Club Results
Wednesday 16th October Winner: Finbarr McNamee (15) – 42 pts Runner-up: Bernard Nash (25) – 40 pts Gross: David McCormick (3) – 35 gross pts Saturday 19th October Winner: David McCormick (3) – 38 pts Runner-up: Mark Bradley (22) – 36 pts Gross: Jamie Foley (Scr) – 35 gross pts Third: Eunan McGarrigle (10) – 36 pts Sunday 20th October Winner: John Shields (16) – 35 pts BOT Runner-up: Brendan McHugh (16) – 35 pts Ladies News Sunday Members Competition The weekend weather caused a bit of a storm to our fixtures. As a result, we had no weekend competitions. However, there is not a huge deal of surprise to see that Lady Captain Noreen McConigley has won the September monthly re-enter competition. Deirdre Hensey was runner-up. Both being the in-form ladies at the moment. Ladies Winter Links The timesheet will shortly open for the Winter Links starting on Oct 31st. Book on BRS or call the club (074) 915 9459. Breast Cancer Research Fundraiser A wee reminder that all entry fees from the October re-enter competitions plus the Pink Raffle will be donated at the end of October. Tickets for the draw may be purchased in the shop. Other news Congratulations to the ladies from Gweedore Golf Club who won the 2024 Máire O’Donnell Trophy. There is currently 6” placing on the fairways.
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Club News Donegal League title for Charlie's Angels Portsalon were crowned winners of the Paddy Carr Donegal League for the first time in 21 years on Saturday after a hard-earned result in Gweedore. Leading 5-0 after the first leg, Portsalon ventured west knowing that a half-point would secure the trophy, but also safe in the knowledge that a strong Gweedore team had it within their capabilities to turn things around. Team Captain Cathal Canning could take nothing for granted and faced an anxious afternoon as the Gweedore lads made inroads in every direction. As the front matches reached the turn it was the pairing of Johnny Shields and Kevin Boyce in match one against Hugh Gallagher and Michael McBride that were looking to be Portsalon's strongest hope of getting the decisive result. They went 2up in the match for the first time after 14th hole and maintained that advantage playing the 16th, where Johnny Shields holed out from 3.5 feet for par to leave the match dormie and thus secure the half-point required for Portsalon to win the Donegal League crown. While the remaining games were all called in, Sean Sweeney and his Gweedore side will know that they were going to make a tremendous scrap of it, leading as they were in the four remaining matches that were stretched back as far as 10th tee, all with very little in them. For Portsalon, however, it was a definite mix of relief and elation to get over the line on a day when gusting winds in Magheragallon made the playing conditions extremely tough for all concerned. After some near misses in the Donegal League over the last decade, this was the culmination of a long journey for team skipper Cathal Canning. Charlie has overseen our Donegal League team almost exclusively since 2008 and has poured his heart and soul into the event, both as a player and non-playing captain in that time, rightfully putting the Donegal League where it should be – at the front and centre as one of the most coveted team events each year. A massive congratulations is due to him and to his teams - those that played on Saturday afternoon, those that helped get the team into the final and everyone that had donned the Portsalon colours in this competition over recent years to try and finally win it once more. Commiserations on this occasion to a fine Gweedore team, themselves playing in a first final for some time. With the talent on display and the strongest senior scratch team in the county, it is only likely to be their first chance and certainly not their last. Thanks to Sean and his team for the wonderful welcome and hospitality throughout and the spirit both legs were played – the way that the Donegal League should be. Club Results Wednesday 9th October Winner: Cathal Toland (16) – 37 pts BOT Runner-up: Gerard Duffy (13) – 37 pts Saturday 12th October Winner: Paul Whorton (2) – 37 pts Runner-up: Patrick Kelly (20) – 36 pts Sunday 13th October Winner: Ronan McAteer (10) – 41 pts BOT Runner-up: Chuck McTaggart (13) – 41 pts Gross: Sean Forbes (5) – 31 gross pts Third: Joe Coyle (11) – 40 pts Ladies News Members Competition It’s not often I start with the winner of the Sunday Members competition but given that Deirdre Hensey shook off a bit of jet lag travelling home at 7am, and still managed to return the best card, having taken to the course in freezing cold biting winds, she deserves this week’s headline! Donegal League Lady Captain Noreen and the ladies branch extend their warmest congratulations to Cathal Canning’s team on their wonderful victory in the Donegal League for the first time in 21 years on Saturday in Gweedore. I think the celebrations might still be continuing! New Lady Members A huge Céad Míle Fáilte to our 9 new lady members from Lady Captain Noreen and all the members of Portsalon Golf Club. May you all enjoy many years of new friendships and golf in this wonderful club and course. Breast Cancer Research Just a wee reminder to everyone that all proceeds from our re-entry competition throughout the month of October will be donated to Breast Cancer Research. There is also a Pink Raffle for