ROYAL DUBLIN GOLF CLUB
CHRISTMAS INVATATION
9th. December
Irish Blind Golf had its Christmas final outing of the year at Royal Dublin golf club with a scramble to Finish a great year for us. We had four three ball Teams with our guides playing along with their golfers.
The winners with 43pts were Eamonn, wally and Theresa.
They swept the board with this great score over 14 holes.
The Order of Merit 2016 was won by Patrick Morgan,
Quality all ways comes to the top as did Patrick congrats again.
The most improved golfer of 2016 is M/S Carol Brill.
A well-deserved winner of this award, well done Carol.
On our 25th Anniversary our founding member Jimmy Murray was presented with a small token of our thanks and good wishes for his work over all the years he has given to this society. Many Thanks Jimmy.
See our photo gallery for photos of the day.
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The winners with 43pts were Eamonn, wally and Theresa.
They swept the board with this great score over 14 holes.
The Order of Merit 2016 was won by Patrick Morgan,
Quality all ways comes to the top as did Patrick congrats again.
The most improved golfer of 2016 is M/S Carol Brill.
A well-deserved winner of this award, well done Carol.
On our 25th Anniversary our founding member Jimmy Murray was presented with a small token of our thanks and good wishes for his work over all the years he has given to this society. Many Thanks Jimmy.
See our photo gallery for photos of the day.
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Picture of Dr Handa, Joan and myself.
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Hello everybody and cead mile.mile failte to this week's much delayed blog and what a week it has been with winter sinking its tentacles into our bodies and minds. Now would have been a good time to arrange a safari abroad but more about that at a future date.
Veni,Vidi,Vichi For Patrick Jnr
And yes it was veni,vidi,vichi for Patrick Morgan Jnr. as the 20 year old confirmed his status as Ireland's numero uno blind golfer by quite literally running away with our
Order of Merit championship. Patrick had 8 points to spare over your captain Ed and was never in any danger of being caught or passed. Huge credit is due to the pride of Dublin who has had a sensational season. By my reckoning Patrick won 6 of our 9 events finished 2nd and 3rd in two others with his only blip being at Grangecastle in our first outing of the year.
Peter Gorey's Concerto
The immensely talented Peter Gorey wrote his own concerto as he spread-eagled the field at Royal Tara to take the captain's prize while Paul O’Rahilly showed that class is permanent by coming in a short head winner at the New Forest GC Classic.
Indeed New Forest GC is a welcome addition to our schedule thanks to Carol Brill and will be the setting for next year's Ireland v Scotland Celtic Cup international.
You'll (never) Hardly Ever Beat the Irish
And what a year it has been for our golfers abroad. Brendan the Navigator started the trend all those centuries ago and our golfers, not to be outdone, continued where he left off. Pride of place to Paul McCormack and Patrick Jnr. for a sensational one two at the US Open in Arizona. Patrick kept up the good work with his 2nd place finish at the British Open and a first success at the Italian Open. I was delighted to retain my Italian Open B2 title for the 3rd successive year and to win the overall at the Austrian Open. There were other superb performances abroad by Wally Roode, Philip Bond, John O Grady,
Paul O Rahilly and legendary Dublin hurling icon Adrian Downey.
Portmarnock Was the Winner
We are collectively grateful to Paul McCormack for the Portmarnock GC outing. Well done Paul but I have to say that the course was the real winner as Patrick Jnr. struggled home with 25 points and was then shocked to find out that he had been declared the winner over your traumatized captain who thought he was back in Blacksod such was the difficulty of the course. Yes indeed Mayo will never be the same again.
Our Guides
I tried to come up with a clever headline for our guides but just couldn't because I believe they defy description such is their value to us. Words like loyal, helpful, determined, astute, kind, considerate and generous come to mind but only a combination of those attributes would come near to describing what they really mean to us. Anyway thank you all very much. Michelle Hughes guided for me at Portmarnock and was just fantastic. Michelle like my regular guide Jim Doyle knows a thing or two about positivity and transmits that effortlessly. Well done to all of you. Go raibh mile,mile maith agaibh.
And finally............
The year ahead promises to be one of the most challenging of all of our 25-26 years.
