Dear Member,

Make sure you read to the end, as there’s some important information from your course co-ordinator, Mr. Tony Buckley, to whet your appetite for the 2019 season.

Speaking of Mr. Buckley, our congratulations go to Tony for knocking in an impressive 36 points at the annual East Coast Inshore Fishing sponsored outing to The Links, Portmarnock.  The Links was in excellent condition with fast greens and punishing bunkers.  58 members turned up to play in very challenging conditions  Huge thanks, as always, to our sponsor for the outing, Brian O’Callaghan of East Coast Inshore Fishing who laid on a fine presentation of prizes.

Full results from The Links:

Winner – Tony Buckley – 15 – 36pts

2nd – John Gaffney – 18 – 34pts

3rd – Michael Chambers – 5 – 32pts

C1 – Noel McGrane – 1 – 30pts

C2 – Conor Dalglish – 17 – 31pts

C3 – Dave Walshe – 19 – 28pts

F9 – Niall O’Reilly – 18 – 17pts

B9 – Mick Kenny – 26 – 19pts

NTP – Mick Slein

2’s – Conor Gallagher

The prize presentation was in the Indigo Lounge in the Clontarf Castle and we are very appreciative of the bar and catering staff who once again looked after us so well.

Congratulations to the matchplay winners, Rob Greenhalgh in the singles, with Jim Stanley runner-up, and Andy Flynn and Dominic Murray in the fourball, with Alan Leonard and Paul Goti runner-up, once again kindly sponsored by John Plunkett & Brian Kirwan of Plunkett Kirwan & Co Solicitors.

Congratulations to Seán Guirke who wins The Jack Guirke Memorial Trophy for Player of the Year, with Michael Chambers runner-up, kindly sponsored by Michael Norton of Norton Fuels.

Group Photo

If anyone wishes to get hold of a copy of the group photo taken by Philip McGowan at our Captain’s Day in The K Club, please contact Philip directly at 086 2560434, email philmcgowan7@gmail.com

AGM

Please note that our Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 22 January 2019 in The Clontarf Castle, 8.00pm sharp.

Proposals and motions must be submitted in writing to the Honorary secretary no later than Friday 11 January 2019.

Away Trips 2019
(Tony Buckley)
In keeping with the past few years very successful away outings, it gives me great pleasure to inform you of our home and away trips for next year.

Into The West, 6th to 9th June 2019

Carne GC

In June we have a 3 night package to the north Mayo coast to play Carne and Enniscrone.  For those of you lucky enough to have played these courses you will know them as two of the finest links in the country, cut through the most amazing dunes alongside the wild Atlantic ocean.  They are spectacular and unique Irish links courses, both ranked in the top 15 in the country.   Simply put, this trip is not to be missed!

Total cost to members is €210, twin sharing, 3 nights B&B, presentation meal and two games of golf.  We have a limited number of single rooms available at an extra cost of €80.

Thursday 6^th June we drive to Broadhaven hotel, Belmullet, and meet for a pint at 8/9 pm.  Drive will take approximately 4 hours.

Friday 7^th June, Carne GC tee from 10.30am, after golf we drive to Ocean Sands Hotel, Enniscrone, stay 2 nights.  Drive will take a little over an hour.

Saturday 8^th June, Enniscrone GC, tee 10.30am, presentation meal in hotel on Saturday night.

Sunday 9^th June, drive home after breakfast.  Drive 3 hours 10 mins.

With such a fantastic trip at exceptional value we expect this trip to be a sell-out, €50 deposit at the AGM secures your place.

All the Way to Monte Rei 2^nd to 6^th Oct 2019

Our away trip in October brings us to Tavira for 4 nights in the eastern Algarve near the Spanish border.  Our incoming Captain Malachy has a few connections down there and has put this wonderful package together for us to play Portugal’s number one rated golf course, the Monte Rei Golf Club.  Peter O Connor, son of our dear departed hero Christy O Connor, is the pro in Castro Marim and will be looking after us on the trip.

Total Cost to members €600, staying 4 nights B&B in Maria Nova 4* hotel.  Price includes flights, 2 golf in buggies, all transfers and presentation meal.  We have a limited number of single places available at an extra cost of €120.

Weds 2^nd Oct , late afternoon Flight to Faro
Thurs 3^rd Oct, golf Monte Rei tee from 11.00am
Fri 4^th  Oct, free day, golf and alternative activity to be arranged at an extra cost .
Sat 5^th Oct, team event Castro Marim Golf club, tee from 11.00am, presentation meal in Cabanas local restaurant on Saturday night.
Sun 6^th Oct, return flight late morning.

The golf offering at Monte Rei is unrivalled in the region. The breath-taking Jack Nicklaus Signature course together with highest levels of service make for an experience like no other.

Again we anticipate this to be a sell-out with our members.  Places are limited and we require a €200 non-refundable deposit at the AGM to book your flight and secure your place.

Finally, I would like to wish members and their families a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and successful golfing year in 2019!