which tickets can be purchased in the shop and the draw will be at the end of the month. Winter Links The Ladies Winter Links will be played on 31st October. Unfortunately, stormy weather prevented the September Links from going ahead, so fingers crossed this time around! Sunday Members Winner – Deirdre Hensey 38pts Runner-Up – Pamela Clinton 37pts Bot Portsalon make flying start in Donegal League final Cathal Canning's Donegal League team are in control of the decider against Gweedore after they made a clean sweep on Sunday afternoon, winning all five matches in the home leg on what turned into a sun-kissed afternoon in Portsalon. The day started with mizzle lingering over the course as the teams took to the first tee but, by late afternoon, it was perfect autumnal sunshine and idyllic golfing conditions. After some near misses in recent times, Cathal and his team are eager to get a first Donegal League pennant for Portsalon since 2003 and they have made the ideal start. There were wins for Ryan McGettigan and Kevin Boyce over Padraig Doherty and Michael Dwyer in match one and Stephen Connolly and Jack Friel over Dylan Dwyer and Emmet McGee in match two as Portsalon got the perfect start from the front end. In match three Patrick McGowan and David Butler turned around a deficit at midway to win their tussle with Declan McBride and Anthony Doherty, while Enda McElhinney and Odhran McGowan won the final match against Joe Bonar and Neil Paul Whoriskey. By that point, it left only Donal Callaghan Jnr and Shane Sandilands on the course as they duelled with Lorcan Mulligan and Paul McCool in a nail biting contest. A superb up and down from Paul McCool on the 15th cut the Portsalon lead to one hole. It remained at one-up when Donal Callaghan's birdie attempt on the 16th sat on the lip but Gweedore would level matters on the 17th after an incredibly good pitch shot from Lorcan Mulligan out of the right-hand rough set him up for a five-foot birdie chance that he took. With the swelling gallery around them, it was a simply stunning up and down and it sent the match up the 18th all-square. With neither Gweedore player able to par from tricky spots, it left Shane Sandilands needing two putts from off the back of the 18th green to complete the sweep and a superb lag putt afforded him the chance to win the match, which he duly took, holing out from 3.5 feet under pressure. Cathal and his team will head to Machaire Gathlán on Saturday afternoon requiring a half-point to bring the Donegal League crown to Portsalon for the first time since in 21 years. All support is welcome for the second leg, with a strong Gweedore side certain to make life difficult on home soil. On Sunday, squad member Alistair Rodger was on hand with nourishment for the Portsalon team on the 12th tee, which were much welcomed, while the teams' 11th man was John Shields, who was all over the course throughout the match to relay score updates and give encouragement to those in yellow and black. Club Results Wednesday 2nd October Winner: Cathal O'Brien (23) – 42 pts Runner-up: Dean Shields (12) – 39 pts BOT Gross: Kevin Boyce (5) – 32 gross pts Third: Seanan McAleer (14) – 39 pts Saturday 5th October Winner: Cathal O'Brien (24) – 45 Sunday 6th October Winner: Marty Doran (30) – 40 pts Runner-up: Philip Durning (10) – 39 pts BOT Gross: Sean Hensey (4) – 32 pts Third: Sean Barrett (19) – 39 pts Ladies News Ladies in the Pink A very well supported Play in Pink fundraiser for breast cancer research took place on Fri 4th October. There were no blushes on Mary Barrett as she took the top honours with a magnificent 38 pts. Challenging weather from the start brought out a pink flush on most players who wrapped up in any shade of pink, or just any shade at all! A fun day while also supporting a charity very close to all our hearts was enjoyed by everyone. The Pink Raffle will continue through the month of October, and all funds from the October ladies re-entry will also be donated. Raffle tickets are available in the shop. Winner – Mary Barrett 38pts Runner-Up – Evelyn O’Malley 36pts 3rd – Miriam Bennett 34pts Front 9 – Noreen McConigley 17pts Back 9 – Kathleen Kelly 21pts Sunday Members 6th October Winner - Anne Speedie 33pts Bot Runner-Up - Aedeen Conway – 33pts Bot Club News
Johnny's still got the winning touch at 87! Congrats are certainly due to our longest-standing member, Mr Johnny Strain, who won Wednesday's members competition with 41 points at the sprightly age of 87! A member at Portsalon for more than six decades, it’s only a little over 12 months since he fired in a hole-in-one and he is living proof that age is just a number when the attitude remains good. Here's to many more happy days on the course. Johnny is pictured after teeing off on the 2nd hole, with thanks to Claire McGonagle for the stunning pic that certainly does capture a man in a happy place. Wednesday September 25th Winner: Johnny Strain (34) – 41 pts Runner-up: Noel Callaghan (36) – 39 pts Gross: Sean Hensey (4) – 31 gross pts Third: Seanan McAleer (15) – 38 pts Home rule for Portsalon in Junior Scratch Matchplay Portsalon GC were crowned Donegal Junior Scratch Matchplay champions on Sunday afternoon for the first time after a comprehensive win over outgoing holders Strabane. Team captain Dermot Shields and his squad capped a magnificent season with a 3-0 success against a strong Strabane team, making the most of the home advantage they