​Club News
Upcoming events
A remainder that as we turn from July into August there are still come major event left on the calendar. This Saturday, August 3rd, it will be the 10th edition of the Charlie Canning Memorial Trophy and, of course, on the August Bank Holiday Monday we will stage the famous Barton Cup, a unique knockout event. Timesheets are in operation for both, with the Barton Cup nine-hole qualifier taking place on Monday morning.

Portsalon teams progress
Congrats to Joe Hensey and his Donegal Seniors squad after they overcame Ballyliffin in a close second leg last weekend to progress into the final. They will now face either Falcarragh or Cruit Island in the final, with dates and times to be confirmed.
Cathal Canning's Donegal League side are also through after edging out neighbours Rosapenna in a close battle in their second leg in Portsalon on Friday. They have yet to learn their semi-final pairing.

Club Results
Wednesday 24th July
Winner: Gerard Dorrian (19) – 43 pts
Runner-up: Billy Walsh (16) – 38 pts
Gross: Johnny Shields (3) – 29 gross pts

Saturday 27th July – Lady Captain Noreen McConigley's Prize to Gents
Winner: Brian Haughey (19) – 45 pts
Runner-up: Martin McFadden (25) – 42 pts BOT
Gross: Sean Hensey (4) – 31 gross pts
Third: Aodh McCormack (22) – 42 pts
First Nine: Michael O'Hara (23) – 23 pts
Second Nine: Teddy Russell (26) – 27 pts

Sunday 26th July – Monthly Medal
Winner: James Lynch (16) – 68 nett
Runner-up: Johnny Kelly (21) – 69 nett BOT
Gross: Jamie Foley (+1) – 71 gross
Third: Stephen Boucher (18) – 69 nett

Ladies News


Lady Captain’s Day was Mae’s day in Portsalon on Saturday. To a rousing standing ovation, Mae Blaney was presented with the Lady Captain’s Prize of 2024 by Noreen McConigley.
The applause became more prolonged as Mae quipped that it was her first ever Lady Captain’s Prize to win, in all the years she is playing golf. Mae has served as Lady Captain and still works diligently on the ladies committee to promote ladies golf in Portsalon Golf Club.
She recorded a tremendous score of 42 points and acknowledged her playing partners especially for willing her final putt to go in on the 18th!

On a day of high scoring, 40 pts by Sarah Nicholl came runner-up on a bot from Mary Barrett, who took 3rd place.
The longest drive by Roisin McCormack was miles up the 11th & it took most of the rest of us mere mortals, 2 shots to try and reach it!
Claire McGonagle set a target on the 10th for the Nearest the Pin which couldn’t be beaten either.

Vice Lady Captain Roisin was the compere for the night and spoke of the work and effort Noreen has put into everything she does in the club, in particular with the lady beginners introduction to golf on a Friday evening.
These sentiments were echoed by Captain Pat Horner and President Donal Callaghan who for his part remains in awe of Noreen’s parking skills, who can perfectly manoeuvre into the tight space left by Donal!

Lady Captain Noreen gave a heartfelt speech thanking everyone in Portsalon who made her day so special and enjoyable. Proud of her family, their unwavering support, and of course Seán who gets everything sorted and happily goes for everything! She gave a particular thanks to her committee, Vice Lady Captain Roisin, Hon Sec Anne, Treasurer Claire, H/Cap Sec Aedeen, Comp Sec Iris and members Deirdre, Mae, Frances, Roseanne and Tracey who all do an amazing job behind the scenes to keep the ladies branch to the fore within the club. She also appealed to any lady to consider taking on a role and spoke so eloquently about the wonderful solidarity we all share with Portsalon Golf Club as members.

Appreciation of all the work our Greens staff to keep the course in absolute pristine condition summer and winter was also acknowledged by Noreen. The meal provided by Roisin and her staff was as always superb, and members danced off the calories long into the night.

