The signs were ominous on Friday evening last, the eve of the much-anticipated STL Logistics sponsored Pro-Am, when Storm Betty threatened to rain on the parade. Yellow weather warnings, together with thunderstorms and widespread flooding, put the event in grave doubt and sent the heart rates and blood pressure of the organisers through the roof. Thankfully, Betty had the decency not to outstay her welcome and left almost as fast as she arrived. The trojan work of the course staff and volunteers, together with the prayers and invocations of all involved, certainly bore fruit, resulting, against the odds, in the successful hosting of this prestigious event.
Two hundred golfers, made up of the top club professionals in the country, and joined by aspiring amateurs, took to the fairways at 8am on Saturday morning. The later starters, now playing in almost perfect conditions, only returned to base at 7pm to enjoy a sumptuous meal in the magnificent Longcourt Clubhouse. At the presentation of prizes, PGA officials Marie Kearns and Eddie Tracey expressed their heartfelt gratitude to STL Logistics for their generous sponsorship. Eddie, who is current captain of the PGA, said that without this sponsorship it would not be possible to hold such an event; both officials were also fulsome in their praise for the condition of the course. Denis Woods, Club Captain, welcomed everyone and expressed the hope that all who attended would leave with a positive experience of their visit. He thanked Micheal O’ Riordan, MD of STL Logistics and the O’Riordan family for their ongoing support of Newcastle West Golf Club. He thanked all the participants – some of them had undertaken long journeys to participate. He gave special mention to Alister Lynch who, with the assistance of his committee, had done a wonderful job at local level to ensure that everything would be perfect on the day. He was also fulsome in his praise for the greenkeeper, course staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to deliver the course in pristine condition. Michael O’ Riordan said that his company was delighted to be associated with the Pro-Am, and to resounding applause, added that his late father Owen would be pleased to see that the close association between the O’Riordan family and Newcastle West Golf Club would continue into the future. Seamus Hennessy, also representing STL Logistics, pointed out that the company was headed up by Michael O’Riordan – a proud Newcastle West man and an honorary life member of the club. He also went back through the history of the club and the move to the historical lands of William Smith O’ Brien at Rathgonan, Ardagh. He then listed the names of some members who had made lasting and worthwhile contributions to the club – none more so than the O’ Riordan family.
The winner was Paul Eivers from Cahir Golf Club. He returned an impressive score of a three under par 68. The team event results are as follows: 1st – Neil O’ Brien (PGA Professional), Mike Burke, Robert Burke and John Hickey. 2nd – Ciarán Molloy (PGA Professional), Shane Scanlon, Diarmuid Scanlon and Frank Butler. 3rd – David Higgins (PGA Professional), PJ Butler, Billy Fanning and Andy Daly. It was a wonderfully organised event by the PGA and ably facilitated by the good offices of Alister Lynch and his hard-working committee. Plans are already afoot for a further hosting of this prestigious event in 2024.