The ladies Inter Club match season starts on Sunday 21st next when the Intermediate Foursomes team meet Birr in the 1st round of the competition. We wish them the best of luck

Unfortunately no golf results again this week due to the course closure on Wednesday last thanks to the weather.

RESULTS – Gardencare – Club Stableford 14/4/2024. 1^st Overall: Philip Dully (21) 41pts, 1^st Cat 1: Adrian Hiney (+1) 39pts, 1^st Cat 2: Noel Mulligan (13) 35pts, 1^st Cat 3: Padraig Muldoon (16) 36pts, 1^st Cat 4: Ger Coughlan (26) 38pts, 1^st Ladies: Sinead Healy (13) 34pts.

April 13 Hole Stableford Wk 2. 14/4/2024. Miceal Fox (19) 29pts.

Linnane & Co. Thursday Open Stableford, 11/4/2024. 1^st: Bert Burke (6) 39pts, 2^nd: Brendan Magee (22) 34pts.  

FUTURE COMPETITIONS – We have a Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open on the 18th, and next weekend it’s the ‘Moate Is Open’ club stableford competition. The April 2024 Week 3 club 13 hole comp runs from Monday 15th to Sunday 21st.

INTERCLUB TEAMS – Our interclub season got off to a poor start as we lost to stronger Mount Temple teams in both the Mixed Fourball on Saturday and the Mens Leinster Trophy on Sunday. Next weekend our Jimmy Bruen campaign starts v New Forest while the ladies have an Intermediate Foursomes match v Birr on Sunday. If at all possible please come along to support those playing.  

GOLFER OF THE YEAR 2024 – The table has been brought bang up to date despite the potential distraction of the final round of the Masters! Ciaran Kerrigan’s good run of form continues and he stretches his lead. He has 173pts with Tommy Digan next on 138pts and Sean Egan on 135pts in third. The top 5 are rounded off by Enda Claffey and George Garvey on 131 & 130pts respectively.

COURSE CORNER – We would really appreciate it if everyone can repair fairway/rough divots with the sand/seed bags provided and also take care of your pitchmarks on the green. It is also important to note that we have a short game practice area only and balls should only be struck in the direction of the clubhouse. Please do not practice longer shots down towards the 18^th tee box. Woods are not suitable for the short area we have so please restrict these to the net.

2024 SCRATCH CHAMPIONSHIP – This is reverting to a matchplay format this year and the entry sheet is now in the shop. Draw will be made in early May.

JUNIORS – There was a great turnout last week for the junior lessons and they go again on Friday 19^th April from 5pm to 6.30pm.   

FUNDRAISING QUIZ – We are running a quiz on Thursday 25^th April at 8pm and all are welcome. Teams of 4 with an entry fee of €40 per team, so start watching those Mastermind repeats! Funds will be used to enhance our Juniors programme for the coming year.

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – 3 more memories from the past starting with Offaly Independents dated 24/8/1968 and 7/5/1982 sandwiching a Belfast Telegraph of 18/7/1977.

1968 – The draw for the Mullingar Scratch Cup included Moate’s Tommy O’Brien, he played at 9:06 & 13:42 with T. Rogers, Roscommon.

1977 – Denis White, last year’s East of Ireland champion, fired on all four cylinders for the best round of the year by an amateur golfer in the Leinster qualifying stage of the Irish Close championship. Sparked by a run of four birdies on the trot, White shot a great score of 64 over his home course at Tullamore to win their silver medal with a total of 136, Then came Martin O’Brien at 140 (70-70), followed by Tony Heverin (70-71) from Woodbrook.   

1982 – Ladies Golf. ‘B’ team blitzed. Tullamore’s hopes of getting two teams through to the second round of the Midland Trophy came to grief in Moate on Friday last when their second string crashed to the home side by a decisive 4-1 margin.

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

The 1^st 18 hole competition of the year, played on Wednesday last was sponsored by Sinead Healy & Ger Byrne. The winners were 1^st Sinead Hall (30) 40 pts. Cat 1 Sinead Healy (14) 40pts, Cat 2 Kathy Conlon (26) 36 pts, Cat 3 Eileen White (31) 36 pts & Cat 4 Esther Hynds (45) 29 pts.

Please note that the new WHS calculation came into force on April 1st. This means that although your Handicap Index has not changed, your Course and Playing Handicap will be reduced by a little (1 or 2 shots, depending on rounding) when you play in Moate. 

