Club News

​Captain's Drive-in for 2025
Congrats to our newly installed Captains and President for 2025 on their hugely successful Drive-in on Sunday morning.
Having got the AGMs over on Friday and Saturday, they all officially took office and they made a strong start with three super drives to get them started!
Our very best wishes to President Mae Blaney, Lady Captain Roisin McCormack and Gents Captain Brendan Cullen for the year ahead!
A big crowd packed the course for a four-person scramble, with the winter sunshine just about managing to keep everyone at a reasonable temperature. Thanks to the catering team for fine spread of soup and sandwiches afterwards and congrats to all the winning teams on the day.

Captain's Drive-In Scramble – Sunday 9th February
Winner: D Shields, J Shields, C McGettigan & M Howard (5) – 53 nett
Runners-up: N McConigley, M Barrett, C Ferry & D O'Toole (13) – 54 nett
Gross: C. McCahill / C. Connolly / P. Durning / C. McTaggart (4) – 60 gross
Third: S Barrett, J Barrett, C McFadden & H Doherty (17) – 55

Club Results
Wednesday 5th February
Winner: Gerrard Duffy (9) – 37 pts
Runner-up: Seanan McAleer ( 8 ) – 35 pts

Saturday 6th February
Winner: Paddy Kelly Jr (13) – 42 pts
Runner-up: Oisin Friel (17) – 41 pts
Gross: David McCormick (+2) – 38 gross pts
Third: Stephen Connolly (4) – 39 pts

Dates for your diary
The 2025 golfing season is beginning to take shape and below are some dates for your calendar in Portsalon.
Mon 17 Mar 2025 = Ladies & Gents Open
Thu 27 Mar 2025 = Ladies Winter Links
Thu 3 Apr 2025 = Donegal Senior Alliance
Fri 18 Apr 2025 = Ladies Spring Hamper
Fri 2 May 2025 = Ladies Open
Mon 26 May 2025 = Donegal Links Classic
Tue 27 May 2025 = Donegal Links Classic
Wed 28 May 2025 = Donegal Links Classic
Sat 14 Jun 2025 = John Sweeney Memorial
Sat 28 Jun 2025 = Brendan Cullen Captains Day
Mon 7 Jul 2025 = Open Week - Total Golf
Tue 8 Jul 2025 = Open Week - Patterson's Caravan Park
Wed 9 Jul 2025 = Open Week- Letterkenny Driving Range
Thu 10 Jul 2025 = Open Week - Donegal Hospice
Fri 11 Jul 2025 = Open Week - Pat O'Neill
Sat 26 Jul 2025 = Scratch Cup Sponsored By Manor Motors
Sat 2 Aug 2025 = Charlie Canning Memorial
Mon 4 Aug 2025 = Barton Cup
Sat 16 Aug 2025 = Roisin McCormack Lady Captains Day
Tue 19 Aug 2025 = Shaw Shield & Kernaghan Cup
Sat 30 Aug 2025 = Mae Blaney Presidents Day
Fri 10 Oct 2025 = Ladies Play In Pink

Ladies News

Lady Captain 2025
The ladies branch of Portsalon Golf Club wish to congratulate, and send their best wishes to Roisin McCormack, who has been appointed as Lady Captain 2025. Roisin brings a lot of experience to the role having proudly served as Lady Captain previously.

Mae Blaney has been appointed President of Portsalon Golf Club, joining Lady Captain Roisin at the helm.
Mae, a long-time Portsalon member, has served in various roles for many years, including Lady Captain, and we wish her well for her 2-year term.

The Captain’s Drive-In
Bathed in typical glorious sunshine, calm seas, barely a gentle breeze, the members of Portsalon Golf Club gathered to watch the Captain, Lady Captain and President launch the 2025 golfing season.
Not a nerve was shattered as each in turn drove their balls straight up the fairway, probably requiring a gentle chip with a wedge to reach the green.
With much cheering and applause, the members began the annual scramble shotgun start.

Congratulations to the ladies team of Noreen McConigley, Mary Barrett, Claire Ferry and Deirdre O’Toole who scored an impressive net 54 to come runner-up.

Golfer of the Year 2024
There are not many weeks that I do not mention Deirdre Hensey in my notes, so it comes as no surprise she was announced as the winner of the Golfer of the Year 2024 at the AGM. Featuring in most, if not all of the qualifying competitions she was also the recipient of the Bronze Medal.

