RESULTS – Moate Meats (Stableford) 24/9/2023: 1^st Overall – Nicky Grennan (26) 40pts, 1^st Cat 1 – Jamal Sabir (+1) 37pts, 1^st Cat 2 – Ciaran Lynam (10) 36pts, 1^st Cat 3 – Denis Cronin (18) 39pts, 1^st Cat 4 – John Naughton (20) 37pts, 1^st Ladies – Claire Varley (29) 34pts.

Spot the difference! Finbarr Fielding, Micheal M. Kelly, John Reynolds and Mens Captain Mike Hiney were in action early on Sunday. 

Weekly 13 Hole (Stableford) 24/9/2023: 1^st Philip Dully (23) 28pts.

Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open (Stableford) 21/9/2023: 1^st Sean Bohan (20) 44pts, 2^nd Miceal Fox (20) 39pts, Gross – Michael Power (4) 31pts, 3^rd Marian Fogarty (16) 37pts.

Tommy Campbell & Vinny McCormack playing in the Moate Meats competition on Sunday also. 

COMPETITIONS – Next weekend we have the Kevin Bell Trust Classic on Saturday (see below for details) and the T.A. Dolan Cup (Stableford) on Sunday. The Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open is on the 28th and the weekly running 13 holes can also be played any day. Just be mindful on the 13 hole one that you must use the handicap relating to whatever tees you play from.

KEVIN BELL TRUST CLASSIC FUNDRAISER – Former member Ian Flanagan passed away in New Zealand last November. At that time Ian’s wife & family received support from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund. This is an Irish charity dedicated to helping families bring home loved ones who have been lost abroad. Sean & Francie Flanagan are running a classic at Moate GC on September 30^th to raise funds for the Kevin Bell fund, to help other families in the future. Sadly, the Kevin Bell Trust services are very much in demand. A team of 4 costs €160 and there are limited spaces left. To book contact Anna in the shop 090 648 1271. Tee box sponsorship is another option and donations via https:www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/TeamFlanagan are also much appreciated.

COURSE CORNER – Some greens have been hollow cored and sanded and this will continue for the coming weeks. Bear in mind that this process is essential to the provision of good greens. Please continue to carry a sand bag for divots and a pitch mark repairer to fix all the pitch marks.

2023 GOTY – Things are fairly heating up now and a number of the leading contenders registered good scores at the weekend. Ciaran Lynam has a 13pt lead over Jamal Sabir who has 380pts with Eoin Ryan 3^rd on 357pts. Donal Brennan is the 209^th player to earn points this year.  

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – More gems from the memorabilia goldmine this week found in a Tipperary Star dated 17/8/1946 and a Westmeath Examiner of 7/4/1990.

1946 - “The first open meeting of Thurles Golf Club on Sunday at Turtulla, despite the most unusual inclemency of the weather in the afternoon proved an outstanding success. Contingents of golfers arrived from Dublin, Kildare, the Curragh, Moate, Birr, Fermoy, Tipperary, Rathdowney and Nenagh clubs. Sixty-eight competitors took the field for the 18 hole stroke competition in the morning. The cup and prize for the best gross was won by Dr. T.J. Kirby (7) of the Curragh Golf Club who did the 18 holes in 79 strokes, a remarkable achievement for a man who had not previously played over the course.”

1990 - “Artificers Prize: Winner, J. Kenny 63 nett; category 0-9, E. Connolly, 65 nett; category 10-17, B. Costello, 65 nett; category 18-28, T. Sugrue, 69 nett; front nine, D. Power, 30 ½ nett; back nine T. Power, 31 ½ nett. The Artificers prize was also the first round qualifier for the Carroll’s Pro-Am. In the 0-9 category the leading contenders are E. Connolly (65) and L. Galvin (69). On current form E. Connolly should qualify easily. In the 10-17 category a group of 13 players are grouped between 63 and 69. J. Kenny should be favourite but watch out for B. Costello and M. Forde. B. Costello is riding high after his victory over B. Burke in the 90 Lynam Shield and will be difficult to beat. The high handicapper played poorly with only T. Sugrue, N. Ross and Fr. Cremin able to break 70. On this weekend we will be playing the very popular free-sub competition and on Friday night at 9 o’clock there is a table quiz in the clubhouse.”

