It was good weekend on the inter-club front. On Saturday the Senior team qualified for the Leinster North quarter-finals when they finished fourth in the qualifier at Laytown and Bettystown.

​Caolan Rafferty led the way with a super bogey-free six under par 65 and was followed home by Eoin Murphy (71), Joseph Laverty (78) and Chris Clarke (79). That left

Dundalk on +9, two shots ahead of fifth place Laytown & Bettystown, one shot behind third place Corrstown, and three behind Co Louth and Malahide who both finished on +6.

On Sunday, the Junior Cup team reached the Leinster semi-final with a 3-2 win over Beaverstown. Ciaran Traynor and Clem Walshe both won at home with player manager Brian Óg Renaghan securing the winning point away.

 
ENDS

Jamie Thompson from Banbridge won the Building Information Junior Cup on Saturday on countback from Clontarf’s Conor O’Brien after both were tied on two-over par.

O’Brien went out in level par with a bogey at the third balanced by a birdie on eight. However, his back nine got off to the worst possible start with a double bogey on the par five 10th and even though he birdied the 12th and 14th he also bogeyed 13 and 15 to come home in two over par 38.

Thompson went out in two over par after bogeying the fourth and ninth but he caught fire on the run home with four birdies at the 10th, 12th, 14th and 18th.  They were offset by bogeys at the 13th, 15th, 16th and 17th as he came home in level par to take the tournament on countback.  

Saturday, June 30 – Building Information Junior Scratch Cup - Winner (Banbridge GC) Jamie Thompson (Banbridge) 74/36, Conor Joseph O'Brien (Clontarf) 74/38, Padraig Kelly (Greenore) 75, Richard Newell 75, Aidan Thornton 77. Nett: Cameron Kilcoyne (11) 70.
 
ENDS

An impressive outward nine of 29 nett, including six one over pars, built the solid
foundation that saw Niall Sloane (38) emerge as the winner of Lady Captain Mags
Coburn’s Prize to Men in the 18 hole Stroke Play competition.
 
Niall continued his steady scoring, for a nett 35, on the back nine to finish on a final tally of 64 nett, two strokes ahead of the nearest contenders.
 
Overall runner up Paul Culligan (29), after turning in 35 nett, put in an impressive
back nine that included three solid pars and four one over pars, to come home in 31 nett
and a final tally of nett 66.
 
The divisional winners were Stuart Wilson (13) 67, Tony O’Connell (15) 66 and
Eamon Kelly (21) 66.
 
An outward nine that began in spectacular style with a birdie three at the first hole for
five points set Tony Hanna (27) on his way to winning the midweek Open Singles
Stableford Competition sponsored by McKenna Man with a final tally of 46 points.
 
After the impressive start Tony went on to boost his score further with five three
pointers to turn on 25 points. He held his nerve on the back nine, parring the par four
11th and par five 12th holes for four pointers, picked up three points on the par four
16th hole, before finishing with a brace of two pointers on the final two holes to come
home in 21 points.

His 46 points was two points ahead of his nearest challengers Martin McDonnell (23) and Benny O’Shaughnessy (26) with McDonnell taking second overall on countback. O’Shaughnessy claimed the Division 3 honours with Ross Quigley (8) winning Division 1 and Fionnan Ryan (21)
 
Saturday, June 22 and Sunday, June 23 - Lady Captain Mags’ Coburn Prize to the Men -18 Holes Stroke Play – Overall: Niall Sloane (38) 64, Paul Culligan (29) 66. Gross: Garrett Duffy 73. Veteran Prize: Bill McCarthy (34) 69. Division 1: Stuart Wilson (13) 69, Sean Gallagher (13) 68, Stephen English (8) 69. Division 2: Tony O’Connell (15) 66, Andrew Cumiskey (18) 67, Derek Teather (16) 68. Division3: Eamon Kelly (21) 66, Kevin O’Connor (27) 67, John McGeady (24) 69.
Wednesday, June 26 - McKenna Man Open Singles Stableford – Overall: Tony Hanna (27) 46pts. Martin McDonnell (23/19/12) 42pts. Division 1: Ross Quigley (8) 41pts, Ken Norton (7) 40pts. Division 2: Fionnan Ryan (21) 38 pts, Gerard O’Keeffe (13) 38pts. Division 3: Brendan O’Shaughnessy (26/19/13) 42pts, Paul Hanratty (30) 40pts. Gross Recognition: Garrett Duffy (2) 38pts

