Conor Doran claims Grant Thornton Scratch Trophy

After the wettest July on record, the weatherman decided enough was enough and relented for the Bank holiday week end to allow the forty seventh running of our showpiece event, the Mullingar Scratch trophy (or Scratch Cup as it is colloquially known) to take place. Indeed there was some sunshine for a while on both days of the week end.The sun however didn't shine on our local competitors, with our main hope of a first local win in the event, Dessie Morgan falling foul of Lady Luck at crucial stages of his rounds. Des played some super golf, accumulating umpteen birdies and an eagle. Alas he had too many dropped shots to keep the pressure on the eventual winner. Des' performance attracted a fine crowd over the week-end and but for some unlucky putts in the middle of the second and fourth rounds and some uncharacteristic mistakes in the heavy rain towards the end of the last round, would, no doubt have given the eventual winner a run for his money. Well done Des and thanks for the entertainment; we look forward to 2010 with optimism.The competition was won by Conor Doran from Banbridge Golf Club. Conor is connected to the Colleary family from Irishtown, Mullingar. The winner was a couple of shots adrift of the leader Paul Cutler playing the last, but holed a very good twenty foot putt for birdie on the seventy second, while the hapless leader, Paul found the dreaded water with his second shot and failed to get 'up and down' for his par five and so brought the event into a tie hole where the winner holed a two footer for birdie against par for young Cutler.Third prize was won by the newly appointed Walker Cup team member Niall Kearney, while fourth spot went to overnight leader Luke Lennox. Fifth prize was won by Jim Carville, who incidentally was runner up nineteen years ago to Leslie Walker. Sixth prize was won by our own Dessie.Grant Thornton Scratch Trophy 2009 Results:Winner: Conor Doran (Banbridge) 281, (72, 70, 69, 70) at first tie hole;Second: Paul Cutler (Portstewart) 281, (73, 67, 73, 68);Third: Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin) 283 (74, 68, 72, 69);Fourth: Luke Lennox (Moyola Park) 284 (69, 68, 71, 76);Fifth: Jim Carvill (Warrenpoint) 285 (72, 72, 68, 73);Sixth: Des Morgan (Mullingar) 285 (71, 69, 71, 74)Long Handicap Open DayThe attraction on this Thursday, August 6 is the Men's Long Handicap Open day, an event annually generously sponsored by M.A. Stephens and Co. Mullingar. The time sheet is on the BRS system and it is anticipated that the day will be as successful as previous years, as, according to the organisers competitors can play in fours.Last Thursday's long handicap event was generously sponsored by Michael Cryan and there were some excellent scores returned. The popular winner, making his debut in the winners' enclosure was Declan Costello. With 37 points, Declan had a single point to spare from Aidan Mulligan, while third spot was filled by Tommy Lyng with thirty four points. Presentation for last Thursday's event takes place on Thursday, August 13.Men's singles next SundayThe attraction on Sunday next is the Seamus Bracken Craft Butchers sponsored men's singles and as with all competitions the electronic time sheet is available, so get on line without delay.Inter club sceneAll roads lead to Castle warden golf club on Saturday next as we contest the Irish Mixed Foursomes Leinster semi final (and final) under the leadership of Mike Smith and Ann Fagan. Starting times and other details will be posted in the club house during the week. We wish the very best of luck to our panel; we know they have the ability, now all they need is the rub of the green, which is so important in any sport, especially foursomes golf.Well done to our Midland Masters squad on their fine victory over The Heath last week. They now progress to the semi final of that competition, and Ray (team captain) has every confidence that they can go all the wayLadies BranchHelen Collier is Mr. Captain's Prize Winner After a false start, Mr. Captain's Prize to the Ladies finally got underway a week later than originally scheduled. Deluge after deluge had rendered the course unplayable on Wednesday 22nd and by the following week conditions were just good enough to allow play to get underway. However, the going was tough for a strokeplay competition with winter style rules in operation.Plugged balls were more the norm than the hard running conditions players expect to enjoy at this time of the year. Reports were that play was slow as competitors struggled with the format and the occasional need to grapple with umbrellas and raingear. The person who would win Captain Damien Daly's prize would be the player who managed the frustrating conditions best. Helen Collier (21) unflappable in nature and in possession of a solid golf swing was the golfer who won through. Her score of 71 nett was a terrific result and all the better for not having a single three-putt among her numbers.And lucky for her it was, as hot on Helen's heels was Marjorie Donoghue(23) who also shot an excellent 71 nett but found herself in second place coming off worse in the countback. So near and yet so far. Gross went to Lucy Tormey (7) who professed to having a rubbish finish but was happy to feel some signs of improvement.Brege McCarrick (16) has been performing with gusto lately on the interclub matchplay scene. She took third spot with a fine 72 nett and a handicap reduction of two full shots! Anne Marie Conlon (15) came home in fourth place beating par with 73 nett.Categories 1,2 and 3 were won by Regina Healy (15) with 76 nett, Ber Chambersn (27) 75 nett and Rosemary Whelehan (30) 75 nett respectively. Bernie Mulroy won the best 36 handicap category with 88 nett and the ever youthful Catherine McDonnell (17) won the senior 18 hole category with 78 nett.Anne Bennett (28) carded 34 nett to win the front nine and Attracta Lennox (32) posted a 36 nett to win the back nine. Catherine Talbott won the Senior 9 hole category and Maureen McCormack was the best 6-hole beginner.One of the highlights of the day was to see a group of three junior girls come to the fore. Fresh from competitive golf in Kilkenny and coaching at Carton House, Eileen Trapp, Katie Kelly and Alison Maguire are beginning to find some excellent form and all are showing great potential. Miriam McManus has been a strong force of encouragement for the girls and says that next year the girls will compete in the Irish Girls Close Championship. With scores of 62 nett from Eileen Trapp and 68 nett from Katie Kelly there is no doubt that these girls will slash their current handicaps and go from strength to strength. CongratulationsSad to report that after a fantastic 2009 campaign with three teams reaching the semi-final stage of singles interclub matchplay, we had two casualties, with the Junior and Minor Cup teams going out to Moate and Blessington Lakes respectively. All involved are to be congratulated for their enormous committment, excellent play and for the manner in which they represented Mullingar during the various matches. However, on a high note, Paula Dunne and Mary Hamill's Challenge Cup team are through to the finals which will take place in Mountrath on August 30th. The girls had a fantastic win over Birr and we wish them every success as they go all out to bring that elusive pennant home. Go girls!!ResultsCaptain's prize to the Ladies1st Helen Collier (21) 71 nett; 2nd Marjorie Donoghue (23) 71 nett; Gross Lucy Tormey (7) 85; 3rd Brege McCarrick (16) 72 nett; 4th Anne Marie Conlon (15) 73 nett.