2016 will be a year to remember for Martin Oliver - as the new Captain of County Armagh Golf Club.
The Armagh man was officially installed to his new role on New Year's Day. At the traditional club inauguration ceremony, outgoing Captain Richard Black presented Martin with his new Captain's blazer. Many club members, officials, family and friends of the new Captain packed the city clubhouse for the formal event which also celebrated a new Club President, Walter Neville.
Since joining County Armagh Golf Club in 1977, Martin has been a stalwart member, and in an official capacity, has been the club's professional convenor and competitions convenor, a post he held for many years. Martin was also was responsible for introducing the online booking system which has been a great asset to the club members.
Now playing off a handicap of nine, left-hander Martin's competitive spirit brought many representative club honours down through the years - as a member of the Sam Rutherford, Carlingford Cup, Jimmy Bruen and Mid-Ulster Senior teams. Together with his daughter Emma – who proudly holds the ladies course record, 69 gross (2011) - he has also represented County Armagh in the All-Ireland and Jack Craig Mixed team competitions.
It is however, in the club's individual match play competitions where Martin has achieved most notable success, beginning with the winning of the Bankers Cup in his very first year as member of County Armagh. His name, as a winner, can also be found engraved on the Hirsh Cup (twice) and the Gerry Lenagh Trophy – two hugely sought after accolades in the club.
In his inauguration address to members Martin said: “I am greatly honoured to be Captain of this historic golf club and I will be forever indebted to the outgoing captain Richard for allowing me this privilege. I feel very humble that I will mentioned in the same breath as past captains of this club and I am determined to continue their legacy.
“The future success however, I believe will be dependent on complete transparency in everything that council decides to do and also more importantly everyone working to the same end. Our main thrust should be togetherness in all aspects. I believe that we can only grow if everyone at the club - both ladies and gents - work together in a common aim for the benefit of club.”
Since his schooldays Martin Oliver has always been a keen sportsman listing among his interests soccer, hurling and gaelic football at which he achieved County honours, and played in an All-Ireland Minors semi-final at Croke Park. He also proudly boasts having played for both Harps and Pearse Ogs, long-time rival clubs in Armagh city!
A former student nurse at St Luke's Hospital and 33 years a Customs and Excise Officer, Martin's work took him to England, Germany and Spain among many global destinations.
When he met and married Helen, nee Daly, and daughter of the 1974 Lady Captain Nell Daly, Martin's association with County Armagh was somewhat cemented in marriage. With wife Helen they had two daughters Carrie and Emma and resided at Victoria Street in the city up until Helen sadly died in 2007.
But affectionately his links with County Armagh Golf Club have remained ever steadfast, and deservingly led to his appointment as the new Captain for 2016.
The 2016 County Armagh Golf Club Captain Martin Oliver (right) and Vice Captain Richard Stewart.