A storming back nine of two under par gross to finish on a nett score of 65 saw Terry Conlon (8) claim Leslie Walker’s Professional Prize in impressive style.
On his outward nine he carded four pars and a birdie three at the fourth hole to turn on 35 nett. He produced a flawless back nine, parring seven holes and scoring back to back birdies at the par three 13th and par four 14th holes to come home with a nett 30.
The most spectacular round of the competition was a nett 59 by Malcolm Drake (21) but he to settle for the runners up prize because of the rule that, to be eligible to win a major competition, three club qualifying rounds must be completed in the current Calendar year.
His outward nine of 29 nett was made up of five pars and four bogeys. He continued his scoring spree on the back nine, notching five pars, to come home in nett 30.  
It was also a memorable competition for Craig Colgan (26) who had a hole in one on the par three fifth hole.
The divisional winners were Billy Cairns (8), Frank P Byrne (15), and Conor McDonnell (28).
Eamon McEneaney (18) with 41 points took the top prize in the midweek Open Singles Stableford Competition sponsored by McKenna Man.
He laid the foundations for his win with a solid outward nine made up of six two pointers and boosted by a birdie two at the fifth hole for four points and pars for three points at the par five seventh and par four eighth holes to turn on 22 points.
He maintained his consistency on the back nine to come home with 19 points with a total that included pars for three pointers at the par four 14th and 16th holes and the par three 17th hole.
Eamon’s better back nine just edged out Niall Sloane (39) who also finished with 41 points after a memorable outward nine that included five three pointers and a four pointer.
Divisional winners Garrett Duffy (3), Kevin McNally (20) and Jim Burlingham (34) all finished on 39 points.
Saturday, June 15 and Sunday, June 16 – Leslie Walker’s Professional’s Prize - 18 hole stableford competition - Overall Winner: Terry Conlon (8) 65. Runner up: Malcolm Drake (21) 59*. Gross: Caolan Rafferty 68. Veteran’s Prize: Richard Barry (13) 70. Division 1: Billy Cairns (8) 67, Ken Norton (9) 67, David T. Staunton (8) 68. Division 2: Frank P Byrne (15) 66, Sean Matthews (17) 67, Gareth Halpin (16) 67. Division 3: Conor McDonnell (28) 66, Paul O’Reilly (22) 67, Paul Lynch (23) 69. *Did not have three qualifying rounds played this year.
Wednesday, June 19-McKenna Man Open Singles Stableford Competition. Overall: Eamon McEneaney (19) 41pts, Niall Sloane (39) 41pts. Division 1: Garrett Duffey (3) 39pts. Division 2: Kevin McNally (20) 39pts. Division 3: Jim Burlington (34) 39pts. Gross Recognition: Garrett Duffy 36pts.

The annual Four Lady team event in aid of the Hospice and Homecare was played on Saturday 8th June and Tuesday 11th June this year. This is a very popular competition in the ladies golfing calendar with all proceeds going towards North Louth Branch Hospice and  Homecare.

The competition was once again very kindly sponsored by Catherine Mc Elligott and Paula Bishoff of the Hair Shop. This is The Hair Shops 28th year in sponsoring this fantastic event and the Ladies Club is very grateful for their continued support.

Maura O’Callaghan Director of the North Louth Branch and Mary Murphy North Louth Branch were only thrilled with the amount of support received. Maura gave a very moving speech on the how the Hospice was founded in 1992 with the objective of helping people diagnosed with cancer and their families in the North Louth area. Some of the services they provide include assisting patients with transport to hospital appointments, provision of specialist homecare services, home help and family support.

Forty-six teams competed this year and in excess of €8000 was raised. Visiting Clubs included Millicent, Mannan, Headfort, Greenore, Ardee, Concra Wood and Warrenpoint.
Some very high scores were returned with the winning team Mary Thornton CH 44, Siobhan Rogers CH 23, Martina Byrne CH 44 and Amanda Reenan CH 36 with a score of 107 points. Runners up were Mary McGinnity CH 43, Ciara McGinnity CH 35, Elaine Rossiter CH 40 (Millicent GC) Zeta McGarry CH 36 (Millicent GC) with a score of 106 points. In third place was Pat Cleary CH 32, Criona O Reilly CH 14, Mary Laverty CH 29, Nicola Fee CH 44 with a score of 104 points on a count back.

