Mens Winter League in full swing

The mens Winter League is now in full swing, and into its third week. The Joint Captains' Drive-In is only 5 weeks away, the evenings are getting longer and the Fixture Book is nearly finished. It has been a challenging task signing up sponsors in these difficult economic times. However, people are very generous and we are delighted with the response this year.

Every week this year we will highlight "this week's sponsors" on the Home page of the Website, along with links to the sponsors websites if available.

Many thanks to all the sponsors who help to defray the Club's expenses...I would ask that members support our sponsors but buying in their shops, pubs, supermarkets etc.

Stephanie and I expect that the Fixtures book will be available over the next 10 days or so.

Our two youngest Honorary Life Members

At our recent AGM, Shane Lowry was elected an Honorary Life Member in honour of his fantastic achievement in winning the 3 Irish Open in 2009. We are delighted to welcome him into the Club and look forward to him visiting us during the year. Daniel Murphy was elected an Honorary Life Member at our 2008 AGM and has gone on to fantastic success in 2009. best of luck to oth of them.

Our picture was taken at the recent GUI Champions Dinner in Carton House, Maynooth.

Service for deceased members and family members

This service was held last night, and was attended by about 80 people. The Mens' Choir, under the direction of Larry Fullam, sang in full voice and harmony. The service was conducted by Fr Tom Dooly PP and Rev Leslie Stephenson. Readers were David McCann, Freddie Stewart, Lady Captain Stephanie Gorman and Captain Frank Smith. Frank Smith also spoke at the end of the service, welcoming all the visitors to the Club.

Course recovering very quickly

All holes open today except 5th and 11th - bunkers still out of play - full greens being played...well done to Paul and staff

Golf gets going at last!!

The first round of the Mens' Winter League got going at last, with just 10 holes in play. Paul Sheeran and his team managed to get the course in action on Friday, allowing the course to open for the members who were suffering from golf-starvation. The results of the first round are now available in the Clubhouse and on the PGC website.

Mens' Choir Practice

Tonight the Men's Choir under the direction of Dr Larry Fullam, and the management of Noel MacMahon, had a rousing practice for the Ecumenical Service for deceased members and family members which will be held on Friday 22nd January next. This is the only formal outing the Men's Choir have normally in the course of the year and they were in fine voice tonight.

Snow and Ice clearing....!!

After 3 weeks or more of freezing conditions, the golf course has finally opened in a limited way. We are hoping that we will have 12 holes this weekend for the Mens' Winter League which should have started last weekend.

GUI Champions Dinner, Carton House

Lady Captain Stephanie and myself attended the GUI Champions Dinner with Daniel Murphy and his parents Liam And Rose. Daniel was invited to attend due to his winning of the GUI Boys' Order of Merit 2009 and his membership of the Leinster team which won the Boys Interprovincial Championship in 2009. Paul McGinley was the Guest Speaker, and Shane Lowry ( 3 Irish Open Champion 2009)was also in attendance.

it was a bitterly cold night with minus 12 degree temperature outside. The evening was very pleasant, and we were seated at the same table with the Leinster Boys Champions and their team manager Aidan Marsden (Tullamore GC).

After the dinner and formalities, we were delighted to meet our new Honorary Member of Portarlington Golf Club, Shane Lowry, and guest speaker, Paul McGinley

Course closed today, and probably for the weekend. 9 hole Pitching Competition on Practice Area. Members can sign in for a competition for €2 in the Bar. The Winter League list has been updated on the website and in the Clubhouse.

Donal Bolton, son of Eugene Bolton, and nephew of Joe Bolton, (both PGC members)was killed in an accident in Cairns, Australia on Tuesday 5th January. His girlfriend was also injured but is recovering in hospital.We extend our sympathies to his family at this very sad and distressing time.

Funeral arrangements later.

The course remains closed, but the practice ground has been set up as a 9 hole "pitching" area by Paul Sheeran and his staff. Hopefully we can run a small competition on this improvised course over the weekend. It does not look as though the weather will be kind enough to us to enable us to start the Winter league tomorrow (Friday) or over the weekend.

Club President Seamus Walsh, Lady Captain Stephanie Gorman and myself attended the funeral in St Michael's Church, Portarlington, of Mary Kinsella, daughter of one of our members David Malone. Our deepest sympathies to Mary's extended family.

Mens' Winter League

The Draw for the Mens' Winter League was published today, and is available in the Golf Shop, Clubhouse and on the home page of the Club Website .

Our Golf course has been closed for most of the Christmas period, with only sporadic competitions taking place. The freezing weather has rendered the course unplayable most days. However, the course was opened today for a few hours for the 12 hole Mens Single Stableford Competition.

The new Year has started off on a sad note.

Kay Boland RIP
Tom Rice RIP

On 29th December 2009, one of our lady members died - Kathleen(Kay) Boland - from Ballybrittas. Kay was also a member of Slade Valley Golf Club, who were represented at her funeral by the Club Captain John Hicks and 6 lady members. After the funeral Mass, the Slade Valley members came back to Portarlington Golf Club for lunch.
On 31st December 2009, Tom Rice, member and former sponsor died. Tom lived in Lea, Portarlington his wife Kathy (also a member) . Many members will remember Tom's great sponsorship over many years of a Sky Satellite Dish, in the earlier days of Sky TV, for whom Tom worked.

Portarlington Golf Club was represented at both funerals by the Club President Seamus Walsh, Club Captain Frank Smith, Lady Captain Stephanie Gorman, and numerous members.

Our deepest sympathies to the families of Tom and Kay.