Club News
Team News
A busy and mixed weekend for the Portsalon teams in action as the golfing season begins to gather pace.
Joe Hensey and his Donegal Seniors were 4-1 winners away to Nairn & Portnoo on Friday evening, with a healthy 20 holes lead setting them up well for the return at home.
On Sunday, Daniel Shields and the Pierce Purcell team went down 2.5 to 1.5 against Strabane, while on Monday Enda McElhinney's Jimmy Bruen side also bowed out, losing on the second playoff hole against Greencastle after a 2-2 draw.
Better news for Sean Canning and the Ulster Cup hopefuls, with an opening win over Portstewart GC setting them up to face Portnoo in a split-venue encounter this Friday,
May 9th.

Club Results

Wednesday April 30th
Winner: Shane McNamee (17) – 46 pts
Runner-up: Garrett Horkan (30) – 43 pts
Gross: Jamie Foley (Scr) – 36 gross pts
Third: Matthew McLaughlin (21) – 39 pts

Saturday May 3rd
Winner: Enda McElhinney (15) – 45 pts
Runner-up: Thomas Cullen (14) – 40 pts
Gross: Michael Shiel (3) – 33 gross pts
Third: Dave Hughes (19) – 40 pts

Sunday May 4th
Winner: Denis Friel (20) – 42 pts
Runner-up: Denver Kirk (23) – 40 pts
Gross: Ciaran McCormick (6) – 31 gross pts
Third: John Joe McGowan (26) – 38 pts

Ladies News

Aoife equals Ladies Course Record.
The wonderfully talented young golfer Aoife Browne scored an incredible 71, one under, in the Ladies Open in Portsalon Golf Club on Friday 2nd May. A member of the club, Aoife plays off 1. Her amazing round that most of us can only dream about, included 3 birdies, one of which was on the difficult 11th, and 13 pars.
Aoife’s score means she now shares the Ladies Course Record with Claire McGonagle who set it in 2021. We are all behind Aoife as she pursues selection to the Ulster Team. Lady Captain Roisin and all the ladies branch wish her every success in that challenge.

Lady Captain’s Outing to Cruit Island.
Sunday is the last day to sign up for the Lady Captains outing and overnight stay as final numbers are needed for tee times and the hotel. So, save the 17th May for what promises to be an incredible day on one of Donegal’s stunning courses.

Team News
Team Captain Marian Overend and Lady Captain Roisin wishes all team members enjoyable matches as they play Ballybofey and Stranorlar Golf Club in the Intermediate Foursomes on Sunday 11th May. Both Home and Away matches start at 2.30pm.


Ladies Open Results
Friday the 2nd of May produced some fantastic scores in the Ladies Open. As I mentioned above, we had the Ladies Course Record equaled by Aoife Browne, but we also saw some incredible scores coming in from players. It was a packed timesheet and an equally packed scoreboard with very little separating those at the top.
Congratulations to all the winners and in particular Catriona McClafferty with a top score of 43 points.
Winner – Catriona McClafferty hcp 45 – 43pts
Runner-Up Deirdre Hensey hcp 22 – 41pts
Gross – Aoife Browne hcp 1 – 37pts
3rd – Kit Boyce hcp 22 – 40pts
Visitor – Margaret McAteer hcp 30 – 38pts
Front 9 – Josephine Doherty hcp 50 – 21pts
Back 9 – Colette Gallenagh hcp 41 – 22pts
2’s Aoife Browne 2 @10th & 2 @12th

Members Competition
With tongue in cheek, I can honestly say this would have been the headline at the start of the report. But in fairness, when a member equals the Ladies Course Record, the headline is deservedly hers! Having said that, I must report an incredible score from another talented up and coming young golfer. In what were very difficult windy conditions, in fact I would say the worst of the week, she persevered and produced some amazing golf shots, dazzling her playing partners. By all accounts she has an excellent golf career ahead although has ruled herself out of seeking national team selection!