9 Hole Results:
Winners:
Joan Corrigan CH 14, Francis Molloy CH 22, Margaret Dolan CH22 and Anne Fleming CH22 (Mannan and Ardee GC) with a score of 52 points.

Runners Up:
Clodagh Green CH22, Mary Steen CH22, Marcella Carr CH22 and Rita Mullholland CH 22 with a score of 44 points.
 
On a separate note, Dundalk Golf Club are hosting a Midsummer Golf Special. This is a 9-hole 4 person semi open team with a shot gun start at 6pm followed by a ‘Pig on a Spit’ buffet and entertainment. It promises to be a fantastic evening in the club. Tickets are available at the bar and cost €30 per person.
​
Dundalk Golf Clubs Open week will commence on 29th June to 7th July 2024. Timesheets are now open on the BRS. There is a full schedule of competitions and promises to be a great week of competitive golf.

A back nine surge that included six pars saw Ciaran Flanagan (20) emerge winner of the weekend Singles Stableford Competition with 43 points.
After a steady start early on his outward nine, Ciaran boosted his score with a run of pars for three pointers on the two par five holes – six and seven - and the par four eighth to turn on 20 points.
He began his back nine in impressive fashion, carding three pointers on the 10th, 11th and 12th holes, adding another three points on the par four 14th before finishing in style with a home run of three pointers thanks to pars at the 16th, 17th and 18th holes to come home in 23 points.
Ciaran just edged out Conor Marron (26) who was runner up on 42 points. Better back nines saw the divisional honours go to Maurice Soraghan (8) who won Division 1 with 38pts, Leonard Mullins (19) who won Division 2 with 39pts and in-form Noel Reid (23) who claimed Division 3 with 41pts.
An impressive run of scoring on the back nine that included a birdie and three pars saw Gerry Oakes (18) with 40 points emerge the winner of the midweek Open Singles Stableford Competition sponsored by McKenna Man.
Gerry turned on 18 points and with a par five at the 10th hole for three points settled into a pattern of consistent scoring adding two more three pointers and four two pointers before crowning it all with a birdie at the par three 17th hole for four points to come home in 22 points.
His better back nine just edged out Josef Cervenka (11) from Corballi Links Golf Club who finished runner up on 39 points. His round that also included impressive scoring on the closing nine with three birdies at the 10th , 16th and 18th holes for two four pointers and a three pointer to come home in 21 points.
The winners of Divisions 1 and 3, Vincent Conlon (10) and Paul Mellon (23), also carded 39 points with Division 2 winner Frank O’Hagan (23) one shot back on 38 points.
Saturday, June 8 and Sunday, June 9-Singles Stableford Competition. Overall: Ciaran Flanagan (20) 43pts, Conor Marron (26) 42pts. Division I: Maurice Soraghan (8) 38/20pts, Gerard O’Keeffe (13) 38/17pts. Division 2: Leonard Mullins (19) 39/20pts, Aidan Gaughran (18) 39/19pts. Division 3: Noel Reid (23) 41/23pts, Declan Curran (31) 41/20pts. Gross Recognition: Aidan Lawless (33pts.
Wednesday, June 12 - McKenna Man Open Singles Stableford Competition – Overall: Gerry Oakes (18) 40pts, Josef Cervenka (11) 39pts. Division 1: Vincent Conlon (10) 39pts. Division 2: Frank O’Hagan (23) 38pts. Division 3: Paul Mellon (23) 39pts. Overall Gross: Christopher Clarke 35pts.
ENDS

Reminder: Time Sheets for the upcoming Open Week (running from 29 June to 6 July) will open tonight (Wednesday 12 June) at 8pm. 

