Fourball Betterball competition a big success

The Castle Barna Golf Club Fourball Betterball competition which took place on Sunday last had the best of winter conditions and the golf was of a very high standard also.The early starters, Carl Gammell and Pat Maguire (one of last week"s prizewinners) were showing some form and it looked at one stage that Pat might have a repeat performance in joining the winners.As their back 9 progressed it was likely that the score would end in the mid forties. Instead they set the trend in the clubhouse at 41 points.It was not enough however, as Mick Horan, playing off 3 on the day, aided very admirably by Dermot (Dan) Cunningham (11) who was having a glorious round, came good. Mick holed a superb birdie on the 7th thus helping to turn past 9 with 25 points. Dan continued his run through the back 9 with birdies at 10, 12 and 13 with putts in some cases of 20 feet or more. Finishing with a superb 49 points, they would not be caught.Captain, Noel Mooney teamed up with John Lynch, recently returned to full health and playing better than ever and the combination worked well, returning 46 points for 2nd place. Meantime, Aidan and Pat Rogers were marking Messrs Horan and Cunningham and in doing their best to keep up to the high standard set the the latter they returned 44 points. But pipping them at the post Mark and Ger Hynes another pairing from Rhode also posted 44 points with a better back 9 to take 3rd place. Thanks to Seamus Feery and Jimmy Slattery for stewarding.The Open Stableford held on the Bank Holiday Monday was won by David Brazil on 46 points and in 2nd place was Darren Fox with 44 points.Mixed HamperThe Annual Mixed Hamper held on Friday and Saturday with a full time sheet for Saturday, playing the course in excellent conditions with lovely sunshine. First Place went Ciaran O"Sullivan (16) and Sheila O"Sullivan (20) Birr scoring 66.4, 2nd prize was won by our Lady Captain Bridie Faye (19) and her nephew Daniel Shaughnessy (7) with 67.4 and in the 3rd place local knowledge was again of benefit with Angela Lynch (36) and Michael Brereton (4) scoring 68 and taking 3rd place prize. The beautiful prizes were sponsored by Lumleys Cash & Carry, Tullamore.Upcoming Events:Sunday next is a three man team event and stewards are Anthony Lynch and Pat Rogers.On Thursday there is an 18 hole Competition. The fees are visitors €15, Members €5. Tee time from 9.30am to 12 noon. Phone Clubhouse 057 9353384 to book a tee time.Results in briefFourball Betterball1. Mick Horan (3) and Damien Cunningham (11) 49 points2. Noel Mooney and John Lynch 26 points3. Ger Hynes and Mark HynesOpen Singles StablefordDavid Brazil 46pts Darrend Fox 44ptsMixed Open Hamper1. Ciaran O"Sullivan and Sheila O"Sullivan 66.42. Bridie Faye and Daniel Shaughnessy 67.43. Michael Brereton and Angela Lynch 68.0