Winner Karen McGlinchey 42pts
Runner-Up – Mary Barrett 37pts

​Club News
Club News
Gents Results 

Wednesday April 23rd

Winner: Ewan Kemp (20) – 43 pts
Runner-up: Ollie O'Dowd (13) – 39 pts
Gross: Cian Harkin (+2) – 34 gross pts
Third: Shane McNamee (19) – 38 pts

Saturday April 26th

Winner: Damon McBride (20) – 41 pts
Runner-up: Shane McNamee (19) – 40 pts
Gross: Eunan McGarrigle ( 8 ) – 30 gross pts
Third: Marty Doran (26) – 39 pts 

Sunday April 27th

Winner: Brendan McHugh (14) – 41 pts
Runner-up: Paul Murray (17) – 38 pts
Gross: Jack Friel (5) – 33 gross pts
Third: Martin McFadden (20) – 37pts

Ladies News
 
 
Ladies Open
 Friday 2nd of May is a Ladies Open in Portsalon. The weather is looking promising, and the timesheet is open. You can book online through BRS or call the club on 074 915 9459.
Generously sponsored prizes by Metec. Entry fees are visitors €35 including 2’s. and members €10 including 2’s.
 
 
 
Donegal Shield
Congratulations to Buncrana Golf Club who won the Donegal Shield hosted by Bundoran Golf Club on Saturday 26th April. The Portsalon ladies team led out by Lady Captain Roisin McCormack recorded very strong scores, but it was not to be our year.
 
Máire O’Donnell Interclub Tournament

Once the excitement of the score counting at the Donegal Shield was completed, all eyes turned to the draw for the Máire O’Donnell. Portsalon have been drawn in the first round to meet Letterkenny Golf Club which is sure to prove excellent and enjoyable matches as always.
 
 
 
Lady Captain’s Outing. 
Cruit Island Golf Club will be hosting Lady Captain Roisin and the Portsalon ladies for our annual Lady Captains away day on the 17th of May.
 
 
April Medal Results
 
 
Congratulations to Frances Shannon who recorded an excellent net 69 in the first medal competition of the season.
 
Winner – Frances Shannon 69 net
Runner-Up Claire McGonagle 74 net

Club News
Club Results
Wednesday April 2nd
Winner: Shane McNamee (20) – 40 pts
Runner-up: Thomas Cullen (14) – 38 pts
Gross: Kevin Hensey (4) – 31 gross pts
Third: Mark Bradley (22) – 36 pts

Saturday April 5th
Winner: Mark Bradley (22) – 38 pts BOT
Runner-up: Kieran O'Neill (22) – 38 pts
Gross: Jamie Foley (Scr) – 33 gross pts
Third: Eunan McGarrigle ( 8 ) – 36 pts

Ladies News

Sunday April 6th
Winner: Damon McBride (29) – 43 pts
Runner-up: Wilbert McConnell (25) – 39 pts
Gross: Cian Harkin (+2) – 33 gross pts
Third: Kevin McGonagle (6) – 38 pts

Spring Hamper
Lady Captain Roisin sends best wishes to everyone for a very Happy Easter. She also wishes good luck to the ladies playing for the Spring Hamper on Friday 18th April. Check BRS for your time as the draw has been done and it’s an early start! The current weather forecast, and conditions are not as favourable as last week, so the strong advice is to bring an umbrella and waterproofs!

Team Sheets.
Ladies are reminded to get their names in for consideration for team selections before the end of the month.

Donegal Shield in Bundoran Golf Club.
This will take place on the 26th April and is always a great day for ladies golf in Co. Donegal.

Sunday Members.
Congratulations to Deirdre O’Toole who took the top honours this week with 36 pts. There was a great battle for runner up with 4 ladies in contention for BOT. Marian Overend on countback won from Mary Barrett.

Winner – Deirdre O’Toole 36pts
Runner-Up – Marian Overend 34pts BOT

Club Results 
Wednesday April 2nd   
Winner: Shane McNamee (20) – 40 pts
Runner-up: Thomas Cullen (14) – 38 pts
Gross: Kevin Hensey (4) – 31 gross pts 
Third: Mark Bradley (22) – 36 pts
Saturday April 5th  
Winner: Mark Bradley (22) – 38 pts BOT
Runner-up: Kieran O'Neill (22) – 38 pts
Gross: Jamie Foley (Scr) – 33 gross pts
Third: Eunan McGarrigle ( 8 ) – 36 pts
Sunday April 6th   
Winner: Damon McBride (29) – 43 pts
Runner-up: Wilbert McConnell (25) – 39 pts
Gross: Cian Harkin (+2) – 33 gross pts
Third: Kevin McGonagle (6) – 38 pts
Club Results 
Wednesday April 2nd   
Winner: Shane McNamee (20) – 40 pts
Runner-up: Thomas Cullen (14) – 38 pts
Gross: Kevin Hensey (4) – 31 gross pts 
Third: Mark Bradley (22) – 36 pts
Saturday April 5th  
Winner: Mark Bradley (22) – 38 pts BOT
Runner-up: Kieran O'Neill (22) – 38 pts
Gross: Jamie Foley (Scr) – 33 gross pts
Third: Eunan McGarrigle ( 8 ) – 36 pts
Sunday April 6th   
Winner: Damon McBride (29) – 43 pts
Runner-up: Wilbert McConnell (25) – 39 pts
Gross: Cian Harkin (+2) – 33 gross pts
Third: Kevin McGonagle (6) – 38 pts


Ladies news

Donegal Shield
A very strong ladies team has qualified to play in Bundoran Golf Club on 26th April. The team will be led out by Lady Captain Roisin McCormack.

