Portarlington Golf Club - Captain Frank Smith's Blog

South Leinster Victory for PGC over New Ross GC

2010-06-05T16:44:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to our South Leinster team who have gone through to the Quarter Final stages after defeating a strong New Ross team. Port had the advantage of the home draw and used this advantage to good effect winning three matches at home.

Well done to the team, led by managers pat Greensmith and Seamus Brereton

Good luck today to our Junior Cup Team playing in Delvin castle GC, led by Managers Conor McCusker and Lorcan O'Donoghue.

Good luck also to the Leinster Fourball team, playing New Forest at 3.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday 7th June. Managers Marty Fitzpatrick and Pro Murphy.

Leinster Fourball Team march on...

2010-05-17T22:52:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to our Leinster Fourball Team (Managers Michael Murphy and Marty Fitzpatrick) who beat Esker Hills last Saturday to go through to the fourth round.

Unfortunately our Provincial Towns Team (managers Richard Murphy and Noel Dunne) were beaten on Sunday by a very strong Craddockstown GC team.

Also our under 15's lost to Newbridge on Sunday to Newbridge after a very close fought battle to the 18th.

Thanks to all who played for the Club...well done.

Leinster Fourball Win

2010-05-02T00:06:00.002+01:00

Our Leinster Fourball Team beat Dunmurry Springs yesterday (Friday 30th April) to go through to the 3rd round against Esker Hills.

Unfortunately we were beaten in the Central Towns today by Castlebearna. Good luck to our Duggan Cup team tomorrow. Tee-off 3.30pm

South Leinster Victory for PGC over Heritage GC

2010-04-20T22:41:00.005+01:00

Well done to our South Leinster Team who beat the Heritage in the first round of the South Leinster on the 15th April. Well done to all, including Managers Pat Greensmith and Seamus Brereton.

Commiserations to our Barton Cup Team who almost pulled it back from the brink last Sunday against Castlecomer GC ( Managers Martin Turley and Tom Hainsworth). hard luck also to our Mixed Foursomes Team who put up a great fight but were finally beaten by Woodlands on Saturday last, 17th April (Managers Mary Foy and Fergal Moore).

Well done to a great under 15 team who completely overcame Cill Dara in the first outing of the year on saturday 17th April in the GUI Under 15 InterClub Competition. Port completely outclassed the opposition. Onwards and upwards!! (Manager PJ O'Donoghue)

So far so good.....

2010-04-20T22:38:00.002+01:00

The first three weeks of April have proved tonbe great on the weather front, with some glorious days out there on the golf course, bringing out great numbers of golfers.

We are looking forward to seeing many members out on Thursday 22nd April for the Allianz Special Olympics 3 Person Rumble, which is a qualifier for the European Pro-Am.

At theweekend, we have the Men's Open Fourball, and there are still apaces on the timesheet.

See you there.

Vice-Captain Noel F Dunne

2010-04-06T23:41:00.003+01:00

Congratulations to Vice Captain Noel who had a great turnout for his prize weekend. the rain threatened and did spill a little on Saturday, but overall, a great 2 days golf was had by all. The draw for matchplay was held on Sunday evening and the Draw is displayed in the Clubhouse and on the website, including the Junior Draw.

Noel is currently recovering from having broken a bone in his foot, and we expect to see him back on the 1st tee in about a month's time.

Noel, all the best from all in the Club!!

Daniel in West of Ireland Championship

2010-04-04T16:39:00.002+01:00

Daniel had a great outing over the two days of strokeplay, only missing the cut by one shot with 154.

Final Results at End of Strokeplay may be found by clicking the following Link (http://www.gui.ie/result_details.asp?area=10&id=864).

The cut mark fell at 153, with a few 153's failing to make it in.

Well done Daniel - we are very proud of you.

Daniel Murphy in West of Ireland

2010-04-03T10:15:00.003+01:00

Daniel Murphy shot a great round of 76 on Friday 2nd April in the West of Ireland Championship in Sligo (Co Sligo Golf Club). He plays another 18 holes today to qualify for matchplay.