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

The competition on Wednesday 13th was the Kathleen Kelly Memorial sponsored by Liam Galvin, Kathleen Kelly & Anna O'Brien. The winners were 1st Geraldine Coughlan (23) 67 nett, 2nd Ella Grennan (9) 70 nett, 3rd Sinead Power (30) 71nett, Cat 1 Marion Fogarty (16) 75 nett, Cat 2 Mary Rohan (26) 78 nett,3rd  Cat 3 Carmel Coughlan (29) 72 nett and Cat 4 Bernie Lennon (48) 79 nett.

The competition on Wednesday last was sponsored by Eileen White & Mary Rohan. The winners were 1st Mary Rohan (27) 40 pts, Cat 1 Ella Grennan (10) 38 pts, Cat 2 Marie Keane (24) 35 pts, Cat 3 Sinead Hall (31) 38 pts & Cat 4 Marie O'Donaghue (55) 31 pts.

Our Lady Captain Marie Keane deserves high praise and much thanks for arranging a most enjoyable Away Day to Tulfaris Hotel & Golf resort. Despite the golf starting a bit later than intended due to some thunder & lightening , everyone enjoyed their golf. The meal & overnight stay was also very much enjoyed. Thanks Marie.

The competition on Wednesday 30th last was sponsored by Sinead Power & Ann Magee. The winners were 1st Pearse Corbett (21) 36 pts, Cat 1 Beth Dunne (19) 32 pts, Cat 2 Mary Kerrigan (28) 34 pts, Cat 3 Eileen Fagan (39) 34 pts & Cat 4 Bernie Lennon (48) 34 pts.

The winners of the 1st 9 hole running competition were 1st Aine Feeley, 2nd Joan Molloy & 3rd Bernie Lennon.

There will be a presentation of all Outstanding prizes on Tuesday 5th at 7pm in the clubhouse.

RESULTS – Masterstone 2 Person Scramble (Strokeplay) 3/9/2023: 1^st Men – David Digan & Nicky Grennan 62.5, 2^nd Men – Philip Dalton & Padraig Keenan 64.3, 1^st Mixed – Michael Power & Sinead Power 62.5, 2^nd Mixed – Veronica Colgan & Willie Colgan 66.5, 1^st Ladies – Carmel Foxe & Joan Molloy 66.5, 2^nd Ladies – Loreto Boland & Carmel Carroll 71.5

Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open (Stableford) 31/8/2023: 1^st Michael Lynch Jnr. (2) 42pts, 2^nd Danny Conlon (21) 38pts, 3^rd Eddie Nally (14) 36pts.

A rainbow before the heavy rain and then glorious sunshine. All part of this weeks Thursday Open! 

COMPETITIONS – Next weekend is the Pro Golf Athlone sponsored open stableford and this is followed the following week by the Grand Hotel, Moate stableford competition.  

The Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open is on the 7^th and 14^th September and the weekly running 13 holes can also be played any day. Just be mindful on the 13 hole one that you must use the handicap relating to whatever tees you play from.

Callum Dunne & Patrick Lynam in Scramble action at the weekend. 

PAR 3 RESTAURANT CLOSURE – Unfortunately our restaurant facilities are currently completely closed and we are actively seeking expressions of interest from anyone interested in taking over. Please contact the Hon. Secretary in writing to the club or by email at moategolfclub@outlook.com    

COURSE CORNER – Although the course is looking great we are always striving to make it even better. This involves everyone playing their part by taking a sand bag for divots and a pitch mark repairer to fix all the pitch marks.

2023 MATCHPLAYS – We made more progress in both the Shay Murtagh Precast Club Matchplay & Keenan Bauer Scotch Foursomes but we still need to get those outstanding matches played as quickly as possible.  

