fact it was gale force winds from start to finish. The positive thinkers were delighted with the absence of rain to add to their woes.

Dermot Boyce remarked he felt his chances slipped at the fifth after an errant tee shot, well short of the mark, found itself ricocheting off a lady’s golf bag. Apparently after much searching by his fellow team members, two of whom probably didn’t want to find it anyway, as there were a few cents at stake, it was deduced the errant ball had found its way into a ladies’ bag which was at the 6th tee box. Indeed, the following day an unaccounted ball was found in the bag, and Dermot can claim his Top Flite no. 6 in the office upon proof of ownership!

Hugh McGinley proved that distance isn’t everything. It was alleged he was 250 metres behind his playing partners with his drive on the second, however a nice little pitching wedge on to the green, with 2 putts and he walked away with a super par.

This was a very important par as it was the start of a great run for him to lift the Past Captain’s trophy at the end of the night. He did say there were a couple of nervous moments for him and his three playing partners at some holes on the way in, but they decided to all keep it together and honour the lost ball, which had produced many happy rounds for Dermot Boyce in the past.

Meanwhile the ladies were being led all the way by someone who was recovering from illness. No truer words are there, than ‘beware of the injured golfer’. Deirdre O’Toole checked in with a simmering winter cold and hoarseness. It’s a natural instinct to keep the head down and hope the round finishes quickly when unwell, but in the game of golf, keeping the head down is a pretty good strategy as well. This saw Deirdre lift the Ladies Past Captain’s trophy at the end of the night, her first time to win it, she remarked about how pleasant a day celebrating Past Captains is.

Gathering all together for dinner in the clubhouse, it is a wonderful opportunity to chat about past captaincy’s, how our club is progressing, but in particular have a relaxed night full of banter and chat. Long live this tradition in our club that we look forward to every year!

From Left Mary Barrett runner-up, Deirdre O’Toole Ladies Past Captains’ Winner, Portsalon Golf Club President Mae Blaney, Lady Captain Roisin McCormack, Mr Captain Brendan Cullen, Hugh McGinley Gents Past Captains’ Winner and Fergal McDonnell runner-up.

Results

Ladies

Winner – Deirdre O’Toole (14) 38pts

Runner Up – Mary Barrett (24) 36pts

Gents

Winner – Hugh McGinley (20) 38pts

Runner Up – Fergal McDonnell (30) 37pts

Mary McDaid Cup Team – The breezy conditions continued into Sunday for the team qualifiers.

The following team of 8 will be led by Lady Captain Roisin McCormack on Sat 27th September in Portsalon Golf Club. Best wishes to everyone taking part.

The players involved are Lady Captain Roisin McCormack, Tricia Bradley, Aedeen Conway, Eileen McLarnon, Pamela Clinton McDermott, Mary Barrett, Claire McGonagle, Deirdre Hensey.

1st Reserve – Hilary Thompson, 2nd Reserve – Frances Shannon.

Lady Captain Roisin McCormack looks forward to welcoming the visiting teams from Letterkenny Golf Club and Rosapenna Golf Club to celebrate and remember lady golfers from all clubs who are no longer with us. This is a magnificent annual event playing for the Mary McDaid trophy.

Ladies Winter Links – The start of the winter links series takes place on this Thursday 25th September and is played on the last Thursday of each month until March except for December. Call the shop to book your tee time 074 915 9459

Play in Pink – The annual fundraiser for breast cancer research will be played on Friday 10th October. The format is a four-ball scramble and is open to both ladies and gents of any combination.

Entry – Members €10. Visitors €40

Call the shop to book your tee time 074 915 9459

Weekend members competition -Winner Eileen McLarnon – 37pts

Runner-Up Pamela Clinton – 33pts