Captain's Day 8th July
Over 330 golfers played for The Captain’s Prize 2023 and Club Captain Gerry Kelly praised a number of individuals and groups during his Captain’s Speech which was delivered to a packed Clubhouse.
Particular thanks was paid to Iain McCarragher & his team for all the work they had done to have the course looking at its best for Captain's Day and also to Colm Shannon & the Course Development Committee who had been integral to both current course initiatives and ongoing future developments.
The Captain also thanked John Lowe, Honorary Secretary for the ceaseless work he does for the club and its members. He added his personal thanks for everything John had done for him over the course of his Captaincy.
Club Captain Gerry spoke with pride regarding the club and the course noting that there are not many clubs in Ireland that have the dramatic setting of two magnificent Cathedrals for a backdrop to their finishing hole. He opined that the "Cathedrals" will become the clubs’ ‘Signature Hole’.
Close friend Enda O’Reilly proposed an entertaining and hilarious Vote of Thanks, before the Prize-Giving commenced.
Lightning does strike twice! Two years ago, Matthew Clifford claimed the Captain’s Day prize at Co Armagh GC and he managed to do it again in 2023.
Clifford’s 41 points in difficult blustery and wet conditions saw him over the line. He made light of the testing conditions with two nines of 40 that even included a pair of double-bogeys at the par-three seventh and par four 15th.
Second place went to Nathaniel Ferris who actually finished with 42 points but was ruled out of winning the top prize by virtue of not having completed enough official WHS rounds.
Former captain Kenny Edgar walked away with the 0-12 category prize having signed for 40 pts. The highlight of his round was a pair of birdies at the second and seventh as he reached the turn in 35 shots. He continued to play excellent golf on the back nine but a triple-bogey seven at the par four 17th proved costly.
In category 13-18 William Hazelton fired 39 pts to claim top spot while Gary Hughes also posted 39 pts to win the 19+ category.
Adam Cromwell’s 38 pts earned him the gross prize. In doing so he also collected the Birdie Cup for making the most birdies in a round (5).
John White won the past Captain’s and President’s prize with a score of 37 pts. Nigel McMahon earned the Council, Committee & Team Captains' prize with 38pts.
Hilary Johnston posted a fine score of 41 pts to win the 18-hole ladies' prize with the 9-hole title going to Ronnie Toal.
Sean Parks won the visitors’ prize; Ryan Gill claimed the Juvenile Boys title and Lucy Diffin won the Juvenile Girls award.
Captain's Day results
Captain’s Prize - Matthew Clifford - 41 pts
1st Juvenile Girls - Senior - Lucy Diffin
1st Juvenile Boys (18 holes) - Ryan Gill
9 Holes Ladies Ronnie Toal - 15 pts
18 Holes Ladies Hilary Johnston - 41 pts
Visitors Prize Sean Parks - 34 pts
Council, Committee & Team Captains - Nigel McMahon 38 pts
Past Captain & President - John White - 37 pts
Birdie Cup - Adam Cromwell - 5
Gross Prize - Adam Cromwell - 38 pts
19+ Category - Gary Hughes - 39 pts
13-18 Category - William Hazleton - 39 pts
0-12 Category - Kenny Edgar - 40 pts
Runner-up Prize - Nathaniel Ferris - (player has not played the requisite twenty competitions to qualify for 1st place) - 42 pts *
Lady Captain's Day
County Armagh Golf Club’s Lady Captain’s Day took place on Saturday 29th 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; Iain 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.
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.