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – Another bit of time travelling through history and we found ywo pieces from the Westmeath Independent dated 20/5/1950 from Athlone Golf club featuring a Moate GC winner and the Moate GC notes 21/12/1963.   

1950 - “Red Cross open Meeting. Ideal weather favoured the open meeting on Athlone links on Sunday last in aid of the Irish Red Cross Society and there were good entries for all competitions. Results were: 18 Hole Stroke: T. Griffin, Moate, 69 nett; runner-up, S. King, Athlone, 72 nett. Fourball v Bogey; Declan Sheeran and J. Kirby, Athlone, 7 up ; runners-up, W. Callanan and J. Cawley, 3 up. Putting: Tie between J. Langford, Ballinasloe and Miss Sheila O’Sullivan, Athlone.”

1963 - “The Christmas Hamper competitions were completed on Sunday last and the results were as follows:- Lady’s 1^st hamper was won by Miss T. O’Leary; the Mens hamper was won by Mr. Joe Callahan, with a score of 90 ½ for the best three cards, beating Tommie O’Brien by ½ a shot into second place with 91. Best gross went to Willie Boulger and the secret score was divided between John Walsh and E. Griffin. The standard was very high.”

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

Well done to our Lady President Geraldine Coughlan on her successful prize day on Sunday. Despite the wet weather a large number of ladies turned up to play. Congratulations to the very popular winner Sinead Healy (15) who won with 106 nett, 2nd Ella Grennan (10) 107 nett, Gross Joan Molloy (13) 124.5 gross, 3rd Kathy Conlon (28) 113 nett, 4th Carmel Connolly (14) 115 nett, 5th Mary Horan (26) 115 nett, Leading qualifier Sinead Power (30) 77 nett, Past President Betty Behan (25) 119.5 nett, Seniors Grainne Costello (44) 118 nett, Front 9 Eileen White (30) 33.5 nett, Back 9 Sinead Hall (31) 40.5 nett, Men's 1st David Delaney & 2nd Roger Quinn. Following the presentation of prizes Geraldine was joined by her family, friends & golfers in a lovely meal.

The Grainne Og competition sponsored by Boutique Clodagh Athlone held on Monday 21st with clubs from around the midlands taking part. The Moate B team of Geraldine Coughlan, Marianne Young, Ella Grennan & Sinead Hall won the competition. The Athlone team of Kathleen McDonnell, Catherine Fitzgerald, Lily O'Sullivan & Anna Walsh were runners up. Ella Grennan Moate won nearest the pin & Emily Donahue Tullamore the longest drive. We would like to thank Clodagh and all our sponsors.

the competition on Wednesday last was sponsored by Clara & Moate Credit Union. The winners were 1st Carmel Carroll (23) 42 pts, Cat 1 Ella Grennan (9) 36 pts, Cat 2 Marie Keane (24) 34 pts, Cat 3 Dolores Moodley (32) 35 pts & Cat 4 Bernie Lennon (48) 35 pts.

Congratulations to our Lady President Geraldine Coughlan who had a very successful final on Sunday. Well done to Sinead Healy on her victory and of course all the other prize winners. On Saturday we had a rarity in both the Mens Captain and Mens President winning categories in the Cllr. Vinny McCormack sponsored stableford competition.

RESULTS – Cllr. Vinny McCormack (Stableford) 26/8/2023: 1^st Overall – Nick Linnane (20) 38pts, 1^st Cat 1 – Dom Fitzpatrick (6) 34pts, 1^st Cat 2 – Mike Hiney (10) 37pts, 1^st Cat 3 – Michael Goose (18) 37pts, 1st Cat 4 – Ciaran Kerrigan (29) 35pts, 1^st Ladies – Ella Grennan (9) 34pts.

Sean Connell in action on Saturday's Cllr. Vinny McCormack competition. 