Your Playing Handicap for Competitions (95%) still applies to the new calculation, and this will also be reduced from its previous value.

RESULTS – Adrian Kennedy Memorial - Stableford 7/4/2024. 1^st Overall: Mark Devery (21) 43pts, 1^st Cat 1: Patrick Lynam (4) 39pts, 1^st Cat 2: George Garvey (11) 37pts, 1^st Cat 3: Brendan Stanley (15) 37pts, 1^st Cat 4: Enda Claffey (19) 40pts, 1^st Ladies: Sinead Healy (14) 37pts.

April 13 Hole Stableford Wk 1. 7/4/2024. Result to follow.  

Linnane & Co. Thursday Open Stableford, 4/4/2024. 1^st: Miceal Fox (18) 44pts, 2^nd: Johnny Mullally (20 40pts, 3^rd: Bernard Browne (20) 36pts.  

Easter Monday Open Stableford, 1/4/2024. 1^st: Oran Dunne (16) 41pts, 2^nd: Liam Galvin (4) 40pts, Gross: Michael Power (3) 36pts, 3^rd: Sinead Power (29) 39pts.

Dermot Horan giving himself plenty of options on Easter Monday! 

FUTURE COMPETITIONS – We have the Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open on the 11th, and next weekend we have the Michael Murray Gardencare club stableford competition. The April 2024 Week 2 club 13 hole comp runs from Monday 8th to Sunday 14^th.

INTERCLUB TEAMS – Hard to believe but it’s that time of the year already with the Golf Ireland interclub season looming large on the horizon. Next weekend we come up against local rivals Mount Temple in both the Mixed Fourball (Saturday) and Leinster Mens Trophy (Sunday) and we wish all involved the very best of luck while representing the club. If at all possible please come along to support those playing, even if it’s only for part of the tie, as we are often faced with opposition clubs having lots of support and we need to start balancing up the numbers.

GOLFER OF THE YEAR 2024 – The table has been updated to include the Easter Weekend competition and after 4 GOTY competitions Ciaran Kerrigan has found his way to the top of the tree on 107pts, Cathal O’Rourke & Tommy Digan are tied second with 95pts. Some 91 members have already collected GOTY points.

COURSE CORNER – We would really appreciate it if everyone can repair fairway/rough divots with the sand/seed bags provided and also take care of your pitchmarks on the green. It is also important to note that we have a short game practice area only and balls should only be struck in the direction of the clubhouse. Please do not practice longer shots down towards the 18^th tee box. Woods are not suitable for the short area we have so please restrict these to the net.

2023 SHAY MURTAGH PRECAST CLUB MATCHPLAY – Congratulations to Mens Captain Sean Egan who proved that the power of the Captains shirt is hard to beat as he defeated Noel Mulligan in the singles final last Friday morning.

JUNIORS – Junior Convenor Mick McLoughlin says that the next Junior lessons are on Friday 12^th April from 5pm to 6.30pm.   

FUNDRAISING QUIZ – We are running a quiz on Thursday 25^th April at 8pm and all are welcome. Teams of 4 with an entry fee of €40 per team, so start watching those Mastermind repeats! Funds will be used to enhance our Juniors programme for the coming year.

2024 GIGS – Kathy Conlon & Eileen White are taking responsibility for the Ladies Get Into Golf programme this year. They will host a taster / registration evening on Thursday April 11^th @ 7pm. It only costs €75 for an 8 week starter course which also includes 4 lessons with a PGA Professional and weekly mentoring. You don’t need to have all the fancy gear to give it ago as clubs etc. are provided, you just need to have an interest in learning how to play golf. Bring a friend!

MEMBERSHIP 2024 – The membership deadline has now long passed so please organise to pay your annual subscription immediately. As you are not insured anyone not paid up will not have access to the course and BRS facilities will be removed. Don’t forget we have a Direct Debit option which can spread your payment over the year. Anna will be happy to help sort this out for you.

VOLUNTEERS GROUP – If you fancy helping out with a little bit of low stress course maintenance join the group at 9.30 every Friday morning.

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – 3 more memories of our golfing past starting with a Sunday Independent dated 26/6/1949, then Westmeath Independents from 21/7/1990 and 13/8/1993. 