But it's a challenge that I know we will embrace. We have already our major outings of the year planned and booked subject to approval at our AGM, which we have scheduled for the last Saturday in January. The Irish Open at Nuremore GC is already heading for a full house and we will be cooperating with our colleagues in Northern Ireland who will be holding the British Open at Greenore GC. Co. Louth.
See you all at our invitation outing to Royal Dublin on
Fri. Jan 9th 10.00am.
Until then slan agus beannacht and to Kyoichi in Japan sayonara my friend.
Your captain,
Ed Maguire
Hello everybody and cead mile.mile failte to this week's much delayed blog and what a week it has been with winter sinking its tentacles into our bodies and minds. Now would have been a good time to arrange a safari abroad but more about that at a future date.
Veni,Vidi,Vichi For Patrick Jnr
And yes it was veni,vidi,vichi for Patrick Morgan Jnr. as the 20 year old confirmed his status as Ireland's numero uno blind golfer by quite literally running away with our
Order of Merit championship. Patrick had 8 points to spare over your captain Ed and was never in any danger of being caught or passed. Huge credit is due to the pride of Dublin who has had a sensational season. By my reckoning Patrick won 6 of our 9 events finished 2nd and 3rd in two others with his only blip being at Grangecastle in our first outing of the year.
Peter Gorey's Concerto
The immensely talented Peter Gorey wrote his own concerto as he spread-eagled the field at Royal Tara to take the captain's prize while Paul O’Rahilly showed that class is permanent by coming in a short head winner at the New Forest GC Classic.
Indeed New Forest GC is a welcome addition to our schedule thanks to Carol Brill and will be the setting for next year's Ireland v Scotland Celtic Cup international.
You'll (never) Hardly Ever Beat the Irish
And what a year it has been for our golfers abroad. Brendan the Navigator started the trend all those centuries ago and our golfers, not to be outdone, continued where he left off. Pride of place to Paul McCormack and Patrick Jnr. for a sensational one two at the US Open in Arizona. Patrick kept up the good work with his 2nd place finish at the British Open and a first success at the Italian Open. I was delighted to retain my Italian Open B2 title for the 3rd successive year and to win the overall at the Austrian Open. There were other superb performances abroad by Wally Roode, Philip Bond, John O Grady,
Paul O Rahilly and legendary Dublin hurling icon Adrian Downey.
Portmarnock Was the Winner
We are collectively grateful to Paul McCormack for the Portmarnock GC outing. Well done Paul but I have to say that the course was the real winner as Patrick Jnr. struggled home with 25 points and was then shocked to find out that he had been declared the winner over your traumatized captain who thought he was back in Blacksod such was the difficulty of the course. Yes indeed Mayo will never be the same again.
Our Guides
I tried to come up with a clever headline for our guides but just couldn't because I believe they defy description such is their value to us. Words like loyal, helpful, determined, astute, kind, considerate and generous come to mind but only a combination of those attributes would come near to describing what they really mean to us. Anyway thank you all very much. Michelle Hughes guided for me at Portmarnock and was just fantastic. Michelle like my regular guide Jim Doyle knows a thing or two about positivity and transmits that effortlessly. Well done to all of you. Go raibh mile,mile maith agaibh.
And finally............
The year ahead promises to be one of the most challenging of all of our 25-26 years.
But it's a challenge that I know we will embrace. We have already our major outings of the year planned and booked subject to approval at our AGM, which we have scheduled for the last Saturday in January. The Irish Open at Nuremore GC is already heading for a full house and we will be cooperating with our colleagues in Northern Ireland who will be holding the British Open at Greenore GC. Co. Louth.
See you all at our invitation outing to Royal Dublin on
Fri. Jan 9th 10.00am.
Until then slan agus beannacht and to Kyoichi in Japan sayonara my friend.
Your captain,
Ed Maguire
+-----------------------------------+
2016 ISPS HANDA
WORLD BLIND GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
And
Japanese Blind Golf Open
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Hello everybody and cead mile failte to this week's blog from the bog. And what a momentous couple of weeks it has been with our order of merit title being decided at Portmarnock GC last Friday and four of our golfers distinguishing themselves in faraway Japan.