13 Hole Weekly Running 27/8/2023: 1^st Willie Colgan (16) 31pts

Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open (Stableford) 24/8/2023: 1^st Paddy Costello (26) 44pts, 2^nd John Naughton (20) 40pts, Gross: Jamal Sabir (0) 31pts, 3^rd Willie Colgan (16) 38pts.

COMPETITIONS – This week we have something a little different which proved very popular last year with the Masterstone sponsored 2 Person Scramble. It’s a re-entry pairs competition running from Monday 28th August to Sunday 3^rd September. Each member of the pair hit drives and play balls from their best position until they hole out. Final team score is strokes taken over 18 holes less 25% of their combined playing handicap off the white tees (red for the women). €10 per member first entry and €5 for re-entries. The Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open is on the 31^st and the weekly running 13 holes can also be played any day. Just be mindful on the 13 hole one that you must use the handicap relating to whatever tees you play from.

Needless to say we didnt use my ball this time in the Esker Hills Annual Club Classic! 

PAR 3 RESTAURANT – Unfortunately our restaurant facilities are being reduced to Sundays only for the next few weeks and we are actively seeking expressions of interest from anyone interested in taking over. Please contact the Hon. Secretary in writing to the club or by email at moategolfclub@outlook.com    

COURSE CORNER – Although the course is looking great we are always striving to make it even better. This involves everyone playing their part by taking a sand bag for divots and a pitch mark repairer to fix all the pitch marks.

2023 MATCHPLAYS – We made more progress in both the Shay Murtagh Precast Club Matchplay & Keenan Bauer Scotch Foursomes but we still need to get those outstanding matches played as quickly as possible.  

Lady Presidents Prize Gallery - 

2023 GOTY – After Cllr. Vinny McCormack’s competition on Saturday Ciaran Lynam still leads on 330pts, and Michael O’Leary is 18pts behind in second. Tommy Digan moves up to 3^rd on 286pts and Mike Hiney scores for the third week running to slip smoothly into seventh. Benny Greham grabs 37pts and is the highest new entry on the table which has 204 scoring GOTY points so far.

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – Another deep dive into past this week and we found pieces from a Westmeath Independent dated 1/6/1957 and a Westmeath Examiner dated 27/2/1971.   

1957 - “There was a big entry for the open day at Moate club on Sunday. With most midland clubs represented. The winner of the strokes competition which was held in the morning was Rev. Fr. Foran, CC., Moate (16), with 67. The runner-up was Mr. Des Hoctor, Athlone, who returned 68. Mr. J. O’Sullivan, Athlone, returned the best gross with 72. The fourball took place in the evening and the winners were Dr. A. Hughes and Mr. P. McGrath, Moate.”

1971 - “At the Annual General Meeting of Moate Golf Club a very successful year was reported. Officers elected were: Patron, Very Rev. Canon McGivney; President, Mr. Liam Cox, Captain, Mr. Michael O’Halloran; Captain Elect, Mr. Eamon Griffin; Hon. Sec. Mr. Joe McLaughlin; Hon. Treasurer, Mr. Alfie Dodd; Committee, Mr. John McLoughlin, Dr. Hughes, Messrs. Andrew McLoughlin, Tommy O’Brien (P.R.O.), David Dolan, T.A. Dolan, Jimmy Flynn (Ballymahon), A. Commerton, P.J. Grogan, Paddy Ryan. Subscriptions are now due and should be sent to Mr. Dodd.”

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

A very enjoyable day was had by all yesterday at the annual Grainne Og team event. Here are our winners from Moate and runners up from Athlone. Thanks to all the clubs who participated. 

RESULTS – Mick Glennon Memorial (Strokeplay) 20/8/2023: 1^st Overall – Liam Galvin (5) 69 nett, 2^nd Dermot Horan (19) 70 nett, Gross: Jamal Sabir (0) 73, 3^rd Ollie Seery (20) 71 nett, Senior: Brendan Daly (12) 72 nett, Ladies 1^st Carmel Carroll (23) 68 nett, 2^nd Marie Keane (24) 74 nett.