Revive Team

After very tough matches against Newtonstewart on Sunday, the journey for the Revive team ended. Having won some fantastic matches, they bowed out in the quarter finals. Appreciation to the entire team and panel for all their time, travelling, and effort to get this far against some very tough opposition. Thanks also to Roseanne Logue whose Captaincy of the team has been excellent as always!
Thanks to the Newtonstewart team for extending wonderful hospitality to the Portsalon visiting team.
Results
Lady Captain’s Prize

Winner – Mae Blaney 42 pts

Runner-Up – Sarah Nicholl – 40pts Bot
Gross – Claire McGonagle – 25 gross pts
3rd – Mary Barrett – 40 pts
4th – Deirdre O’Toole – 39pts
Past Captains – Anne Speedie – 38 pts Bot
Committee – Roisin McCormack – 36pts Bot
5th - Eileen McLarnon – 36pts Bot
6th – Geraldine Hickland - 36pts Bot
7th – Tricia Bradley – 36pts Bot
Front 9 – Claire Ferry – 19ts
Back 9 – Kathleen McCormick – 20pts
Longest Drive – Roisin McCormack
Nearest the Pin – Claire McGonagle



Guests
Ladies


Winner – Fiona Boyle
Runner-Up Marian O’Sullivan Letterkenny Golf Club

​Club News
Lady Captain's Prize 2024
Saturday 27th July will be the big day in the calendar for the ladies as they compete for Lady Captain Noreen McConigley's Captain's Prize. The first tee is reserved for the ladies and captain's guests from 11am, with spots before and after available for gents wishing to compete on the day. Best wishes to Noreen for a successful day and here's hoping for some overdue summer sunshine!

Upcoming events
A reminder that as we turn from July into August there are still come major event left on the calendar. Noreen McConigley's Lady Captain's Prize is this Saturday July 27th.
The following Saturday, August 3rd, it will be the 10th edition of the Charlie Canning Memorial Trophy and, of course, on the August Bank Holiday Monday we will stage the famous Barton Cup, a unique knockout event.

Portsalon teams in action
Plenty of Portsalon teams were in action across the busy weekend that ran alongside The Open in Troon. For some, the dream of glory in the yellow and black this season remains in place, for others the fire has burned out.
Joe Hensey and his Donegal Senior team were in Ballyliffin on Saturday evening where they were edged out 3-2 in the first leg by the hosts. By virtue of big wins for team captain Joe and Gary Sheehan in in match four and John Logue & Dermot Boyce in match five, Portsalon are up four holes, leaving things very finely balance for the second leg.
The Donegal League team, under the guide one more this season of Cathal Canning after a short absence, took a fine 3-2 first leg success from their battle with neighbours Rosapenna. Wins for the pairings of Stephen Connolly and Dave Butler, Donal Callaghan Jnr and Shane Sandilands and Joe Ferry and Joe Hensey secured an advantage for the Portsalon team to take into this Friday's second leg. Tee-off is at 4.00pm and all support is welcome.
Finally, Sean Canning and his Ulster Cup team suffered playoff heartache in their last-16 tie against Faughan Valley on Sunday afternoon. Donal Callaghan Jnr and Shane Sandilands put home points on the board while Alistair Rodger was a big winner in Derry. However, with Faughan Valley also getting two of their points at home, it ended 3-3 after the final game in Portsalon came up the 18th and with both Brian Devlin and his opponent left with 10-feet putts for par, the margins were thin as Brian's putt sat on the lip and Faughan Valley saw theirs drop in. It all meant a playoff finish back in Faughan Valley where Alistair was rather unfortunate to have to tee-up again some two hours after finishing his match. A par at the first playoff hole was enough to see Faughan Valley progress despite a valiant Portsalon effort.

Open Week Results
Tuesday 16th July – V Par sponsored by Keating Amenities
Winner: Eamonn Doherty (22) – 4up BOT
Runner-up: Trevor Duncan (19) – 4up BOT
Gross: David McCormick (4) – 2dn
Third: Hazel Russell (22) – 4up
First Nine: Eamonn McNelis (19) – 3up
Second Nine: Rory McGettigan (12) – 4up

Wednesday 17th July – Open sponsored by Patterson's Caravan Park
Winner: Eileen McLarnon (31) – 42 pts
Runner-up: Ian McGeever (16) – 40 pts
Gross: David McCormick (3) – 35 gross pts
Third: Tony Kingston (18) – 40 pts
First Nine: Gerard Kelly (20) – 23 pts
Second Nine: Patsy Gallagher (19) – 23 pts

Club Results
Sunday 21st July – Members
Winner: Mark Cohen (20) – 42 pts
Runner-up: UItan McGettigan (7) – 40 pts
Gross: Mark Howard (10) – 28 gross pts
Third: Mick Leonard (13) – 39 pts

Ladies News

Lady Captain’s Day
Vice Lady Captain Roisin, the ladies branch and committee send best wishes to Lady Captain Noreen McConigley for a great day on Sat.
The draw has been done and the excitement is mounting to see who will lift the coveted Lady Captain’s Prize title on Saturday night.

