Pat Dromey nabs Garda Prize

As normal there was a fine turnout of competitors for the annual Garda Prize competition; those prizes generously donated by the Garda members of the club, both retired and active. Playing conditions, in beautiful sunshine, were quite acceptable despite the prolonged rainfall of the previous days; underfoot it was a bit sticky and the course was playing more than its full length. The scoring among the prizewinners was very good, with ten or eleven breaking the standard scratch score on the day.First prize-winner, with an excellent forty one points was Pat Dromey, who brought his "A game" with him on the day; the runner-up with an equally impressive 39 points was Ian Murray, who pipped Philip Butterly and John Dromey on the back nine. Others to impress with good scores were John Tweddle, Michael Gaffney, in-form Paddy Wallace and young Mark Kelly again. The presentation of those prizes will take place on Sunday, May 24, I believe, with the Army Cup competition prizes, competition for which will take place on that date.Full ResultsWinner: - Pat Dromey (15) 41 points; Runner-up: Ian Murray (13) 39 points; Best gross: - John Dromey (5) 34 points; Division 1:- Michael Gaffney (9) 37 points; Division 2:- John Tweddle (14) 38 points; Division 3:- Philip Butterly (18) 39 points; Seniors: - Paddy Wallace (23) 36 points; Juniors: - Mark Kelly (6) 38 points.Men"s seniorsIn the penultimate home outing before the break we had a very competitive 9 hole competition on Tuesday, May 5. The winner Tom Mulvee pipped Aidan Tomkins by the narrowest of margins to take top spot. In third place was Jerry Clifford who made a welcome return to the winner"s enclosure. Dave Hogan comfortably took the super senior prize. Next week we travel to Lough Erne Golf Resort. Tee times have been posted on the Seniors Members notice board.Long HandicapThe gents" long handicap event on Thursdays continues to attract the high handicap fraternity, and last week"s event which was kindly sponsored by Aidan and Delia from The Spice Bean Restaurant was no exception, "though the weather conditions were far from conducive to playing. The popular prize winnerswere Paddy Wallace (23) (there"s no stopping him at the moment), Gerry Eyres (17) and Enda Breslin (19) with 34pts, 31 pts and 30 pts respectively. Incidentally the first long handicap event three weeks ago was generously sponsored by James Maguire, family butcher and the winner of the first prize was Aidan Mulligan.Captain"s Prize progressingAfter some close and enthralling matches, this is the situation in the Captain"s Mr. Damien Daly"s prize after the first round:- Aidan Mulligan plays Patrick Curran; Aidan Tomkins plays Kieran McGurran; Michael Gunning plays Michael McCormack; Colm Murphy plays Brendan Colleary; Stephen Bray plays Frank McDonagh; Paddy Wallace plays Paddy Dunne; Derek Plunkett plays Joe Kelly; Brian Thornton plays Dessie Baker, and in the bottom half we have Mick Duffy against Dermot Maloney; Pete Purcell against Albert Lee; Des McLoughlin against Richard Whelehan; Martin Smith against Eddie Healy; Emmet Sherry versus Eddie Tynan; Nicholas Cooney versus Eamon Shaw; Kieran Hynes versus Vincent Corroon and Gerry Eyres plays Eddie Byrne. Saturday next, May 16 is the closing date for this round.Ladies NotesMajor turn out for Minor DetailsAfter weeks of rain, it would be great to report that conditions were superb for the Minor Details three person team event held on Wednesday last, but it would be more accurate to say that they were challenging, yet again. Many of the 108 competitors managed to get home without getting soaked but the course played long with soft terrain and many of the championship tees in operation. This set up often plays into the hands of the long hitters and those who have been playing plenty of golf over the winter months.The winning team of Mary McCauley, Jeanette McDonnell and Breda Hawkshaw were untouchable producing a magnificent total of 84 points and winning by a huge margin of 8 points. Geraldine Egan, Bridie Morris and Bernie Mulroy were worthy runners up with a fine score of 76 points. Catherine Cooney, Joanne Killian and Kathy Jameson were one point further back on 75 to claim third spot. #Sad to report that the Miele fourball suffered an abrupt end to this year"s effort to bring a pennant home going out to Moate. Attention now turns to the upcoming singles matchplay events where Mullingar take on Glasson in the Challenge Cup and are up against Rathdowney in the Intermediate Cup. Best wishes to all involved.The Sunny Days 9 hole competition has kicked off and runs from May 11 to Wednesday, July 15. As usual enter as often as you wish and the best two cards win the competition.Next up is the Cuisine de France two person team competition. In this format, each player receives her full handicap allowance. Let"s begin the sun dance and wish for a spectacular weekend of weather and golf.Finally, the Tullamore Gospel Choir is making a return visit to the club on Wednesday, May 13 after a brilliant night"s entertainment last year.Tickets priced at €15 are available at the office or from committee members.