Sun shines on Captains" drive-in

There was a near record turnout of members for the Captains" (Damien Daly and Geraldine Bell) drive-in; indeed such was the entry for the four person mixed event that the competition had to be reduced to two nine hole events.Shortly after two o"clock both captains drove equally perfect tee shots to officially launch the golfing year in the club.The two nine hole events immediately followed with a shotgun start. The prize presentation ceremony proved a very enjoyable occasion with large numbers in attendance, hopefully an omen of things to come for the season.The four person mixed scramble produced some very hot scoring with the following results: Front nine - First with 27.60 nett were Ada O"Driscoll, Brendan Colleary, Joanne Killian and Gerry Hayes from with 28.10 Mick Delaney, Michael Flanagan, Regina Healy and Sioban Ruane; the back nine winners were Kathleen McKeon, Tom Brady, John Tweddle and Bernard McDonnell (30.35) from Liz Armstrong, Colm McHugh, Susan Trappe and Jimmy Nugent (30.50).Local team wins the race to DoonbegThe final (play off) round of the four person team event took place on Thursday last and the popular winners were Mullingar club quartet of Terry Sweeney, Nickey Murtagh, Philip Butterly and Robert Fagan (94 points). Runners up, two shots back, were the Kinnegad four of Joe Bracken, Liam Conlon, John Fleming and Cormac Arthur.Despite the prolonged bad weather, the event proved a success and we look forward to next winter"s event.Men"s seniors" golfAgain there was a fine turn out of more than sixty members for the weekly get together, and in the spring like conditions the scoring was very good. The ever consistent Tom Mulvee spread eagled the large field with a fine 32 stableford points. The runner up with a very respectable twenty six was Pat Curran on the tie break from Pat Keenaghan. The super senior"s award went to John O"Hara also on twenty six points. More of the same into the late spring.The Men"s Morgan Golf and Sports Winter league is hotting up currently with some changes at the top of the leader board. There are just two weeks left for qualifying (March 15th) and there is plenty of room for more alterations. The situation at the top is as follows: - Redskins (Paddy Dunne, captain) on 791, John Kean"s Eagles on 772, Joe Kelly"s Dolphins are on 769, while the Jets (David Tynan skippering) are on 767, while the Michael Gaffney led Broncos are on 763. Des Morgan and Danny Grehan"s teams are closing the gaps, so watch your backs lads over the next fortnight as it"s all to play for.Ladies" BranchThe stage is set for what promises to be a busy year on the golf course. In glorious March sunshine Geraldine and Damien launched their years of tenure in fine style with two beautiful drives at the Captain"s Drive in on Sunday. The course is benefiting no end from the dry conditions of late and the bit of early spring growth has all of nature poised for action. It is also a hopeful time for golfers as the fair-weather group emerges from hibernation and the winter brigade look for the rewards of their determination and perseverance.The competition numbers are growing by the week with a healthy showing of over 70 entrants on Wednesday last. Sponsored by Nuala Lawlor, Marjorie Donoghue won the open draw nine-hole competition with a degree of comfort with a fine score of 22 points. Anne Marie Fagan, once again showing excellent form was the runner-up with 20 points. Siobhan O"Donnell Murphy also played above her station with a terrific score of 12 gross points.Joan Heerey completed the list of winners with a handsome 20 points.The Winter Blues competition which ran from December to the end of February was well supported and the results are as follows: Category 1 - 1st Siobhan O"Donnell Murphy 37 points, 2nd Ann Grehan 32 points. Category 2 - 1st Marjorie Donoghue 44 points, 2nd Pauline O"Hara 42 points. Category 3 - 1st Bernie Mulroy 43 points, 2nd Alison O"Neill 41 points.Ladies should note that a series of lists have been posted in the locker room regarding the various Inter-club match play team events which will soon be upon us.Ladies are asked to delete their names from the list if they do not wish to be considered for team selection.All that remains is to wish Captains Geraldine and Damien all the very best for a memorable 2009.