Revive Team
The Portsalon ladies faced a strong Letterkenny team but came away the victors after some very tough matches and opposition. Many thanks as always to the Letterkenny ladies, and for their hospitality shown to the Portsalon ladies.
Portsalon are now through to the Quarter Finals and will face North West ladies in the next round. Congratulations to the Portsalon Ladies, and Team Captain Roseanne Logue.

Open Week
Ladies featured in many of the Open Week competitions this year again.
Congratulations to Hazel Russell, Rosapenna Golf Club who came 3rd in the VPar Keating Amenities sponsored competition with 4Up on Tues 16th July.

A great score from Eileen McLarnon to win the Patterson’s Caravan Park competition on Wed 17th July with 42 points.

Featuring in the winners enclosure on Sunday 21st July was Pamela Clinton with an excellent 39 points. Another lady who is coming under the radar in time for Lady Captain’s Day!

Club Matchplay
Ladies are reminded to keep their matches updated as we approach the next rounds.

Lady Beginner Scrambles
There are just a few Friday evenings left of this seasons scrambles and this Friday is as normal, meeting at 6pm. There has been a great turnout of new ladies and support from members to help out, which is always appreciated.

July Medal.

There is nothing better than a nice round of Stroke Competition the day after Lady Captain’s Day to keep players minds focused. The July Medal will be played on Sunday.

Results
Members Competition 21st July
Winner - Pamela Clinton 39 pts
Runner-up - Allyson Owens 37pts

Open Week 2024
Portsalon's 2024 Open Week is now underway. Members and visitors alike can book their slots via BRS or by calling the shop on 074 9159459. The remaining events are: 
Fri 12th July 2024: Open Week - Single Stableford Kindly Sponsored by Donegal Oil Gents & Ladies
Sat 13th July 2024: Open Week - 4 BBB Kindly Sponsored by Knockalla Caravan Park Gents & Ladies (Any combination)
Sun 14th July 2024: Open Week - Single Stableford Kindly Sponsored by Pat O'Neill Building Services Ltd Gents & Ladies
Mon 15th July 2024: Open Week - 2 person Scramble for Donegal Hospice Charity Day (All proceeds on the day go to Donegal hospice) Gents & Ladies (Any combination)
Tues 16th July 2024: Open Week – Singles V Par Kindly Sponsored by Keating Amenities Gents & Ladies
Wed 17th July 2024 Open Week – Singles Stableford Kindly Sponsored by Patterson's Caravan Park Gents & Ladies
Team Golf 
Congrats to Sean Canning and his Ulster Cup team on a gritty win over Carrickfergus GC on Sunday last. The topsy-turvy game saw Alistair Rodger and Colm McConigley picking up wins up in Antrim to give Portsalon a major foothold but, at home, two of the three matches were won by the Carrickfergus visitors, with Brian Devlin holding firm in match three to level matters. 
That meant a playoff, where Carrickfergus had home advantage, and it was Alistair Rodger that was tasked with trying to see things over the line. He went into battle for a second time with Crawford McRae and the pair had a fascinating three-hole tussle. Alistair's exceptional drive on the third playoff hole heaped pressure on the home team and a leaked drive into some trees handed the Portsalon man an initiative he would refuse to give back as he won the playoff to send Portsalon through to face Faughan Valley next. A wonderfully sporting game in both venues on Sunday, Sean and team wish to extend thanks to Team Captain's Simon and Billy from Carrickfergus on their hospitality. 