The Land of the Rising Sun
Pride of place this week must go to our returning heroes who really put Irish Blind Golf on the map once again with their scintillating play at the Shin Rinkouen Golf Club outside Tokyo. Cometh the hour cometh the men as Wally, Patrick jnr., Paul and your Mayo member delivered compelling performances both in the Japanese open and in the World C'ship that followed. Wally and Patrick jnr. burned up the course in both competitions while Paul returned his best scores for some time especially over the first 18. I was very disappointed with my 1st round at the Worlds but Pat Morgan gave me a pep talk that reinvigorated my play. Pat said "Come on Ed you'll shoot 10 better tomorrow" and his inspirational words had the desired result as I had a far better score on the final day.
Kyoichi Sugiyama A Shining Star
I believe it's true to say that Japan made a lasting impression on all of us. It's people bring new meaning to the words kindness, humility, helpfulness, graciousness and pride of place. They are a proud people and they have so much to be proud about. This was best exemplified by the organizer in chief the wonderful Kyoichi Sugiyama. The extended ovation that Kyoichi got at the awards banquet spoke volumes for the esteem in which he is held.
Dr Handa-An Orator-A Tenor
Dr Handa's generosity and kindness underpins all that we have achieved in blind golf. I know that he contributes substantially to the funding of blind golf but I am even more impressed by his generosity of spirit and the fact that he spent so much of his valuable time with us. His speeches were so well delivered and I believe totally "off the cuff". My wife Joan and everybody else were totally bowled over by his wonderful singing voice. His rendition of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "Danny Boy" will live long in the memory.
And Then There Was Seamus
Another person that made a lasting impression on all of us was my guide
Fr. Seamus Cullen. What can one say about Fr. Seamus, a one off, a force of nature but especially a very special individual. He made a big impression on all the blind golfers and especially the local Japanese competitors.
Shabu Shabu Just Fabulous
I believe that our golfers embraced Japanese culture and especially the culinary delights that were available to us on a regular basis. The hotels were first class. The food was different but it was equally fabulous and Kyoichi saw to it that we had Japanese food every day. Shabu Shabu was the norm with unending amounts of beautifully prepared meals. Shabu shabu means coating the fish or meat with seasoning and yes I am speaking about raw fish and meat also. The local Kirin beer proved very popular also.
Tokyo - City of Bridges
And what a beautiful city Tokyo is. Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" would resonate well with Tokyo except that it would have to be "bridges" as there are a huge number of bridges over the main river and Fr. Seamus, Joan and myself crossed most of them. Mind you the word "troubled" would be misplaced as Tokyo seems to be a trouble free city with low crime rates and wonderful wonderful people.
It Really Was Great to be Irish
Finally let me conclude by complimenting one more time our representatives in Japan. There was at least 20 different countries at the World Championship but I firmly believe that the Irish stood out for their friendliness, their golf and especially their positive attitude. The Irish were the only team to have a team photograph on the main stage and we were honoured to include Kyoichi in the picture with the Irish team in full regalia.
And Finally..............
Yes it's time to call time on this week's blog. I hope it finds you all in good spirits. I hope I didn't go on too much about the World Championship but I believe the uniqueness of the occasion and of our participation demanded as much. The Portmarnock Classic Blog will follow in a couple of days.
In the meantime slan agus beannacht.
Ed
+--------------------------------------------------------+
Hello everybody and cead mile failte to this week's blog from the bog. And what a momentous couple of weeks it has been with our order of merit title being decided at Portmarnock GC last Friday and four of our golfers distinguishing themselves in faraway Japan.
The Land of the Rising Sun
Pride of place this week must go to our returning heroes who really put Irish Blind Golf on the map once again with their scintillating play at the Shin Rinkouen Golf Club outside Tokyo. Cometh the hour cometh the men as Wally, Patrick jnr., Paul and your Mayo member delivered compelling performances both in the Japanese open and in the World C'ship that followed. Wally and Patrick jnr. burned up the course in both competitions while Paul returned his best scores for some time especially over the first 18. I was very disappointed with my 1st round at the Worlds but Pat Morgan gave me a pep talk that reinvigorated my play. Pat said "Come on Ed you'll shoot 10 better tomorrow" and his inspirational words had the desired result as I had a far better score on the final day.
