Club News 15th October

​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

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