enjoyed for this once-off final. An unforgettable summer's journey for this team included defeating Dunfanaghy in near pitch-dark conditions in round one and another hard fought success against Ballybofey & Stranorlar in the quarter-finals. From the get-go, team captain Dermot would have been pinpointing progress into the last four, with Portsalon confirmed as the neutral venue for both semi-finals and the final this year. Once they got that far, the team was fully aware the ball was in their court on home soil and they made no mistake. The semi-final saw them overcoming North West GC 3-0 and it was the same story in the final against Strabane as each member of the Portsalon team stood up and was counted in a display of exceptional golf all round. Testament to the strength and depth of the panel, over the semi-final and final, Portsalon won six matches and led the remaining four when they were called in – truly making the very most of the circumstances. The Portsalon team on Sunday was made up of Kevin Boyce, Cathal Canning, Patrick McGowan, Daniel Shields and Davitt Walsh. They were the five in position to don the black and yellow colours this time around, but along the way valuable contributions were made by Clive Davison, DP Logue, Ciaran McCormick, Kevin McGonagle and Ultan McGettigan and as any successful team will attest, success can only come from a strong and willing squad being formed. Sunday's team is pictured with Team Captain Dermot Shields and Club Captain Pat Horner before teeing off against Strabane. This was a really significant win for the club and an overdue gents team success and, it can only be hoped, the strong playing and capturing of silverware from this group of players will prove to be an inspiration and springboard for further Portsalon team success. Huge congrats to all involved in this landmark Donegal Junior Scratch Matchplay success and thanks, as ever, to the Donegal Golf Committee for their hard work, dedication and commitment to protecting the wonderful array of Donegal golf championships that are contested annually and rank amongst the most keenly contested prizes in the golfing calendar. Next up for Portsalon is this Sunday, when Team Captain Cathal Canning puts his Donegal League team into first leg action in the final against Gweedore. Tee-off is 1.00pm in Portsalon and all support is welcome. Portsalon Scratch Cup in association with Manor Motors Open Gross Winner: Caolan Dunn (1) – 72 BOT Runner-up: Enda Kennedy (1) – 72 Third: Seamus Conner (1) – 73 Nett Section Winner: Paul McGuigan (6) – 76 Runner-up: Cian Page (5) – 71 Third: Jack Langan ( 8 ) – 72 Intermediate Scratch Cup Gross Winner: Liam Campbell (11) – 78 Runner-up: Ronan McAteer (11) -79 Third: Eoghan McGreilis (17) – 83 Nett section Winner: Peter O'Donnell (15) – 70 BOT Runner-up: Patrick O'Kane (15) 70 BOT Third: Damion O'Donnell (18) – 70 BOT Sunday Members – September 29th Winner: Ray Devenney (20) – 67 nett Runner-up: Johnny Moore (17) – 68 nett Gross: Shaun Strain (7) – 77 gross Third: Denis Friel (19) – 71 nett Ladies News A fond and sad farewell was bid to our dear friend and esteemed member of Portsalon Golf Club, Kathleen O’Toole this week. It’s fair to say that Kathleen loved her golf whether it was regular Sunday competitions or off on golf trips with her beloved daughter Dee and friends. A proud and strong Fanad woman would be an understatement. She loved all things Fanad from holidays with her beloved sisters, hill trails, and trips locally with friends. But ranking up there with a sense of deep pride, was her Captaincy of Portsalon Golf Club in 2003. Together with Jackie Barrett, the 2003 Captain, they worked and strived to inspire many people to take up the wonderful game of golf. Witty and welcoming with a natural flair for speech making, members and visitors loved Kathleen alike. A voice of reason, and impartiality she was a fantastic member and contributor to both the ladies branch and Portsalon Golf Club over many years. Her commitment to the club did not end on completion of her Captain’s year. It is a testament to her great character that she took on many roles over the years and it is that legacy of work and diligence that saw the club grow and develop. Personally, she made me feel so welcome when I joined the Portsalon family, and she was never short of a quick witty remark when I lost the run of myself! However, the passing of Kathleen at the weekend in the loving care of the staff of the Donegal Hospice could not be felt more keenly than by her beloved family. They were the breath that breathed life into her. John, Joe, Caroline, James, Deirdre, Michael, Aisling, her grandchildren and great grandchildren will carry forward her memory. For Kathleen everything centered around her family and when she needed them most, they were with her as she passed. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha. Play in Pink Ladies Open Book on BRS or call the club (074) 915 9459 to book your tee time on Friday 4th Oct. This is such a worthy fundraiser for breast cancer research. There will also be a Pink Prize Draw, and the ever popular ‘pullouts’ for those who are there for prizegiving. October re-entries will all be donated to the breast cancer research fund also. Ladies Medal Result. Winner Oct Medal – Deirdre Hensey 74. |
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October 2024
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