Co Armagh Golf Club’s Lady Captain’s Day took place on Saturday 29 July when seventy-three ladies competed for a fantastic array of very generous prizes provided by Lady Captain Lily McMullan.
The weather held up well, especially for those who played in the earlier part of the day, with only the odd light shower for the majority of the field. The course was in excellent condition, thanks to the Greens Staff, though there were some tricky pin positions and the competition was stroke.
The clubhouse was dressed with pink flowers and balloons in recognition of Lady Captain Lily’s chosen charity Pretty n Pink. There was a display of Pretty n Pink branded items including pens, wristbands and pin badges for ladies to avail of in the Pro Shop before heading out to play. Lady Captain Lily had also generously provided a gift for each lady playing – a bespoke handmade golf frame gift by Nicola and Michelle of NicMic Craft Creations.
At the 10th tee box, Lady Captain had organised refreshments provided by Puddin’ n Trap. The choice of coffee and a traybake were warmly welcomed and enjoyed by all before tackling the back 9. Following their golf ladies enjoyed a beautiful two course meal with their playing partners, provided by Parklands Restaurant.
Upon return to the clubhouse ladies were joined by Lady Captain’s invited guests. There was a drinks reception and canapes were served and musical entertainment provided by the very talented Swingtime Starlets, creating the perfect build-up for the eagerly awaited speech and presentation of prizes.
During her speech, Lady Captain Lily thanked all those who had contributed to the success of the day, including Ryan and Brenda, Parklands; Neill and his bar staff; her Committee; Margaret Oakes, Barbara Hamilton, Gail Steed and Sheila Stinson for arranging the prizes; Gemma Rice, Sheila Stinson and Bernie Rice for the flowers; Ian and the greenkeeping staff; Cormac for the photos; Fiona, Let’s Party NI for the balloons; Annette, Ol Flowers; Richard, Andrew and Joel for the housekeeping; Council for its support; Jill, Puddin’ + Trap for the refreshments at the 10th; Leanne and colleagues from Pretty n Pink; Nicola and Michelle, NicMic for the bespoke handmade golf frame gift ; Professional Will Carey; Competition Secretary Anne and her team of Flo and Valerie for the cards; Honorary Secretary Gail and a special word of thanks for her family.
Lady Captain announced that a fantastic £1,220 had been raised during the day. This figure has since risen to £1,900.
Helen McLaughlin proposed the vote of thanks to the Lady Captain, which was seconded by Gail Steed before presenting Lady Captain Lily with a bouquet of flowers.
Following prize-giving there was another opportunity to listen to the fabulous Swingtime Scarlets and a light supper was served before the DJ took over for the remainder of the evening.
Results of Lady Captain’s Day 2023:
Winner Maggie McKee nett 70
Runner-up Helen Forster nett 71
Gross Paula McCrory gross 85
(beating Mary Black on better back 9)
3rd Fionnuala Oliver nett 72
4th Bernie McBride nett 72
5th Jacqueline Kelly nett 73
(beating Valerie Gordon, Michelle Kinane
and Lynne Brown on better back 9)
Cat A Michelle Kinane nett 73
Cat B Valerie Gordon nett 73
Cat C Lynne Brown nett 73
Cat D Gladys Villiers nett 74
Cat E Maria-Claire Quinn nett 74
Front 9 Anne McDonald nett 33
Back 9 Eileen Fitzsimons nett 34
Past Lady Captain Hilary Johnston nett 74
Committee Lena Duffy nett 75
Team Captain Julie McCartan nett 76
Granny Toni McManus nett 76
A further 19 ladies competed in the 9 hole competition.
1st Ruth Beckett 14 pts
2nd Teresa Corrigan 14 pts
(beating Catherine Vernon, Ita Deveney,
Margaret Marjoram and Breda Teahan on the countback)
Get Into Golf
1st Kathy Brankin 13 pts
2nd Julie McCartney 12 pts
(beating Joan McCool on the countback)
18-hole putting Gail Steed 34 putts
Nearest the pin @ 7th Una Cullinane
Longest drive @ 10th Siobhan Donnelly
Men’s 9-hole Captain Gerry Kelly 21 pts
Boys Louis Carey 35 pts
Girls Anna Carson 37 pts
Michelle Kinane recorded the only birdie, on the 6th and there were twos for Jacqueline Kelly at the 3rd, Una Cullinane at the 7th and Anne Kinsella at the 18th.
Winner of Lady Captain’s Day 2023 Maggie McKee with Lady Captain Lily McMullan
Runner-up of Helen Forster with Lady Captain Lily McMullan
Lady Captain Lily McMullan pictured with her family
Display of prizes on Lady Captain’s Day