Kevin Mitchell in the Mick Glennon Memorial on Sunday. 

Scratch Championship 20/8/2023: 1st Jamal Sabir (0) 73.  

Mick Power in Scratch Championship action. 

13 Hole Weekly Running 20/8/2023: 1^st Martin Horan (17) 26pts

Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open (Stableford) 17/8/2023: 1^st Callum Dunne (10) 42pts, 2^nd Philip Kelly (11) Tullamore 38pts, Gross: Jamal Sabir (0) 32pts, 3^rd George Garvey (10) 35pts.

COMPETITIONS – Next weekend we have a Councillor Vinny McCormack sponsored stableford competition on the Saturday and there is a 13 hole competition for the men as part of Geraldine Coughlan’s Lady Presidents Day on Sunday 27^th.  We wish Lady President Geraldine all the very best for her big day. The well supported Nick Linnane & Co. Thursday Open is on the 24th and the weekly running 13 holes can be played any day. Just be mindful on the 13 hole one that you must use the handicap relating to whatever tees you play from.

PAR 3 RESTAURANT – Unfortunately our restaurant facilities are being reduced to Sundays only for the next few weeks and we are actively seeking expressions of interest from anyone interested in taking over. Please contact the Hon. Secretary in writing to the club or by email at moategolfclub@outlook.com    

COURSE CORNER – Although the course is looking great we are always striving to make it even better. This involves everyone playing their part by taking a sand bag for divots and a pitch mark repairer to fix all the pitch marks.

Mike Hiney had a chat with some visitors to the pond on 14. 

2023 MATCHPLAYS – We made some progress in both the Shay Murtagh Precast Club Matchplay & Keenan Bauer Scotch Foursomes but we need to get those outstanding matches played as quickly as possible.  

2023 GOTY – After the Mick Glennon Memorial Ciaran Lynam stretches his lead a little with 330pts, now 18pts ahead of Michael O’Leary with Jamal Sabir on 282pts in third. Just one new entry this week with Neil Fuery the 203rd member to pick up GOTY points so far.

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – In this week’s dip into the history pages we have items from an Irish Independent dated 7/9/2011 and an Irish Press dated 25/6/1958.  

“Seniors Cl1: T. Revins 33pts, B. McGowan 29pts, J. Greene 27pts. Cl2: R. Ross 32pts, V. Cronolly 30pts, K. Lowry 29pts. Matchplay semi-final: T. Revins beat B. McGowan 3&2, E. Finnerty beat P. Carroll 2&1.”

“Legal Notice. Registration of Clubs (Ireland) Act 1904-1927. Kindly take notice that it is our intention to apply at the District Court to be held at Moate on the 17^th July, 1958, on behalf of Adam J. Carton, secretary of Moate Golf Club, for a renewal of the Certificate of Registration attached to Moate Golf Club, situate at Moate, parish of Ballyloughloe, Barony of Clonlonan and County of Westmeath. Dated this 24^th day of June, 1958. (Signed) ADAM J. CARTON, Secretary. Griffin & Creagh Solicitors for Applicant, Moate.”

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

The competition on Wednesday last was sponsored by Madeline Keneghan & Grainne Costelloe . the winners were 1st Maura Igoe (29) 37 pts, Cat 1 Joan Molloy (14) 36 pts, Cat 2 Kathy Conlon (28) 36 pts, Cat 3 Marianne Young (29) 34 pts& Cat 4 Carmel Mackey (48) 31 pts. The results of the July Running competition are 1st Patricia Mc Cormack (33) 50 pts, 2nd Anne Healy (31) 45 pts & 3rd Grainne Costello (41) 42 pts.

The club will host clubs from around the midlands on Monday 21st nextfot the Grainne Og Trophy. Following refreshments there will be a shogun start at 11.30.

An important date for our ladies is Sunday 27th August when Lady President Geraldine Coughlan's Prize will be held. More on this next week.