Regretted death of former captain, Ted O'Leary
The late Ted O'LearyIt was with sadness we learned of the passing of Ted O'Leary. Ted joined the club in the late 1950s and with his family and extended family made a large contribution to Mullingar Golf Club. Two of his sisters, Eileen and Sheila and their husbands, George McDonald and Jim Murray, were club officers in the latter half off the 1960s. He held the position of club captain in 1968 and president in 2000-2001.He was no mean golfer in his day attaining a low single figure handicap; he won the Captain's Prize fifty years ago and was always a very difficult opponent. I recall him regaling us with his stories of his golfing experiences with the late, legendary Jimmy Bruen in and around Muskerry before coming to Mullingar, where he was involved in the founding of the Tailteann Textiles knitwear establishment.To his family and extended family, on behalf of the officers and members of the club, we extend our deepest sympathy. He will be greatly missed by all, especially his friends in the Saturday evening fourball. Ar dhies Dé go raibh a anam dilis.Bloomfield open singles attracted a fine entryIn rough conditions something, akin to what we saw at the Open in Kent, there was a fine entry for the popular annual Bloomfield House Hotel men's open singles and as a result of the prolonged rain on Saturday evening and Sunday morning the course was playing long and sticky resulting in low scoring being at a premium.The top score returned was thirty six points by Tom Frayne, no doubt inspired by his playing partners, Des and Derek. The popular runner-up was Philip Butterly who got there on a tie break from Martin Gavin, who is always good for a score in difficult conditions.Patrick Duffy collected fourth on the same score from Danny Grehan, both with regrets of lapses towards the end of their rounds. Gary Shaw won the best gross prize with a fine thirty points. Compliments to all who turned up to make the presentation function such an enjoyable occasionResults -Winner: T. Frayne (15) 36 pts; second - P. Butterly (18) 35; third - M. Gavin (8) 35 pts; fourth - P. Duffy 9160 35; Best gross - G. Shaw (3) 30 pts; fifth - D. Grehan (8) 35 pts.Club Classic a resounding successOur members' day on Friday last again proved an outstanding success, with the first tee full all day with the four person team event, and followed by a successful nine hole scramble for those who could get on the sheet for the main event. The weather held up very well for the occasion and all involved enjoyed the golf and the banter right through the day and late evening. The results are posted on the website.Gents' long handicapThere was a turnout of almost eighty competitors for last Thursday's event which was generously sponsored by Doctor Eoin Ruane and the scoring over the fifteen holes, as always was excellent with the following outcome; the winner with a splendid 37points was Tom Mullarkey (22) with Justin Wallace917) runner up on the same score and PJ Glennon (18) third with a fine 35.John Burns' prize on Sunday nextThe attraction on Sunday next is the competition for prizes generously sponsored by our club professional John Burns and to doubly ensure a brimming over time sheet the competition also incorporates the July monthly medal competition, which since its inception earlier in the season has proved hugely popular.Ladies branchOn Wednesday we had Weir's open two person team event which took place in the glorious sunshine. The junior girls were in top form. Mother and daughter combination won the day with 50 points. Fiona Burke and her delightful daughter, Sarah enjoyed the challenge and took it in her stride. In second place was Mandy Reilly and Rosemary eager with 48pts. Gross was won by Eilis McCormack and Ann McGarry and in third we have the Nolan sisters Sinead and Niamh with 47 points on tie break from Doreen Casey and Catherine McDonnell. Keep up the good work girls. Well done to all.The club fourball list sponsored by Michael O'Grady is posted on the notice board.Results1st: Fiona (10) and Sarah Burke (35) 50pts; 2nd: Mandy Reilly (16) and Rosemary Eager (17) 48pts; Gross: Eilis McCormack (13) and Ann McGarry (18) 28pts; 3rd: Sinead (30) and Niamh Nolan (35) 47pts.All Ireland celebrates Darren Clarke's Open championship winHeartiest congratulations go to Darren Clarke on his magnificent win in last week-end's open championship at Royal St. George's golf club in Kent. The big Dungannon man is the third major winner in recent years who have their names on our Scratch trophy. He was an excellent winner in 1989. The other major winners who have won our scratch are 1984 winner Padraig Harrington (Open champ in 2007 and 2008 and USPGA champ in 2008) and Rory McIlroy (current US Open champ) who won ours in 2006.