The competition for President Joan O’Gara’s prize to the men built up to an exciting climax during the week. On Thursday the semi-finals took place with Conor Merriman getting the better of Paul Hoare in one and Seamus O’Reilly overcoming the challenge of Michael Sharkey in the other. The final between Conor Merriman and Seamus O’Reilly took place in ideal conditions on Saturday and the winner, after a closely contested match, was Conor Merriman. Later that night the presentation of the President’s Prizes to both the ladies and men took place in a wonderful atmosphere in a packed clubhouse. Both the Lady Captain Bernie Browne and Captain Albert Looby were loud in their praise of President Joan O’Gara, recalling her contribution to the club over the years and especially her dedication and unfailing courtesy as President. Joan presented her array of magnificent prizes to all the lucky winners. The winner of the ladies’ prize, Marie McManus, and the winner of the men’s prize, Conor Merriman, both expressed their great appreciation in winning the President’s Prize and complimented Ian Gannon and the course staff on the fine condition of the course. In her eloquent President’s address Joan thanked all who had participated in the competition and congratulated the worthy winners. She expressed her appreciation of all the hard work done by the Lady Captain Bernie and Captain Albert, all committee members, and the support and courtesy she had received from members since becoming president. She also complimented Ian Gannon and the course staff and Bryan Keogh, Catherine and all the bar staff for the wonderful service they give to the club on a daily basis all through the year. She expressed her gratitude to the loyal and generous sponsors of competitions and urged members to support the sponsors in their various businesses. Earlier in the day there was a three-person nine hole scramble and the winners were Ollie Hannon, Richard Browne and Seamus Mulryan.

The winner of the Sunday competition, sponsored by Lynch Flooring was Michael Costello with 39 points. In second place was David Hill (junior) with 44 points and Allan Hill (junior) was third with 41 points.  The winner of the  Bank Holiday Monday competition was  Michael Costello with 38 points and David Hill was second with 38 points also. Mary Gilligan won the ladies’ 9 hole competiton with 20 points. Mary Gilligan was also the winner of the ladies’ Tuesday competition, sponsored by Ulster Bank, with 37 points. Sandra Kelly was in second place with 36 points (back 9) and Fen Thompson was in third place with 36 points also. On Thursday the President’s Prize to the Over 55s took place and the winner was Ollie Hannon with 35 points. In second place was Sean Brennan with 34 points, in third place Micheal Henry with 34 points and in fourth place Jim Tunney with 34 points also. The result of the President’s Prize to the senior ladies was first place Mary O’Gara with Jackie Maxwell in second place. Mary Cunningham was in third place and Mary Mellett was in fourth place.

The coming week is a busy one for the club. On Wednesday the Ladies’ Gala Day, which is an open competition sponsored by ECMI (Gerry O’Dowd) & Kathleen Kearney Kelly, takes place. On Saturday the Four Roads Hurling Classic takes place. On Sunday the Intermediate and Minor Scratch Cups, sponsored by M.J. Farrell Jewellers, take place and we look forward to welcoming visiting participants to our club.

The draw for the club mixed foursomes will take place on Sunday 22^nd June.