There was great excitement in Doneraile Golf Club when news came through on Monday 6th September, that two of our lady members, Grace O’Driscoll and Frances Cremin Power, had just won the Eileen Murphy Foursomes in Cork Golf Club. A prestigious competition that is keenly contested every year, this win is a major achievement by Grace and Frances, two talented golfers who are going from strength to strength.
The excitement and anticipation in the club continues as three of our teams have made their way successfully through qualifying rounds to compete in national finals of All Ireland competitions.
The Ladies Intermediate Cup Team began their journey on a scorching Sunday in July when they beat the team from Ballyheigue Castle Golf Club, and in early August they went on to beat Ballybunion GC. They had a further victory over Waterville Golf Club and, with all the Kerry opposition defeated, the Munster Area Final on August 28th saw them competing against Ballykisteen Golf Club from Co. Tipperary. This was another glorious sunny day and once again the Doneraile Ladies did the business with great golf played both at home and away, they secured their place in the National Finals.
The Ladies Intermediate Cup competition finals are being held in Limerick Golf Club from today 16th September, and this talented Doneraile team will be there, meeting Athy in the All Ireland semi-final.
Doneraile’s Mixed Foursome team have also blazed a trail through the qualifying rounds, leading to a place in the National Finals in Strand Hill GC in Co Sligo at the end of September. They began in July with a victory over a team from Newcastlewest and followed this with a win over Ceann Sibéal in early August. In their next outing against Kanturk on Thursday 19th August, they continued their great run with another victory.
Sunday, 29th August, brought opposition from Berehaven Golf Club, and our ladies and gents came up trumps again. This secured their place in the West Munster Final against a competitive team from Ennis Golf Club, and once again the Doneraile team met the challenge and won the day. Now it is on to the National Finals in Sligo at the end of the month.
Doneraile Junior Academy is delighted that our golfers have qualified for the National Golf Sixes final on 24th October in Portmarnock. This is the second consecutive year we have qualified for this competition. The team prepared for the regional qualifier while participating in the very successful Doneraile Golf Summer programme for juveniles, three days a week under the much-sought-after tuition of PGA professional Michael Collins. The Golf Sixes team continues to practise, as we know that playing on the Portmarnock links course will be a new challenge for our young but ambitious golfers.
All the teams appreciate the great support of Doneraile Golf Club management and all the greenkeepers and staff who work so hard to keep the course in such a splendid condition.
We are very proud of all these teams who have competed with such dedication and skill. As they fly the flag for our small club and go forward to the finals, they carry with them the best wishes and support of everyone in Doneraile Golf Club.
Competing at this level involves a lot of expense and if any business or individual is interested in sponsoring these teams, please contact Joseph O’Keeffe at 087 792 1167. The club are running a Monster Fundraising Raffle over the coming weeks, and you can buy a line for €5 from any member, and be in with a chance of winning great prizes. Finally, a reminder that membership of Doneraile Golf Club is open and there are some great offers available; contact Joseph at 087 792 1167.