Good Luck Daniel.

We also wish Noel F Dunne, Vice-Captain, for his Vice Captain's Prize weekend starting today. The Competition is also the first of the monthly medal competitions of the year (sponsored by Eamonn Murphy - Portarlington Tyres), and is also a Golfer of the Year Competition.

The first 32 men and 16 Juniors will qualify for matchplay.

Good Luck Noel!!

Daniel Murphy helps Ireland to Victory over Wales in Cardigan Cup

2010-03-31T11:39:00.005+01:00

Ireland have won the Cardigan Cup in the Ireland v Wales Boys International match at Cardigan Golf Club, winning overall by 13.5 to 6.5. The eight players selected by the Golfing Union of Ireland to compete in the Ireland v Wales International match were: Stephen Barry (Laytown & Bettystown), Jonathan Connolly (Massereene), Graham Donohoe (Enniscorthy), Gary Hurley (West Waterford), Dermot McElroy (Ballymena), Daniel Murphy (Portarlington), Colm O'Sullivan (Fota Island) and Chris Selfridge (Moyola Park).

This victory is in no small measure due to a fantastic performance from current Order of Merit holder Daniel Murphy who won the Leinster Boys and Ulster Boys Open Championships in 2009. Daniel won 2.5 games from 3 he played on Tuesday.

Congratulations to Daniel from all in Portarlington Golf Club. We are very proud of you.

Daffodil Day

2010-03-27T19:09:00.007Z

We are looking forward to a big turnout for Daffodil Day on Sunday 28th March. Joe and Maura Fitzpatrick are the long-time sponsors of this competition for a worthy cause, the Irish Cancer Society.

There will also be a presentation of prizes for March on Sunday 28th at 8pm. All prizewinners should attend or send a representative to collect the prize. It is important to honour our sponsors.

Maedhbh Doyle wins at Midlands Schools Championship

2010-03-23T22:21:00.002Z

Congratulations to Maedhbh Doyle who won the individual Junior Gross at the Midland Schools Championship in Carlow.

Death of member of Portarlington Golf Club

2010-03-20T15:39:00.003Z

The death has occurred of Joseph FITZPATRICK of Ashgrove, Mountmellick, Laois
Formerly of Mount Olive Grove, Kilbarrack, Dublin 5. Reposing at his home today, Saturday, with Rosary at 8pm. Removal tomorrow, Sunday, to St. Joseph's Church, Mountmellick at 11.15am for Funeral Mass at 12 noon. Burial afterwards in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Mountmellick. Family flowers only, donations to Aware, if desired.

With deepest sympathies to his wife, family and friends from all the members of Portarlington Golf Club.

Frank Smith, Club Captain.

St Patrick's Day - Sing-song and Irish dancing 6.30pm

2010-03-16T16:15:00.002Z

All are invited to the Clubhouse for Paddy's Day Sing-Song and Irish Dancing at 6.30pm. Looking forward to seeing you all there.

Open Night for Prospective Members

2010-03-13T11:11:00.003Z

A very successful Information Night was held for prospective members. Captain Frank Smith, Lady Captain Stephanie Gorman, Lady Vice Captain Sharon Culliton and Hon Treasurer Ronnie Culliton made presentations on The Golf Club and Mens Golf, Ladies Golf, Juniors and Students,, and the financial details of applying to and joining the Club. Approximately 40 visitors were present, many with members who had brought them along. Well done to all the organisers and particularly to the sub-committee of Ronnie Culliton, Eamonn Murphy and Sharon Culliton which has been looking at all the issues around new members and the Joining Fee. Many thanks to the Club Members who brought or recommended prospective members. Thanks to Larry Fullam for the music and Courtfields for the finger food. Maria Kelly was the lucky winner of the free Joining Fee worth €1000.