Winning the Silver Medal was Pamela Clinton McDermott who is an ever steady feature in competitions.

The Birdy Book was won by another consistent player who has already won the Ladies Matchplay in 2024. Deirdre O’Toole was top of the ladies for scoring birdies throughout 2024.

Ladies Winter Links Results 6th Feb.
Winner – Edith Neely (31) 37pts
Runner-Up – Bríd Uí Chearnaigh (23) 36pts
Gross – Mandy Coyne (8) 24 gross points
3rd – Evelyn O’Malley (39) 36pts
4th Mae Ferry (24) 35pts
5th Marion Keating (24) 35pts

Front 9 – Florence Connolly (34) 20pts
Back 9 – Ruth Irvine (35) 19pts

2’s
Florence Connolly 2@5th
Mary Harkin 2@5th
Marion O’Sullivan 2@10th
Bríd Uí Chearnaigh 2@10th

Next Links Date – Thursday 27th. February
Timesheet opens on the 20th @ 08.00 on BRS

​Club News
Portsalon EGM – Saturday January 4th, 2025
Portsalon GC has scheduled an EGM for Saturday 4th January, 2025 to take place in the Mulroy Woods Hotel in Milford. Full details have been issued to all members eligible to attend and vote at this meeting where exciting plans for future course development and clubhouse upgrades are to be discussed and outlined by Council and by Paul McGinley on behalf of McGinley Golf Course Design. Any members with queries can contract the shop or any member of Council.

Ladies and Gents Single Stableford Opens are on 26th December and 1st Jan. An Open two person scramble is on the 30th Dec. Bookings on BRS opens 7 days in advance.

Club Results
Wednesday 11th December
Winner: Seanan McAleer (9) – 40 pts
Runner-up: Charlie McCahill (16) – 37 pts

Saturday 14th December
Winner: Pat O'Neill (15) – 45 pts
Runner-up: Alan O'Doherty (7) – 39 pts
Gross: Eamonn McConigley (3) – 33 gross pts
Third: Chuck McTaggart ( 8 ) – 38 pts

Sunday 15th December
Winner: Rory McDermott (18) – 38 pts
Runner-up: Joe Ferry (10) – 37 pts
Gross: Ryan McGettigan (+2) – 35 gross pts
Third: John Joe McGowan (22) – 36 pts
Ladies News
Lady Captain Noreen and the ladies committee wish everyone a very happy and peaceful golfing Christmas.
Congratulations to Ita Ward, who has been appointed Lady Captain for Ballybofey & Stranorlar Golf Club 2025.

Ladies Winter Links
The weather played its part as requested for the ladies winter links on Thursday 12th Dec., which had been postponed from November. Some excellent results were returned on the day. Congratulations to all the winners.


Overall Nett :

Winner – Edel Ui Rabhartaigh (42) 41 pts
Runner- Up – Carmel McGeady (36) 40pts
Gross – Mandy Coyne (8) 23 pts
3rd – Tracy Spence (22) 39 pts BOT
4th – Catriona McCullagh (23) 39 pts
5th – Anne Curran (26) 37 pts
Front 9
Marion Keating (24) 20pts
Back 9
Christine Johnston (43) 21pts
2’s
Kate Gallagher (18) 12th hole
Augusta Neff (20) 12th hole
Marie Durso (13) 16th hole
Eileen Reilly (17) 10th hole


October Re-entry
Winner – Mary Barrett 75
Runner Up – Deirdre Hensey 70

November Re-entry
Winner – Claire Ferry 73

Best Links in Ulster award for Portsalon
Portsalon GC was honoured this week to be awarded the Best Links in Ulster prize at the Golfers Guide to Ireland awards held at Ballymascanlon Hotel & Resort.
Captain Pat Horner collected the crystal as the 31st edition of the awards ceremony was held at Ballymascanlon Hotel & Golf Resort in Dundalk this week, where industry leaders, enthusiasts and guests gathered to celebrate the very best in Irish golf.
The Golfers' Guide to Ireland is the ultimate all-island directory for golf lovers.
Attendees included notable representatives from the Irish golf community - RTÉ golf correspondent, Greg Allen, and Guest of Honour, Des Smyth with Cormac Devlin TD present for the prize giving.

