General News

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.

Details

Parent Category: News & Results

Category: General News

Created: 07 January 2016

WALTER Neville is the new President of County Armagh Golf Club, taking over from Dr Oliver Woods who has held the post for the past two years.

A packed clubhouse welcomed the new President as he was presented with his new President's blazer at the inauguration on New Year's Day.

Walter Neville (right) the new President of County Armagh Golf Club is presented with his new President's blazer by outgoing President Dr Oliver Woods at the Presidential inauguration on New Year's Day

Walter joined the city club in 1971, and was elevated to Vice-Captain in 1998 before becoming Captain in 1999. For many years he also held the posts of handicap convenor and juvenile convenor.

Now playing off a handicap of 12, Walter has represented County Armagh Golf Club in many competitions down through the years - as a member of the Junior and Senior Cowdy teams, as well as Junior Cup, Rossmore Cup, Carlingford Cup, Jimmy Bruen, Pierce Purcell and Ulster Cup teams.

Married to Mabel for 38 years, and father of Mark who lives in Edinburgh, the Armagh man told club members he was honoured to be President.

“I hope also to continue the good work of recent Captains and Council and my predecessor Dr Oliver Woods to promote the wonderful facilities at County Armagh Golf Club,” he said.

“Importantly I would like to see membership return to the healthy levels we once enjoyed, and particularly to see more junior boys and girls involved in this great sport.”

Away from County Armagh Golf Club, Walter has many interests. Initially it was football and cricket which stirred his sporting involvement locally, but a serious injury at a young age curtailed ambitions.

However, along with his brother Norman, Walter has had a life-long interest in fishing. Today however, he enjoys painting in oils and watercolours and has become a keen model railway enthusiast, using his artistic bent to build landscapes for the ever-growing track at his Drumman Hill home.

Perhaps though, Walter is best known to many in the district and indeed further afield, as a singer in the very popular Neville Cromwell Band and the fact he still enjoys playing the odd gig with friends in the golf club augurs well for an entertaining two years in post as President.

Details

Parent Category: News & Results

Category: General News

Created: 07 January 2016