1949 – Birr GC Open Meeting – Williams Cup – BJ Hickey (10) and P. Dolan (15), Moate, 70½; E. Walshe (5) and P.J. Harrington (11), Birr, 71. Mixed Foursomes – Dr. O’Shea (12) and Miss O’Connor (24), Ballinasloe, 69, W. Hoctor (18), Birr, and Miss Skeehan (36), Thurles, 70. Ladies Cup – Miss O’Shaughnessy (27) Nenagh, 67; Miss Austin (30), Thurles, (Class II), 68; Mrs. Horan (19), Birr, (Class 1), 75. Best Gross – Mrs. O’Keeffe (15) Portumna, 89.

1990 – Senior golfing success. The Moate golf team competing in the Duggan Cup (for over 50’s) on Sunday last had a successful outing against Lucan which helped to compensate for the previous days mixed foursomes loss. At the weekend the club players compete for the Ballymahon and Ballymore members prize.  

1993 – Moate Golf Club. Result of A. Browne sponsored prizes: 1. M. Kiernan 46pts; Cat. 1, E. Coughlan, 40pts; Cat. 2, D. Browne, 39pts; Cat. 3, P. Abel, 39pts. Result of Athlone Members prizes: 1. P.J. Grogan, 63 nett; Cat. 1, D. Farrell, 64 nett; Cat. 2, M. Grogan, 61 nett; Cat. 3, M. Scally, 64 nett. Back nine, J. O’Connor, 29.5 This is the big week in the club. On Sunday next we take on Arklow in the final of the Provincial Towns Cup. With a 7-2 lead, we only have to win three matches to lift the trophy. Well done to M. Power, Bert Burke, D. White for a great showing in the Mullingar Scratch Cup. A bus leaves for Arklow on Sunday morning with supporters seats still available. Contact E. Lynam or Joe Creggy.

Sean Egan - if I find it I'll play it - being helped by George Garvey. 

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

RESULTS – Easter Weekend Club Comp - Stableford 31/3/2024. 1^st Overall: Brendan Stanley (16) 43pts, 1^st Cat 1: Martin Fleming (4) 39pts, 1^st Cat 2: Cathal O’Rourke (11) 41pts, 1^st Cat 3: Padraig Keenan (14) 40pts, 1^st Cat 4: Mark Devery (22) 42pts, 1^st Ladies: Sinead Hall (30) 40pts.

Paul & Mark Jacob in action with category winner Padraig Keenan on Easter Sunday. 

March 13 hole Week 5, 31/3/2024. 1^st Darren Rosney (8) 31pts.

Good Friday Open Stableford, 29/3/2024. 1^st: George Garvey (11) 44pts, 2^nd: Ciaran Kerrigan (28) 42pts, 3^rd: Nicky Grennan (25) 41pts.

Callum Dunne watches his ball fly in the first Thursday Open of the season. 

Linnane & Co. Thursday Open Stableford, 28/3/2024. 1^st: Mick Young (16) 46pts, 2^nd: Bert Burke (7) 42pts.

FUTURE COMPETITIONS – As well as the Bank Holiday Monday Open we have the Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open on the 5th, and next weekend we have the Adrian Kennedy Memorial club stableford competition. The April 2024 Week 1 club 13 hole comp runs from Monday 1st to Sunday 7th and will be played over holes 1-13 unless otherwise determined by the course staff. Note that prizes awarded will be adjusted weekly depending on entries received.

GOLFER OF THE YEAR 2024 – The table will be updated to include the Easter Weekend competition as soon as possible. In the meantime after 3 GOTY competitions Sean Egan & Tommy Digan are tied at the top with 87pts and Ciaran Kerrigan is 3^rd on 72pts. Some 81 members have already collected GOTY points and 6 have scored in the 3 events.

COURSE CORNER – We would really appreciate it if everyone can repair fairway/rough divots with the sand/seed bags provided and also take care of your pitchmarks on the green. It is also important to note that we have a short game practice area only and balls should only be struck in the direction of the clubhouse. Please do not practice longer shots down towards the 18^th tee box. Woods are not suitable for the short area we have so please restrict these to the net.

2023 SHAY MURTAGH PRECAST CLUB MATCHPLAY – We expect to hear of the date for the final between Sean Egan & Noel Mulligan imminently. 

JUNIORS – Due to unforeseen circumstances the first Juniors session under new Convenor Mick McLoughlin had to be postponed but we hope to have positive news later in the week so watch this space for further details.  