Christmas Hamper
Congratulations to Gerard Dorrian who took out the final big prize of the calendar year on Sunday, winning the Gents Christmas Hamper with a magnificent tally of 45 points as he edged out Bradley Boyle and Paddy Kelly Jnr by one. Ryan McGettigan took out the gross prize, shooting 36 gross points.

Club Results
Saturday November 30th
Winner: Stephen Boucher (12) – 40 pts
Runner-up: Eunan McGarrigle (6) – 38 pts
Gross: Kevin Hensey (1) – 35 gross pts
Third: Martin McFadden (16) – 37 pts

Sunday December 1st – Gents Hamper
Winner: Gerard Dorrian (17) – 45 pts
Runner-up: Bradley Boyle (26) – 44 pts BOT
Gross: Ryan McGettigan (1) – 36 gross pts
Third: Paddy Kelly (20) – 44 pts

Ladies News

Christmas Hamper
The ladies hamper due to be played for on Saturday 7th December has been postponed until the Spring. Congratulations to Gerard Dorrian, winner of the gents Christmas Hamper.

Ladies Winter Links
The links are due to be played on December 12th, having been postponed I November. Here’s hoping for much improved weather. If you have already booked a time, you will need to rebook again. BRS will open one week before or call the pro shop on 074 915 9459.

​Club News
Christmas Hamper
The annual Christmas Hamper for Gents will take place on December 1st. Full details to follow.

Ropes in play
Members will note that the ropes are now in place to protect the surrounds of the green during the winter months when growth is at its poorest. All members are kindly asked to observe that trollies and buggies are not permitted inside the ropes. Please adhere by following the designated path around the greens and onwards to the next tees.

Club Results
Wednesday November 13th
Winner: Finbarr McNamee (13) – 42 pts
Runner-up: Shane McNamee (21) – 40 pts BOT
Gross: David McCormick (2) – 34 gross pts
Third: Brian Carney (25) – 40 pts

Saturday November 16th
Winner: Shaun Campbell (17) – 41 pts
Runner-up: Paddy Merritt (15) – 40 pts
Gross: Sean Forbes (5) – 31 gross pts
Third: Martin McFadden (22) – 39 pts

Sunday November 17th
Winner: Paul Gallagher (10) – 41 pts BOT
Runner-up: Barry Keeney (21) – 41 pts
Gross: David Bonner (6) – 34 gross pts
Third: James Duffy (18) – 38 pts

Ladies News and Results

Breast Cancer Fundraiser
A wonderful amount of €1000 was raised by the Ladies Branch over the month of October for Breast Cancer Research. Lady Captain Noreen would like to thank all those who participated in the Play in Pink Open, bought tickets for the Pink Raffle, contributed to the October Monthly re-entries or donated in any way.


Christmas Hamper and Dinner
The final date for entry to the Christmas Hamper competition is Sunday 25th. Please have your names, and entry fee of €15 paid by this date. All details are in the locker room. The Hamper will be played on Saturday 30th November. Lady Beginners will play for their Hamper on Friday 29th November. The presentation and dinner for everyone will follow on Saturday 30th.


Ladies Winter Links
The booking system will open for the Ladies on Thursday 21st at 8am to be played on Thursday 28th November.

Deepest Condolences
Lady Captain Noreen and the ladies branch wish to extend their sympathy to Alison Kilgore, following the recent passing of her mother, Elizabeth Whiteside in Derry. May her gentle soul rest peacefully.

Club News
Christmas Hamper
The annual Christmas Hamper for Ladies & Gents will take place on the weekend of November 30th & December 1st. Full details to follow.

Club Results
Wednesday 30th October
Winner: Charlie McCahill (21) – 41 pts
Runner-up: Fergus Friel (23) – 40 pts
Gross: Chris Duffy (1) – 33 gross pts
Third: Paul Gallagher (11) – 39 pts

Saturday 9th November
Winner: John McGettigan (15) – 40 pts
Runner-up: John Shields (14) – 38 pts
Gross: Diarmuid Logue (7) – 30 gross pts
Third: Ian McGeever (15) – 36 pts

​Sunday 10th November
Winner: John Overend (32) – 43 pts BOT
Runner-up: Paddy McGroarty (9) – 43 pts
Gross: Patsy Lafferty (4) – 33 gross pts
Third: Gary McBride (20) – 40 pts

Ladies News and Results
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially if you add your name to the Christmas Hamper competition entries. The notice is in the locker room, and as always a draw will be made for the Hamper Competition to be held on the 30th November. It’s always a great day, dinner and presentation of outstanding prizes as well as the Hampers. The lovely part of this competition is there’s always something for everyone!

