Well, the 2012 Season is underway & what a great day in St. Annes Golf Links we had to stretch out those golfing muscles after the Winter break. The early starters were treated to sunshine & positively balmy conditions for an April opener. Despite the morning getting a little overcast, it was certainly a fine day for links golf with the coastal breeze off Dublin bay not challenging too much.

With St. Annes still in the midst of a course improvement programe we can only say that she was presented to the society in fantastic condition, with lightning fast greens to test the mettle of even the most solid of putters. Thanks must be extended to Damien Murran, St. Annes Captain for 2012, fellow CCGS member & past captain, for his hard work in making sure St. Annes put on their best show for the society. The scoring on the day reflected the superb course & benign conditions with the 2 leading men on the day only separated on a countback. Louis O’Carroll just pipped Martin Kenny to the top step on 38 points. Myki Heather was our second runner up with a fine 36 points.

Prizes were presented by our Sponsors Liam Mullaney & Larry Gordon. A fine display of fine wines was the reward for our prize winners & we thank Liam & Larry sincerely for their support of the outing.

Following the golf & prize-giving the members returned with their wives & partners to St. Annes clubhouse to kick off the year in style with our social. The atmosphere was jovial & the large numbers present enjoyed some great chat, a delicious meal & music in the company of our sponsors and the St. Annes Captain, Damien Murran. Before settling down to dinner, our CCGS Captain Michael Connolly invited those present to respect a minutes silence in honour of our great friend, Jim Fitzmaurice.

St. Annes was the first outing that we have had our automated external defibrillator (or AED) on hand for any emergency situation out on course. We now have nearly twenty members trained in the use of the AED & giving CPR (Cardiopulmonary resusitation). Members will have noted on their score cards a mobile number to ring in case of an emergency situation out on course. This will feature on all of the scorecards throughout this season & beyond. Following the outing your committee is already looking at ways to make sure our protocol, in case of emergency, will be fast & effective at getting to those in need of attention in the shortest possible time. Let’s hope we will not have to use it!