Club Results 
Wednesday 3rd July
Winner: Matthew McLaughlin (23) – 40 pts
Runner-up: Mark Bolton (28) – 37 pts

Saturday 6th July 
Winner: Alfie Rodger (25) – 40 pts
Runner-up: Mark Howard (11) – 39 pts BOT
Gross: Dermot Shields (5) – 29 gross pts
Third: Shaun Campbell (20) – 39 pts

Sunday 7th July 
Winner: Clive Davison (11) – 44 pts
Runner-up: Kevin McFadden (23) – 42 pts
Gross: Chuck McTaggart (13) – 27 gross pts
Third: Sean Gibson (17) – 41 pts

Ladies News

June Medal
As Lady Captain’s Day approaches, all eyes are turning to the in-form ladies. The alternate day on Friday 5th July saw Hilary Thompson bring in a net score of 72 in the stroke competition to win the rescheduled June Medal, so she will be added to the growing list of the ladies to watch out for at the end of the month.

Speaking of which, the list is on the notice board in the ladies locker room for names of those intending to play on Lady Captain’s day, and attend the dinner. Please make sure you get your name down as soon as possible in order that numbers can be given to the restaurant.

Lady Beginners
There will be no lady beginners scramble this Friday evening 12th July as it is Open Week.

Open Week
Just a reminder to pre-book your times for our Open Week Festival of Golf which has commenced this week. There are some great competitions with lots of variations. A special mention for the 2-person scramble, any combination, on Monday the 15th July. All proceeds on the day, will be donated to the very worthy Donegal Hospice.


Club Matchplay.
The second round should all be near completion and round 3 gets underway. If you haven’t heard from your opponent, don’t wait, drop her a message and get your matches organised!

​Matthew McLaughlin wins Captain's Prize in Portsalon 
It was the first Major of the summer at Portsalon on Saturday last as the field took to the links to contest Mr Pat Horner's Captain's Prize. A large turnout were greeted with mostly pleasant playing conditions, while any troubles were eased around the turn as Captain Pat laid on a burger and a beer for those in dire need of a pick-me-up from the golfing woes! 
The winning score on the day came from Matthew McLaughlin (24) with a consistent effort that saw just one blip on the seventh hole en route to 42 points. Matthew certainly appeared to be one that perked up with the smell of food, carding pars on the 10th, 12th and 12th holes that really propelled him into the mix. Five straight bogeys from then to the house brought his inward nine to a conclusion in a fine 41 strokes and enabled him to pip Gerry Hannon to the top billing by a single point, with Donal Callaghan Jnr completing the podium on a break-of-tie.
The gross prize went the way of Ryan McGettigan (+1), while the Ladies Prize from the Captain was won by Deirdre Hensey (20) with 38 points – a first Major for the popular past Lady Captain.
Congrats to all the prize winners on the day and to Captain Pat for hosting an enjoyable day and night – with plenty dancing after the meal as Gerry O'Sullivan serenaded the clubhouse. 

Results - Mr Pat Horner's Captain's Prize – Saturday 29th June
Winner: Matthew McLaughlin (24) – 42 pts
Runner-up: Gerry Hannon (17) – 41 pts BOT
Gross: Ryan McGettigan (+1) – 32 gross pts
Third: Donal Callaghan Jnr (13) – 41 pts
Cat 1: Jack Friel (6) – 39 pts
Cat 2: Pat Barrett (17) - 39 pts
Cat 3: Noel Gillespie (21) – 39 pts
Past Captain: Garrett Horkan (31) – 39 pts
Council Member: Brendan Cullen (17) – 36 pts
First Nine: Ray Devenney (20) – 22 pts
Second Nine: Mickey Crossan (36) – 24 pts
Longest Drive: Ronan McAteer
Nearest The Pin: Ciaran Brogan
Captain's Prize to the Ladies
Winner: Deirdre Hensey (20) – 38 pts
Runner-up: Aedeen Conway (15) – 37 pts
Gross: Claire McGonagle (5) – 23 gross pts
Third: Roisin McCormack (16) – 35 pts
First Nine: Mary Barrett (24) – 17 pts
Second Nine: Brighdin Hawke (52) – 21 pts
Longest Drive: Claire McGonagle
Nearest The Pin: Roisin McCormack 

Open Week 2024
Please see fixture list below for Open Week 2024.

