Castlegregory Golf Club

The men's and ladies' clubs joined forces this weekend in a sunny and resplendid Mahony's Point to try to make our mark in the national mixed competition.  Edel Randles and Mike Keane had a very difficult task to pick the dream team to take on Killorglin on saturday afternoon.  Killorglin had earlier that morning put paid to Dooks hopes of victory so we knew we had a difficult task in hand.  It was a very healthy sign of our club that Mike and Edel had such a large crew from which to pick the team - many were playing well and the combination of handicaps had much bearing on the situation. Those who did not play turned their task to caddying and the team spirit of Castlegregory was very much in evidence.  To cut a long story short, we all played very well and with the first four matches secured we were able to call Joe Mulcahy and Liz O'Carroll in (just before they won on the 17th!). The harmonious husband and wife pairings of the O'Connors and Shannons added much to the team as did the selectors Edel/Mike and the thrown together Brian Neenan and myself (aided, might I say, by the faultless green reading skills of Eddie Hanafin).  We were absolutely delighted and elated to win and much hilarity followed in the clubhouse.
 
Day two dawned and we gathered at day-break (nearly) in Killarney clubhouse for scones and coffee. Ross were to be the opponents and we had heard that they had young, low men and very able 20 ish women.  The subs, supporters and caddies also showing their  customary loyalty  were there in force.  Jason Rowan and Tina Moriarty got the call up and were quick to justify their position by taking the first blood.  Brian and I (Eddie cannot be faulted in any way here!) fell by the wayside and were hammered by a very able, skillful and somewhat scary duo from Ross.  One all. As we dejectedly made the long trip back towards the clubhouse we heard that Merlyn and Sean had come from 3 down to win the match and our hearts began to soar.  2 - 1 Castle.  Mike and Edel were all square and the Shannons were up - hope sprang eternal.  Liz and Helen were zipping by in a buggy calling encouragement to all and Mike Burrowes, George, Joe, Marian Kennedy and Marie (fresh from Martin and Teresa's daughter's wedding) were white in the face from concentration. It was not to be however as the Shannons, having played fabulous golf, were beaten on the 18th and the Keane/Randles pairing lost on the 19th hole having fought to the bitter end.   All in all, it was a very positive experience and an indication of the strength of our club.  The atmosphere and goodwill had to be seen to be believed and I think all who were involved learned a little more about the game of golf.
 
Many thanks to selectors, players, subs, caddies and supporters - you all played your part.  On to the next .........

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