Eight-nine ladies took part in Lady Captain’s Day at Co Armagh Golf Club on Saturday 29 June and competed for an array of beautiful prizes very generously provided by Lady Captain Ellen Brady.
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 very tricky pin positions. The competition was stroke and the requirement to putt out added to the challenge.
Before heading out to play everyone collected a little memento of the day which had been generously provided by Lady Captain Ellen and she was out and about on the course with light refreshments, both were very gratefully received.
The clubhouse was dressed with fabulous floral arrangements by the talented lady members Gemma and Bernie Rice and Sheila Stinson and Lady Captain’s great-niece Shannon had created the beautiful golf-themed table centre-pieces.
Following a Prosecco reception ladies joined the Lady Captain, family, friends and invited guests for a delicious two course meal which was provided by Parklands Restaurant. A complimentary glass of wine was served during the meal, courtesy of Helen Forster.
During her speech, Lady Captain Ellen thanked all those who had contributed to the success of the day, Greenkeeper Ian and his greenkeeping staff; Ryan, Brenda and the staff of Parklands; Neill and his bar staff and Andrew for Clubhouse set up. She also commented on the time and effort required by Council members in running the club and congratulated Captain Neil on his successful Captain’s Day the previous week. She expressed her thanks to President Elizabeth, Vice Captain Frances and the Ladies’ Section Committee, with special thanks for Secretary Flo and to Mary Black and her team. On a sadder note she referred to those Past Captain’s, family and friends whom they had lost during the year and in particular referred to the recent passing of June, a legend, a great golfer and dear friend. She said they would miss her laughter and her stories and thanked her for the memories.
Lady Captain Ellen’s chosen charity was The Niamh Louise Foundation, a charity very close to her heart. The Niamh Louise Foundation provides a safe environment where anyone can drop in to chat about worrying thoughts, thoughts of suicide and/or self-harm. The Charity provides love, understanding and respect with a non-judgemental listening ear to everyone regardless of age, sex, religion, or ethnicity.
Lady Captain announced that a fantastic £1,112 had been raised during the day. This figure has since risen to approximately £1,300.
Anne McDonald proposed the vote of thanks to the Lady Captain, which was seconded by Valerie Gordon before presenting Lady Captain Ellen with a bouquet of flowers.
Following prize-giving ladies danced the night away to the 3-piece band Broken Strings.
It was a thoroughly relaxed and enjoyable day with much laughter – very much a tone set by Lady Captain Ellen.
Results of Lady Captain’s Day 2024:
Winner Marie Tennyson nett 68
Runner-up Jacqueline Kelly nett 69
Gross Mary Black gross 83
3rd Paula McCrory nett 71
4th Moya Brady nett 71
5th Sheila Stinson nett 73
Cat A Julie McCarten nett 74
Cat B Hilary Johnston nett 74 (beating Gail Steed on c/b)
Cat C Jill McKenna nett 74
Cat D Maggie Clarke nett 74
Past Lady Captain Gail Steed nett 74
Committee Emma Garrigan nett 76
Front 9 Cait McKinney nett 30
Back 9 Lynda Coyle nett 36
A further 19 ladies competed in the 9 hole competition.
9 hole 1st Aisling Knipe 25 pts
9 hole 2nd Gemma Rice 21 pts
18-hole putting Siobhan Donnelly 33 putts
(beating A Kinsella and Mary Knott on c/b)
Men’s 18-hole Eoin Hicks 42 pts
Men’s 9-hole Art McCrory 21 pts
Junior Girl Anna Carson 19 pts
Junior Boy Conal Courtney 30 pts
There were birdies for Aisling Knipe and Gail Steed at the 1st, Hilary Johnston at the 10th and Colette McSorley at the 4th and 16th. Denise Murphy had a two at the 11th and Jacqueline Kelly and Flo McCall at the 18th.
Winner of Lady Captain’s Day 2024 Marie Tennyson with Lady Captain Elen Brady
Runner-up Jacquline Kelly with Lady Captain Lily McMullan
Lady Captain Ellen Brady pictured with her family and friends
Lady Captain’s Day Prize Winners
Array of prizes on Lady Captain’s Day