The Pink Raffle Draw took place on Sunday past. All funds raised are being donated to the Breast Cancer Research. Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser.

Winners are as follows:
Winner – Marty Cullen
2nd – Anne Condon
3rd - K. McKeague
4th – Roseanne Logue

October Monthly Re-entry Competition
Winner – Mary Barrett
Runner-Up – Deirdre Hensey

Sunday Members Competition 10th November
Winner - Dana Clinton 37pts
Runner-Up – Claire McGonagle 35pts


Ladies News and Results

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially if you add your name to the Christmas Hamper competition entries. The notice is in the locker room, and as always a draw will be made for the Hamper Competition to be held on the 30th November. It’s always a great day, dinner and presentation of outstanding prizes as well as the Hampers. The lovely part of this competition is there’s always something for everyone!
The Pink Raffle Draw took place on Sunday past. All funds raised are being donated to Breast Cancer Research. Thank you to everyone who supported this fundraiser.


Winners are as follows:

Winner – Marty Cullen
2nd – Anne Condon
3rd - K. McKeague
4th – Roseanne Logue

October Monthly Re-entry Competition
Winner – Mary Barrett
Runner-Up – Deirdre Hensey

Sunday Members Competition 10th November
Winner - Dana Clinton 37pts
Runner-Up – Claire McGonagle 35pts

​Club News
Social night in the clubhouse
This Friday, November 8th, there will be a social night in the clubhouse to celebrate out Donegal Junior League and Donegal League winning teams from this season. The evening has been organised by team captains Dermot Shields and Cathal Canning and all are welcome to attend. Finger food will be served at 8.00pm and music will follow via The Ferryman aka Kevin Boyce, the man that can putt in the dark when needed!

Club Results
Wednesday 30th October
Winner: John McGinley (25) – 44 pts BOT
Runner-up: Marty Doran (29) – 44 pts
Gross: Shane Magee (2) – 34 gross pts
Third: Paul Gallagher (11) – 40 pts

Saturday 2nd November
Winner: Joe Coyle (12) – 42 pts
Runner-up: Trevor Duncan (18) – 42 pts
Gross: Pascal Cullen (4) – 31 gross pts
Third: Paddy Merritt (16) – 40 pts

Sunday 20th October
Winner: Gareth McLarnon (12) – 44 pts
Runner-up: Ray Devenney (20) – 39 pts BOT
Gross: Shane Magee (2) – 35 gross pts
Third: Paul Travers (15) – 39 pts

Ladies News and Results
There was nothing to scare Kathleen Rodgers at the Ladies Winter Links on Halloween. There were a few treats at the start thanks to Lady Captain Noreen and plenty of skill, with a winning score of 43pts on a glorious day of early winter sunshine. The Gweedore ladies took to the course early and were rewarded with 3 out of 4 placings on the day!

The next Ladies Winter Links will be played on Thursday 28th November.

The Pink Raffle has concluded, and winning tickets will be drawn this weekend, so don’t throw anything away yet!

Dare I say it but the Ladies Christmas Hamper Competition will take place on the 30th November. Keep your eyes peeled for notices in the ladies locker room.

Results Ladies Winter Links Thursday 31st Oct.
Winner – Kathleen Rodgers (16) – 43pts Gweedore
Runner-Up – Breege McDonagh (45) – 37pts Letterkenny
Gross – Mandy Coyne (7) – 25 Gross pts Portsalon
3rd – Brid Ui Chearnaigh (23) – 37pts Gweedore
4th - Mairead Harkin (21) – 36pts BOT Gweedore
5th – Margaret McColgan (15) – 36pts BOT Buncrana

Front 9 : Anne-Louise Hicks (27) – 20pts
Back 9: Rena O’Herlihy (36) – 23pts
2’s: Anne Condon, Kathleen Rodgers

Sunday Members Results
Winner : Ita Ward - 37pts
Runner-Up : Claire Ferry – 36pts BOT

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.

​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