Club News 1st October

​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.