Lady Captain's Day results
73 ladies played in 18 hole competition and 19 in 9 hole competitions
Winner Maggie McKee 70 net
Runner up Helen Forster 71
Gross Paula McCrory 85 (beating Mary Black on BB9)
3rd Fionnuala Oliver 72
4th Bernie McBride 72
5th Jacqueline Kelly 73 (beating Valerie Gordon, Michelle Kinnane and
Lynne Brown on (BB9)
CATEGORIES
A Michelle Kinnane 73
B Valerie Gordon 73
C Lynne Brown 73
D Gladys Villiers 74
E Maria Claire Quinn 74
BACK 9 Eileen Fitzsimons 34
FRONT 9 Anne McDonald 33
Committee Lena Duffy 75
Past Captain Hilary Johnston 74
Team Captain Jullie McCartan 76
Granny Prize Toni McManus 76
9 HOLE STABLEFORD
Winner Ruth Beckett 14 points
Runner up Teresa Corrigan 14 (beating Catherine Vernon, Ita Deveney,
Margaret Marjoram and Breda Teahan on C/B)
PUTTING Gail Steed 34
GIG
Winner Kathy Brankin 13
Runner up Julie McCartney 12 (beating Joan McCool on (C/B)
LONGEST DRIVE AT 10th HOLE Siobhan Donnelly
NEAREST THE PIN AT 7th HOLE Una Cullinane
WINNER OF MEN’S PRIZE Mr Captain Gerry 21
JUNIOR WINNERS Girls Anna Carson 37
Boys Louis Carey 35
Honorary Secretary
It was with great regret that the Captain and Council received the resignation of our Honorary Secretary, Mr. John Lowe.
John has been in the role of Honorary Secretary for 4 years during which he has handled all of the business of the Club in an exceptionally capable manner, supported only by Elizabeth in the office who has been fulsome in her praise of John's excellent stewardship.
While every member of the Club knows John, few are aware of the dedication which he has brought to his role, and the countless hours which he has dedicated to Club affairs, not only in the office but while he was at home or attempting to enjoy his golf or a relaxing drink in the Bar. John has always been on call. Barely a day has passed over the past 4 years when John has not been dealing with correspondence, telephone calls or the approaches of members with their own personal issues about membership, handicaps, course conditions,slow play, bar prices and an endless litany of "difficulties" which members expected him to resolve.
While many members have expressed thanks to John for his efforts on their behalf, his absence from his role will be most felt by the various convenors, other Council members and by his loyal "sidekick", Elizabeth. It now falls to Council to secure the services of a caretaker in the role until election of a successor can be achieved at the AGM. They will have a very hard act to follow.
Gents Team News
Richard Black's Senior Cowdy Team remain the last men's team standing as they enter the semi-final stage of the Senior Cowdy Competition where they will take on Spa with the away leg on Sun 13th August and the home leg on Sun 20th August.
The squad for the first leg is as follows: Playing: Joe Rooney, Mark Loughran, Stuart Hall, Lee Stewart & Paul McCurry, Reserves: Jarleth McReynolds, Shea Brady, & Andrew Fox
Ladies' Team news
Fabulous news to announce regarding our Junior Cup Team.
Captained by Lady Vice Captain Ellen the team took on the might of Belvoir Park in the semi final. With Belvoir Park having the precious home advantage of three matches at Belvoir and two in Armagh the odds were always stacked against the CAGC team.
With grit and determination, however, the Ladies from Co Armagh showed what they were truly made of and played some spectacular golf! The Belvoir Park team had nothing in reply as the Armagh ladies kept the pressure on.
Two very convincing wins at home reflected in the matches away meant Armagh came home with a resounding win.
Fantastic result! The team will now play Royal Belfast in the Final to be played at Rossmore on Sunday 20th August - - the ladies look forward to the challenge and hope to see as many supporters as possible to help them fly the flag for Co Armagh!
Other team news - Cowdy Consolation Plate - the team played Lurgan on Monday and were delighted to secure 14 points out of 24 to go through to the Semi Final where they will play old rivals Spa. Congratulations to Una Gail and team.
New Practice facility
Work on our Short Game Academy is scheduled to start in the coming weeks. Some preparatory work has started with new water and irrigation pipes installed.
Located adjacent to the practice nets, the academy will have two practice chipping greens of similar construction to the new 18th. The area is designed for practising 20/30yd chip shots. Each green will also have a practice bunker. The design of the bunkers matches the new bunkers on the course and will be in line with the bunker upgrade programme planned for early next year.
The work is expected to take 4 weeks to complete, and the new practice facilities should be ready for play in May next year.