Mullingar Golf Club's new vice captains unveiled for 2027

Mullingar Golf Club officially welcomed its vice captains for 2027 at a ceremony on Monday October 12. Susan Trapp and Seamus O’Brien were selected by the current vice captains, Ann Marie Fagan and Leonard O’Mahoney, in recognition of their enthusiasm for the club and their longstanding commitment to supporting its activities. Both have made significant contributions to club life through their dedication, hard work and willingness to assist across a range of initiatives, making them highly deserving recipients of the honour. The appointments were warmly received by members, who gathered to mark the occasion and acknowledge the important role both individuals have played in the continuing success of Mullingar Golf Club. Congratulations to Susan and Seamus, and we wish them every success as they prepare to take on their new responsibilities and represent the membership.

Eagan’s Auctioneers Order of Merit

The results of the 2026 Egan’s Auctioneers Order of Merit were announced following a competitive 12-week series. The prestigious was contested across the club’s Friday Open Singles events, with points awarded each week to the top 25 finishers. To qualify for the overall standings, players were required to return a minimum of five counting scores during the series.

After consistently strong performances throughout the season, Mark Kelly emerged as the overall Order of Merit winner. Other category winners included Alison O’Neill, Best Lady; Jack Tyrell, Best Gent; David Tynan, Gross prize; and Oisin Scally, Junior category.

A prize-giving ceremony to honour the winners and leading performers is on Wednesday October 28.

Bunker project nears completion

Mullingar Golf Club’s bunker renovation programme is to reach a conclusion later this month; contractors DAR Golf were scheduled to return on October 19 to commence the final phase. Only three holes remain to be completed, the 3rd, 6th and 9th. The final phase will include drainage works. Having represented a major investment, the project has already delivered improvements to course presentation and playability. Club management would like to assure members that every effort will be made to minimise inconvenience, and regular updates will be provided regarding any temporary course restrictions.

Winter course protection measures

With wetter weather now approaching, members are being encouraged to continue supporting efforts to protect the course over the winter. Golfers are asked to follow designated pathways, ropes and signage, avoid taking trolleys across green surrounds, repair pitch marks and replace divots wherever possible. Temporary restrictions on buggy use may also be necessary following periods of heavy rainfall. Any decisions will be based on course conditions, recent weather and forecast rainfall. Club management pay tribute to David Perdisatt and the greenkeeping team for their dedication and hard work throughout what has been a demanding season.

Preferred lies now in force

Members have also been reminded that Preferred Lies are now in operation on fairways only, effective from Friday October 16. Under the Local Rule, players may lift, clean and place their ball within six inches of its original position, no nearer the hole. The rule applies solely to fairways and areas cut to fairway height or less and does not extend to the rough. Qualifying competitions will continue as normal while the measure remains in place until further notice.

Fashion extravaganza

Mullingar Golf Club host a Fashion Extravaganza on Friday November 13 in support of club development projects. The evening will showcase collections from local retailers, including The Fashion Shop, Pamela Scott, Shaws, Carrig Donn, Wilf’s, John Foy’s, Galvin’s and the Mullingar Golf Club Pro Shop.

Highlights include an exclusive capsule collection from Irish designer Matt O’Donohoe, fashion advice from stylist Roma Bern and a display of TED 1942 handbags. Selected Matt O’Donohoe pieces, including a stunning wedding gown, will be auctioned on the night.

The show begins at 7.45pm, tickets €20 available from Ladies Branch Committee members or the club office.

Competition results

This weekend’s members competition was a 15-hole Stableford. Under calm, cool conditions, there was some solid scoring. Men: Winner Paul McGann (27), 35 points; Gross Winner David Keenaghan (0), 29 points; Cat 1 Stephen O’Hara (7), 31 points (CB); Cat 2 Gerald McVeigh (14), 33 points; Cat 3 Brian Daly (17), 30 points; Senior Finian Whelehan (11), 33 points; Junior Brian O’Donoghue (17), 28 points. Ladies: Winner Joanne Charles (20), 32 points. 125 golfers played over the weekend.

Men’s senior competition

The sixth competition in the seniors autumn/winter series was on Tuesday November 13. In lovely playing conditions, there was some good scoring. Winner Eugene Dunne (8), 38 points; runner-up Cyril Collier (11), 37 points; third Alan Campbell (9), 36 points; Super Senior Eamon Shaw (7), 36 points; Super Super Senior David McAuliffe (11), 33 points; Best of the Day Pat Brennan (11), 20 points. Thanks to all 77 who took part.

The senior hampers competition will begin on November 10 and run over three consecutive weeks, weather permitting; the best two scores from the three rounds will count. The Christmas Shotgun start is provisionally scheduled for December 15, with a 10.30am start and food after the round.

Player of the Year

After a long season, the results are in for Player of the Year. Andrew Flynn and Brian McGinley put up a strong performance, and there was a mid-season surge from Kieran McGurran. However, Niall Conroy’s consistent performance resulted in him winning the overall title. 1, Niall Conroy, 925 points; 2, Andrew Flynn, 875 points; 3, Brian McGinley/Kieran McGurran, 785 points; 5, Damien Hand, 780 points.

Fairgreen TV Winter League. This annual event, which begins on November 1, is a singles Stableford competition running over the winter season. Full competition details are on the men’s noticeboard, along with a sign-up sheet; charge €10.

Three important dates for your diary as the golfing season draws to a close. Mr Captain Stephen Lyons’ Dinner is on Friday November 6.

The Men’s Branch AGM is on Friday November 20 at 7.30pm. The AGM of Mullingar Golf Club on Sunday November 29.

Members competition Wednesday October 14

The Members 15-hole Competition, sponsored by Mary Taaffe, was played on Wednesday in blustery but otherwise beautiful autumn conditions, attracting large entries and some outstanding scoring.

A total of 61 ladies contested the 15-hole Singles Stableford competition. Taking first prize was Joan Brennan (34) on 31 points. Mary Carr (31) claimed second nett, also on 31 points, while Antoinette Day (17) secured third nett with 29 points. Bridie Shaw (17) finished fourth nett with 28 points, and the Silver Prize was awarded to Betty Sleater (44) following her return of 25 points.

The nine-hole competition drew an entry of 61 players. Lady Captain Jackie Mills (10) led the way with a winning score of 19 points. Tara Wright (24) finished second nett on 18 points, while Zita Graham (20) captured the Silver Prize with 16 points.

In the men’s section, nine players took part in the 15-hole competition. Alan Mills (20) produced the best score of the day to claim first nett with an impressive 34 points.

Lady President’s Matchplay final

The final of Lady President Ann Fagan’s Matchplay Competition is on Tuesday October 20, tee time 2.20pm. Mary Carr and Dorothy O’Keeffe have emerged as deserving finalists and go head-to-head for one of the most coveted titles on the ladies’ golfing calendar. The final promises to be a closely contested affair, and members are encouraged to come along and support both competitors.

Upcoming competitions

Tuesday October 20: Seniors 9-hole Stableford; Wednesday October 21: Members’ 15-hole Stableford and Ladies’ 9-hole Stableford competitions sponsored by Swarbrigg Shoes; Saturday and Sunday October 24 and 25: Members’ 15-hole competition; Tuesday October 27: Seniors 9-hole Stableford; Wednesday October 28: Members’ 12-hole Stableford and Ladies’ 9-hole Stableford competitions sponsored by Harriette O’Neill; Friday and Saturday October 30 and 31: Members’ 15-hole Stableford.