2024 GIGS – Kathy Conlon & Eileen White are taking responsibility for the Ladies Get Into Golf programme this year. They will host a taster / registration evening on Thursday April 11^th @ 7pm. It only costs €75 for an 8 week starter course which also includes 4 lessons with a PGA Professional and weekly mentoring. You don’t need to have all the fancy gear to give it ago as clubs etc. are provided, you just need to have an interest in learning how to play golf. Bring a friend!

MEMBERSHIP 2024 – The membership deadline has now long passed so please organise to pay your annual subscription immediately. As you are not insured anyone not paid up will not have access to the course and BRS facilities will be removed. Don’t forget we have a Direct Debit option which can spread your payment over the year. Anna will be happy to help sort this out for you.

VOLUNTEERS GROUP – If you fancy helping out with a little bit of low stress course maintenance join the group at 9.30 every Friday morning.

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – Another 3 items from the history pages this week starting with an Offaly Independent dated 18/01/1930, then a Westmeath Examiner from 5/4/1975 and finally an Irish Independent of 8/5/1980.

1930 – Indisposed. Mr. Langrell, the popular cashier in the National Bank, has been indisposed for some time past. His duties are being temporarily carried out by Mr. Stronge. (Both men named above were members of Moate Golf Club at this time.)

1975 - On Sunday last the club prize played over 18 holes stableford was won by Charlie Doyle with 39 points. Also on 39 points was Bernie Kelly and in third place came Kevin O’Halloran with 38 points. Also on 38 points was Vincent Fitzpatrick. No doubt the handicap committee will take care of the score cards on the above four.

1980 – Included in the Athlone Scratch Cup on Sunday were Moate members: - 9.33 Tommy O’Brien, 9.40 Hugh Conlon, 9.47 PJ Grogan, 10.43 Dinny White (Tullamore), 12.00 Bert Burke.

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

The 16 hole competition played on Wednesday 20th was sponsored by Carmel Mackey. The winners were 1st Mary Allen (33) 33 pts, 2nd Marie Keane (23) 31 pts and 3rd Geraldine Coughlan (22) 31 pts.

Our 18 hole competitions will commence on Wednesday 3rd April. The ladies draw time from 3rd April will be at 10am.

RESULTS – Seery’s Cash & Carry Club Comp - Stableford 24/3/2024. 1^st Overall: Eoin Ronaldson (19) 43pts, 1^st Cat 1: Tommy Digan (5) 41pts, 1^st Cat 2: Eoin Ryan (11) 39pts, 1^st Cat 3: JJ Guinan (18) 42pts, 1^st Cat 4: Des McLoughlin (20) 41pts, 1^st Ladies: Loreto Boland (16) 37pts.

March 13 hole Week 4, 24/3/2024. 1^st Darren Rosney (8) 32pts, 2^nd Aidan Lennon (18) 31pts.

Seery’s Cash & Carry Winter League Final – 23/3/2024. 1^st M. Goose, D. McLoughlin, G. Jordan, D. Milton (147pts), 2^nd M. McLoughlin, L. Tooher, D. Conlon, B. Browne (144pts), 3^rd M. Collins, J. Bradley, T. Digan, M. Kelly (143pts), 4^th C. Farrell, V. Keogh, SC Connell, G. Colgan (138pts).

Ray Lynam thought he had a tricky shot on the 15th, well look what Sam Moran had to deal with on the 11th!!

FUTURE COMPETITIONS – Lots of golfing opportunities this week with the first Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open on the 28^th, followed on 29^th by our Good Friday Open and an Easter Weekend club competition all topped off with another open stableford on Monday 1^st April. The March 2024 Week 5 club 13 hole comp runs from Monday 25th to Sunday 31st and will be played over holes 1-13 unless otherwise determined by the course staff. Note that prizes awarded will be adjusted weekly depending on entries received.

GOLFER OF THE YEAR 2024 – The table will be updated later in the week. After last week’s competition was added Ciaran Kerrigan finds himself in 1^st place with 72pts with Brendan Hanniffy and Enda Claffey close behind on 66pts and 59pts respectively. Sixteen players managed to score points in both competitions, check in next week to see who managed three scores in a row.  

2023 GOTY Ciaran Lynam receives his prize last week from Mens Captain Sean Egan. 

COURSE CORNER – We would really appreciate it if everyone can repair fairway/rough divots with the sand/seed bags provided and also take care of your pitchmarks on the green. It is also important to note that we have a short game practice area only and balls should only be struck in the direction of the clubhouse. Please do not practice longer shots down towards the 18^th tee box. Woods are not suitable for the short area we have so please restrict these to the net.