​David Lawrence, playing off 23, emerged as the clear winner of the weekend Paddy Markey & Veterans Cup strokeplay competition sponsored by The Neptune, Blackrock, bringing in a nett 63 to leave him four shots ahead of his nearest challengers.
David set a solid pace on his outward nine with a string of nett fours at the first three holes and maintained his consistency with nett threes at the par four fourth and par three fifth holes and went on to par the eighth hole for a nett three to turn on a score of nett 34.
His back nine was even more impressive with a run of pars at the par five 10th and 12th holes and the par four 11th and par three 13th holes. He finished in style with a birdie three on the 18th hole to come home in nett 29.
There was tight competition for the divisional honours. Ken Norton on nett 69 won Division 1, edging out Jim Dwyer, also on 69, with an impressive closing nine of nett 29 that consisted of three birdies and six pars. Division 2 honours went to Conor Rafferty who squeezed past Tommy Renaghan on countback.
The Veteran’s Prize was won by Thomas McDonnell (26) with a net 68, reflecting a solid, consistent round of scoring with net 34’s on both nines.
Mark O’Sullivan (21) won the June Bank Holiday Open Singles Stableford Competition, sponsored by The Neptune, Blackrock, with 45 points. He laid the foundation for his win on the front nine with back-to-back birdies for four points at the par fours second and third holes and a par for another four points at the index one par four fourth hole, before adding another four points when paring the par five seventh hole, to turn on 25 points. His back nine included a birdie four at the 10th hole for four points and a solid run of two and three pointers to come home in 20 points.
Michael J Gallagher (19) put in a storming back nine performance to claim the overall winners prize in the Open Singles Stableford Competition sponsored by McKenna Man with 41 points. After nine holes he had 18 points but it was on the closing nine holes that he came alive, with five three pointers in a row from the 10th to the 14th holes before finishing in style with a par four on the 18th hole for another three points to come home with 23 points.
Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2 - Paddy Markey & Veterans Cup Stroke sponsored by The Neptune, Blackrock – Overall: David Lawrence (23) 63. Veterans Cup: Thomas McDonnell (26) 68. Gross: Darren Myles 74. Division 1: Ken Norton (9) 69/28.5, Jim Dwyer (12) 69/32. Division 2: Conor Rafferty (17) 69/30.5/16.3. Tommy Renaghan (17) 69/30.5/18.3. Division 3: Michael Begley (21) 67/31.5, Conor McGowan (20) 67/36.
Monday, June 3 - Open Singles Stableford sponsored by The Neptune, Blackrock. Overall: Mark O’Sullivan (21) 45pts, Garrett Duffy (4) 44pts. Division 1: David Murden (18) 41pts. Division 2: Sean McCreesh (18) 41pts. Division 3: Noel Reid (23) 40pts. Gross Recognition: Conall Murdock 32pts.
Wednesday, June 5 - McKenna Man Open Singles Stableford - Overall: Michael J Gallagher (19) 41pts. Division 1: Kevin Redmond (12) 36pts. Division 2: Tony Ryan (18) 37pts. Division 3: Gerard Cluskey (24) 40pts. Gross Recognition: Neal Mackell 35pts.

Gerard Daly (20) won the Singles Stableford competition held over the weekend of May 18 and 19 when he shot 41pts to pip Gavin Tinnelly (35), Austin Shaw (9) and Odhran MacShane (9).
He went out in 20pts, helped by three-point pars on the third, sixth and eighth. Two further pars followed on the 10th and 13th and he also picked up three points on the index two 11th where he had two shots. Two-point bogeys on the other six holes down the back nine gave him 21pts and he finished one point clear of the field.
Tinnelly also had 21pts down the back nine and that was enough for him to take second place overall as he edged out Austin Shaw and Odhran Mac Shane on countback. They had to settled for the top prizes in Division One with Shaw edging out MacShane on a back six countback for top spot.
Teenager Sean Morgan (20) took Division 2 with 39pts from Eamon McEneaney (18) on 38pts while Kieran McCann (34) was the Division 3 winner but only after a back six countback from the evergreen Harry O’Hanrahan (33) who had also shot 39pts.
The McKenna Man Open Singles Stableford on Wednesday, May 22, was won by John McEneaney (25) who shot a super score of 43pts that included a four-point return at the par five seventh and three points at the sixth, 10th and 12th.
Saturday, 18 May and Sunday, 19 May - Singles Stableford – Overall: Gerard Daly (20) 41pts. Gavin Tinnelly (35) 40/21pts.Division 1: Austin Shaw (9) 40/20/13. Odhran MacShane (9) 40/20/12. Division 2: Sean Morgan (20) 39pts, Eamon McEneaney (18) 38pts. Division 3: Kieran McCann (34) 39/21/15. Harry O'Hanrahan (33) 39/21/11. Gross Recognition: Aidan Lawless 34pts.
Wednesday, 22 May - McKenna Man Open Singles Stableford – Overall: John McEneaney (25) 43pts. Division 1: Robert Clarke (10) 40pts. Division 2: Daniel Keane (21) 42pts. Division 3: Gerry Farrell (30) 38pts. Gross Recognition: Joseph Laverty 34pts.