Wed 10th July 2024 Open Week – Singles Stableford Kindly Sponsored by Letterkenny Driving Range Gents & Ladies
Thur 11th July 2024 Open Week – Singles Stroke Kindly Sponsored by Total Golf Gents & Ladies
Fri 12th July 2024: Open Week - Single Stableford Kindly Sponsored by Donegal Oil Gents & Ladies
Sat 13th July 2024: Open Week - 4 BBB Kindly Sponsored by Knockalla Caravan Park Gents & Ladies (Any combinaton)
Sun 14th July 2024: Open Week - Single Stableford Kindly Sponsored by Pat O'Neill Building Services Ltd Gents & Ladies
Mon 15th July 2024: Open Week - 2 person Scramble for Donegal Hospice Charity Day (All proceeds on the day go to Donegal hospice) Gents & Ladies (Any combinaton)
Tues 16th July 2024: Open Week – Singles V Par Kindly Sponsored by Keating Amenities Gents & Ladies
Wed 17th July 2024 Open Week – Singles Stableford Kindly Sponsored by Pattersons Caravan Park Gents & Ladies

Club Results 
Wednesday 26th June
Winner: Joe Hensey (15) – 40 pts
Runner-up: Mark Bolton (29) – 39 pts
Gross: Jamie Foley (+1) – 36 gross pts
Third: Donal Callaghan Snr (16) – 38 pts

Sunday 30th June
Winner: Joe Coyle (10) – 70 nett BOT
Runner-up: Ollie O'Dowd (12) – 70 nett
Gross: Paddy McGroarty (9) – 80 gross
Third: Brian Boyle (25) – 74 nett

Ladies News
Deirdre Hensey wins her first Major.
It may come as a surprise to some that Mr Captain Pat Horner’s Prize to the ladies is the first major to be won by Deirdre Hensey. The in -form player has been very consistent all year and the challenging weather conditions on Friday 28th June was taken in her stride. 
Having been a major’s runner-up on several occasions, beaten on breaks of ties, this was Deirdre’s day to take the honours. After a slow start on the front nine, a par save on the 10th set her up for an excellent back nine including 5 pars totaling 23 points. 
Separated by just a single point, runner up was Aedeen Conway who played later in the day, and with dark clouds looming overhead threatening rain, returned an excellent 9 pars.
With the wind at her back, and converting the birdie putt on the 4th hole, a superb Gross score of 23 which also included 9 pars from Claire McGonagle, handed her the coveted gross. Long, straight and outdriving the entire field on the 11th Claire also took Mr Captain’s longest drive prize 
Just three points separated first to third and Roisin McCormack stepped up to the mark, not deterred by the windy conditions. Accuracy into the wind on the 10th hole secured the nearest the pin prize for Roisin.
Márie O’Donnell
The home return match of the MOD was played on Sunday against Dunfanaghy. With 2 ½ matches out of 5 in hand from the away matches, Portsalon Ladies battled hard, but Dunfanaghy ladies proved the strongest on the day.
Congratulations to Dunfanaghy and good luck in your next round. Many thanks to our ladies for playing great matches and making themselves available. Also appreciation to Iris Condron for her hard work as team captain.

Lady Beginner Scrambles
The Friday evening scrambles with Lady Beginners continue. If anyone is around to help occasionally, you would be most welcome and appreciated. If anyone has a spare putter they can lend or no longer have a need for, please place in the golf bag in the ladies locker room.


June Medal
The deferred June medal will be played this weekend. It is a stroke competition and may be played on the Alternate Friday or the Main Sunday as usual.

Results
Mr Captains Prize to Ladies
Winner : Deirdre Hensey (20) – 38pts
Runner-Up : Aedeen Conway (15) – 37pts
Gross: Claire McGonagle (5) – 23 gross points
Third: Roisin McCormack (16) – 35pts
First Nine : Mary Barrett (24) – 17pts
Second 9: Brighidín Hawke (52) – 21pts
Longest Drive : Claire McGonagle on 11th
Nearest the Pin on 10th : Roisin McCormack
Guest Prize: Marian Overend

May Month Re-entry
Winner - Deirdre Hensey
Runner-Up - Noreen McConigley