2023 SHAY MURTAGH PRECAST CLUB MATCHPLAY – Unfortunately, we are still awaiting confirmation of a date for the final between Noel Mulligan & Sean Egan. 

JUNIORS – “Bring a Buddy Monday” is being launched by the Junior Convenor Mick McLoughlin & his Junior Committee. Lessons will run from 10 – 12 on Mondays starting April 1^st which is the registration day and all are welcome. If anyone interested in learning the brilliant sport that is golf, can come along then and bring a buddy (or two!) we are really looking forward to meeting you and kicking off the Junior Programme. Did you know that Shane Lowry obtained his first golf handicap here in Moate, maybe you can follow in his footsteps!

MEMBERSHIP 2024 – The membership deadline has now long passed so please organise to pay your annual subscription immediately. As you are not insured anyone not paid up will not have access to the course and BRS facilities will be removed very soon. Don’t forget we have a Direct Debit option which can spread your payment over the year. Anna will be happy to help sort this out for you.

SEERY’S CASH & CARRY WINTER LEAGUE 2024 – Sixteen eager teams of four hit the fairways very early last Saturday morning in our 2024 Winter League Final. After negotiating the blustery chilly wind Team 18 – Michael Goose, Des McLoughlin, Gerry Jordan & Derek Milton emerged victorious. Congratulations to them and all the other prize winners and thanks to everyone who participated since early last November in a very successful event. Full results are above.  

VOLUNTEERS GROUP – After a few good weeks only 2 people attended the Friday morning volunteers group for 9.30am last week. Surely we can get a few more than that?

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – Another 3 items from the history pages this week starting way back  with an Irish Independent dated 11/2/1916, then a Westmeath Independent snippet from 18/12/1970 and finally a very brief mention for Moate in a Drogheda Independent of 31/8/1984.

1916 – Mr. R.F. Shanahan, on the occasion of his promotion to the sub-managership of the National Bank, Longford, was presented by the Moate Golf Club, of which he was Hon. Sec., with a silver table service.

1970  - The Captain of Moate Golf Club Mr. Noel McLoughlin won the prize sponsored by Mr. James Flynn, Ballymahon with a score of 3 up at the local course on Sunday. Second was Mr. Liam Cox 2 up. Third was Mr. Alfie Dodd and fourth was Mr. P.J. Grogan. Competition for Sunday next: Fourball v Par draw at 2pm.

1984 – Baltray qualified to meet Carlow in the Provincial decider of the Leinster Senior Cup when they won the Northern Section at Bettystown on Sunday last. From an early stage it was obvious that the final would be fought out by the old firm Baltray and Bettystown. In the semifinals Baltray beet Greenore and Bettystown accounted for surprise packets Moate.

Andy Dunne, Michael O'Leary, John Smyth & Mark Devery at the Intermediate Alliance outing in Glasson on Sunday. 

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

(Photos in this weeks reports are courtesy of Mike Hiney, Martin Horan, Mark Devery, Sean Egan & Andy Dunne)

Monday 25th ** Just received the final Midlands Intermediate Alliance Results from Glasson this morning - Cat 1 : 1st S. Mullen 39pts, 2nd G. Lovell 38pts, 3rd Pat Malone (Moate) 38pts, 4th Phil Behan (Moate) 35pts, 5th Ray Donoghue (Moate) 34pts. Cat 2: 1st Mark Devery (Moate) 45pts, 2nd F. Daly 43pts, 3rd P. Hanley 39pts, 4th P. Healy 39pts, 5th A. Cassidy 36pts. Front 9: Kevin Allen (Moate) 20pts, Back 9: E. Byrne 21pts. Longest Drive: Mark Devery (Moate), Nearest the Pin: F. Daly. Thanks to everyone for their great support this year see you all next bseason. (Paddy / Mollie /Stephen). And on behalf of all the alliance members we sincerley thank the lads for all their hard work in organising the outings throughout the winter and spring months. 

Here's a few photos from last Mondays Captains Drive In for Sean Egan & Veronica McCormack. 

It is with regret that we have learned of the passing of PJ Grogan, who was Captain of the club in 1974 and was a key member of the club for a number of years. We offer sincere condolences to all his family and many friends. 

Funeral arrangements are available here - https://rip.ie/death-notice/pj-grogan-westmeath-moate-550836