Eileen McLarnon, Frances Shannon, Mary Barrett, Claire Ferry, Roseanne Logue, Deirdre O’Toole, Marian Overend, Deirdre Hensey.
Subs ; Iris Condron, Aedeen Conway.

Spring Hamper
A reminder to the ladies that the closing date for the Spring Hamper entries is Sunday 13th April accompanied by the fee of €15. The Hamper will be a draw format with the tee booked from 9.30am on Friday 18th April.

Sunday Members Results
Winner – Eileen McLarnon 35pts
Runner-Up – Pamela Clinton 34pts

Club News
Gents Results
Wednesday 26th March
Winner: Joe Gallagher (12) – 37 pts BOT
Runner-up: Pat O'Neill (13) – 37 pts

Saturday 29th March
Winner: James Comiskey (24) – 39 pts
Runner-up: TJ Evesson (18) – 37 pts
Gross: Davitt Walsh (7) – 29 gross pts

Sunday 30th March
Winner: James Comiskey (23) – 42 pts
Runner-up: Justin Green (10) – 40 pts
Gross: Daniel Shields (6) – 30 pts
Third: Chuck McTaggart (13) – 39 pts

Ladies News

Winter Links Captain’s Day
Lady Captain Roisin McCormack extended her thanks to all those who took part in the winter links for the ’24 /’25 season. Despite some miserable seasonal weather at times, good weather seemed to follow the ladies links days apart from one event being cancelled.

Monday’s event had been rescheduled from last week and what a great call it was. The scores reflected the fantastic weather with Celine Markey Cruit Island cruising home with an excellent 42 points.

Order of Merit
Mandy Coyne, Portsalon, put on display another fine round, not only winning the Gross but also the Overall Gross Winner for the Links with a total score of 47.

Taking the Overall Indivdual Nett, with a total score of 24 and coming in a very worthy 3rd place on Monday was Maireaad Harkin, Gweedore.

I can’t fail to mention the Letterkenny Golf Club 3 ball of Maura Cavanagh, Kay Kelly and Marian Keating who dovetailed the entire round and were unfortunate not to convert any of their birdie putts! However, they remained upbeat at the 18th reflecting on the fact they returned with their original balls, which is a major bonus. The ladies have never missed any of the Links and are always a welcome sight in Portsalon Golf Club.

Order of Merit Gross
Mandy Coyne 47 pts

Order of Merit Nett
Mairead Harkin 24 pts

Winner – Celine Markey – 42 pts
Runner-Up - Mary Ferry – 39 pts
Gross – Mandy Coyne – 28 Gross pts
3rd Mairead Harkin – 38 pts bot
4th Florence Connolly – 38 pts
5th Cecilia Doran – 37 pts bot
6th Tracey Spence – 37pts
Non- Qualifiers
Winner - Patricia McGlynn 39pts
Runner – Up Karen McGlinchey 37pts

Front 9 – Clara McNeill 20pts
Back 9 – Eileen Reilly 21 pts

2 @ 5th Hole
Mandy Coyne

2’s @ 10th Hole
Sandra McMonagle, Eileen Reilly, Dolores Devaney, Maeve Crowe, Brona Slevin

2 @ 15th Hole
Ann Friel, Kathleen Rogers.

Lady Captain’s Cruit Island Outing
Just a correction on last week’s date! The date is 17th May and the list is in the locker room

Donegal Shield Qualifier.
The Inter Club Shield will be played on 26th April in Bundoran Golf Club.
The qualifiers for the team will be played on Fri (alternate day ) 4th and Sunday 6th April.

Spring Hamper.
The hamper will be played on Friday 18th April. This is a Draw and names and entry fee €15 must be submitted by 13th April.

Members Free Sub
Congratulations to Jame Comiskey who won the Members Free Sub from everyone in the ladies branch.

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