Joint Captains Drive In

2010-03-10T23:27:00.000Z

Open Night for Prospective Members

2010-03-09T23:12:00.000Z

Portarlington Golf Club has launched a campaign for new members, and is especially keen to welcome men, women, juniors and students, and families. The Club is keen to explain to prospective members the many reasons why they should join.

Anyone interested in joining Portarlington Golf Club should come to the Clubhouse in Garryhinch at 8pm on Thursday 11th March. Junior golfers should be represented by a parent or guardian. Committee members and Club members will be available on the night to answer any queries. A draw will be held on the night for a free Joining Fee worth €1,000.

As a member of the Club, please take on some of the responsibility of encouraging and bringing a friend on the 11th March. We need new members – please play your part.

Frank Smith
Captain

Joint Captains Drive In

2010-03-06T16:44:00.003Z

Frank and Stephanie are looking forward to seeing you all at the Captains' Drive In at 12 noon on Sunday 7th March.

See you then

Club welcoming New Members

2010-03-01T12:54:00.000Z

Course Open with full greens today

2010-02-27T14:23:00.002Z

The weekend competition is underway, in aid of St Paul's Autistic Children (Sponsor -Ger Connolly. the Final of the Men's Winter League will take place tomorrow Sunday at 1.30pm, with the Draw at 1.15pm. The Presentation of Prizes for the Winter League, Open Wednesdays and this weekend's competition will be on Sunday at 6.30pm.

There will be an Open Night for prospective new members on Thursday March 11th here in the Clubhouse at 8pm. the Club is interested in new Men, Women, Juniors / Students and Families. The joining fee for full members is now €1,000, which can be paid in instalments by arrangement with the Treasurer Ronnie Culliton.

All members are encouraged to bring at least one person who may be interested in joining. We need new members - please play your part.

Winter League Final 28th February

2010-02-21T19:45:00.003Z

The Final of the Winter League will take place next Sunday 28th February at 1.30 pm. Draw will be at 1.15pm. It will take place over 14 holes. A member's card for the Final may be used for the weekend competition in aid of St Paul's Autistic Children ( Sponsor Ger Connolly ).

Hopefully we will have a frost and snow-free course...and ideally the Final can be played over the full greens.

Final of Winter League Postponed due to snow on course

2010-02-21T11:48:00.003Z

Unfortunately the Winter League Final has to be postponed. The course is closed due to snow last night. It's not thawing out fast enough to have a playable course in the afternoon.Watch the website for update - we will decide later on when to hold the Final.

Best of luck to all 3 teams - John Jameson, Pat O'Mahoney and Michael Feely.

Looking forward to Joint Captains' Drive In

2010-02-08T23:23:00.003Z

I'm sure everyone is looking forward to the start of the new golfing year with the Captains' Drive-In on 6th and 7th March. I hope there is a big turnout of members on the day - we look forward to seeing you and your families.

The Sunday before (28th Feb) is the 12 hole Singles - St Paul's Autistic CChildren, sponsored by Ger Connolly.

The Winter League has its final round this weekend, with the Final on the weekend of 21st February. Well done to the Pro Murphy and all his assistants for being so organised.

Members will have noticed a Driving Net on the way up to the 1st Tee - this is a temporary structure to test members' views, so feedback would be appreciated.

Finally, the Fixture Book is being prepared for printing, and should be in your hands next week.

Mens Winter League in full swing

2010-01-29T23:35:00.002Z

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

2010-01-23T18:52:00.002Z

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

2010-01-23T00:03:00.002Z

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

2010-01-18T16:31:00.001Z

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!!

2010-01-17T18:50:00.003Z

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

2010-01-14T21:51:00.003Z

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....!!

2010-01-14T21:49:00.003Z

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

2010-01-10T20:45:00.007Z

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

2010-01-08T12:51:00.003Z

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.

2010-01-07T21:57:00.002Z

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.

2010-01-07T17:03:00.002Z

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.

2010-01-04T15:54:00.002Z

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.

2010-01-03T18:16:00.000Z

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 .

2010-01-03T18:13:00.000Z

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.

2010-01-03T17:53:00.002Z

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.