Great win for Mark McLoughlin in Legal profession open day

There was a fine turnout of close to two hundred competitors for the men's open day on Sunday last which was generously sponsored by the Mullingar solicitors members of the club. In beautiful, late summer weather the timesheet was fairly full from 7am with the last competitors coming in at dusk.When the scores were computed the declared winner of the first prize was Mark McLoughlin, making a long overdue and welcome return to the winners' enclosure.Mark's forty points was one better than another local, low handicapper Bernard McDonnell. Third spot went to young Gavin Cosgrove from the Forest Little Golf Club. The best gross prize was won by Des Morgan, who went round in two under par.Compliments to all who turned up for the prize presentation and to the competitions committee for their Trojan work in organising this and other events which had to be rescheduled due to the awful weather this season. In that regard let us not forget the greens staff that did a marvellous job of late in presenting a course fit for any event despite the elements. The recent schedule of events, which had to be seen to be believed, went off without a hitch.Full results of The Legal profession gents open day: (Mullingar except stated)Winner: Mark McLoughlin (6) 40 points; Second: Bernard McDonnell (4) 39 points; Third: Gavin Cosgrove (5) Forrest Little 38 points; Best Gross: Des Morgan (+3) 38 points; Div.1: Gerry Purcell (5) 37 points; Div. 2: Finian Whelehan (11) 37 points; Div. 3: Gerry Eyres (17) 36 points.AIB Bank open mixed fourball hampers on Sunday nextFollowing the start of the final of the Miele Ladies All Ireland fourball competition, members and visitors can take part in the AIB open fourball (formerly mixed foursomes), the format changed to fit in with the speed of the ladies' match ahead.The timesheet is available as usual on the BRS from 11.30.Men's long handicapThe big day for this fraternity took place on Thursday last with the final of the Swarbrigg Bros matchplay final. The protagonists were Joe Ryan and Gerry Farrell, who were very worthy finalists - (the initial entry was over 100) - and they produced a very good final with some quality golf. The winner after a titanic struggle was Joe, who was collecting his first 'major'. The beaten semi-finalists were Noel Gibney and Eddie Byrne..In conjunction with last Thursday's final, the weekly competitionwas sponsored by our Captain Mr. Damien Daly with the following results; the winner was the in-form Tom Moore (18) with 21 points for the nine. Tom won by the minimum from Tommy Keating (20) with Joe Martin (20) third with 18 points. The worthy winner of the golfer of the season award for the Joe Maguire Memorial Trophy was Gerry Eyres.Ladies BranchIta Murtagh is topsWhelehans Pharmacy generously sponsored last Wednesday's singles stableford competition. Whilst still soft underfoot, conditions were infinitely better with the clouds dispersing and raingear finally consigned to the innards of the bag. Ita Murtagh has been threatening a score all season.Her score of 40 points was untouchable on the day, three points clear of Anne Marie Fagan who settled for second with an admirable tally of 37 points.Miriam McManus won the gross with 19 points. Third place went to Kay Browne who shot 35 points off her handicap of 22.Katie Kellywins Daly CupOne of the highlights of the summer in the Ladies Branch has been the breakthrough of so many strong juniors. After some years of dedication on the part of Miriam McManus, Bridie Morris and the juniour committees this was the year when a large group of young players came of age. The summer season officially came to a close for the girls with the Daly Cup which was played in conjunction with the Lady President's Prize.Katie Kelly was the winner of the coveted trophy, presented by Mary Daly on behalf of the Daly family. In her speech Mary recounted how her parents were avid supporters of girls' golf and saw an opportunity to present the Daly Cup in recognition of Mullingar girls efforts. All of the junior girls can be so proud of how they coped with the highs and lows of the season.A message from the I.L.G.U. sent to Miriam McManus warmly complimented a group of Mullingar girls competing at a regional event saying that they brought so much to the event and were a joy to be around. Congratulations to all who competed with such class.Although the summer season has drawn to a close as the school doors open, there is still time for some early evening and weekend golf to keep up the great work.ResultsWhelehans Pharmacy - 1. Ita Murtagh (22) 40 points; 2. Anne Marie Fagan (13) 37 points; Gross. Miriam McManus (19) 19 points; 3. Kay Browne (22) 35 points.