Kyoichi Sugiyama A Shining Star
I believe it's true to say that Japan made a lasting impression on all of us. It's people bring new meaning to the words kindness, humility, helpfulness, graciousness and pride of place. They are a proud people and they have so much to be proud about. This was best exemplified by the organizer in chief the wonderful Kyoichi Sugiyama. The extended ovation that Kyoichi got at the awards banquet spoke volumes for the esteem in which he is held.
Dr Handa-An Orator-A Tenor
Dr Handa's generosity and kindness underpins all that we have achieved in blind golf. I know that he contributes substantially to the funding of blind golf but I am even more impressed by his generosity of spirit and the fact that he spent so much of his valuable time with us. His speeches were so well delivered and I believe totally "off the cuff". My wife Joan and everybody else were totally bowled over by his wonderful singing voice. His rendition of "I Left My Heart in San Francisco" and "Danny Boy" will live long in the memory.
And Then There Was Seamus
Another person that made a lasting impression on all of us was my guide
Fr. Seamus Cullen. What can one say about Fr. Seamus, a one off, a force of nature but especially a very special individual. He made a big impression on all the blind golfers and especially the local Japanese competitors.
Shabu Shabu Just Fabulous
I believe that our golfers embraced Japanese culture and especially the culinary delights that were available to us on a regular basis. The hotels were first class. The food was different but it was equally fabulous and Kyoichi saw to it that we had Japanese food every day. Shabu Shabu was the norm with unending amounts of beautifully prepared meals. Shabu shabu means coating the fish or meat with seasoning and yes I am speaking about raw fish and meat also. The local Kirin beer proved very popular also.
Tokyo - City of Bridges
And what a beautiful city Tokyo is. Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" would resonate well with Tokyo except that it would have to be "bridges" as there are a huge number of bridges over the main river and Fr. Seamus, Joan and myself crossed most of them. Mind you the word "troubled" would be misplaced as Tokyo seems to be a trouble free city with low crime rates and wonderful wonderful people.
It Really Was Great to be Irish
Finally let me conclude by complimenting one more time our representatives in Japan. There was at least 20 different countries at the World Championship but I firmly believe that the Irish stood out for their friendliness, their golf and especially their positive attitude. The Irish were the only team to have a team photograph on the main stage and we were honoured to include Kyoichi in the picture with the Irish team in full regalia.
And Finally..............
Yes it's time to call time on this week's blog. I hope it finds you all in good spirits. I hope I didn't go on too much about the World Championship but I believe the uniqueness of the occasion and of our participation demanded as much. The Portmarnock Classic Blog will follow in a couple of days.
In the meantime slan agus beannacht.
Ed
+--------------------------------------------------------+
Great day for our Irish blind golfers who played their second day of the World Championships. Overall results - Patrick 7th Ed 9th Wally 14th and Paul 38th in overall nett scores. Well done lads. We are all so proud of you and your guides.
Latest news in from today's first round of golf of the World Championships has come in. Our lads did incredibly well despite the windy conditions. Roll on tomorrow!
Three of our lads are in the top 20. Come on Ireland
Three of our lads are in the top 20. Come on Ireland
Japanese Blind Golf Open
****Latest news from Japan***
Today Team Ireland played in the Japanese Blind Golf Open Championships and did very well. A total of 80 visually impaired golfers played in the one day tournament, which was won by Stefano Palmieri from Italy.
Congratulations Stefano.
Well done to our own lads whose scores in the Stapleford competition are as follows:...
Wally Roode - 11th place
Ed Maguire - 17th place
Patrick Morgan Jnr - 29th place
Paul O'Rahilly - 36th place
In gross scores Patrick, Wally and Ed finished in the top 20 and Paul 42 from a field of 80 golfers.
Super stuff and well done lads. We are so proud of you all. Best of luck in the World Championships tomorrow and Thursday. Knock them outta sight!
Today Team Ireland played in the Japanese Blind Golf Open Championships and did very well. A total of 80 visually impaired golfers played in the one day tournament, which was won by Stefano Palmieri from Italy.
Congratulations Stefano.
Well done to our own lads whose scores in the Stapleford competition are as follows:...
Wally Roode - 11th place
Ed Maguire - 17th place
Patrick Morgan Jnr - 29th place
Paul O'Rahilly - 36th place
In gross scores Patrick, Wally and Ed finished in the top 20 and Paul 42 from a field of 80 golfers.
Super stuff and well done lads. We are so proud of you all. Best of luck in the World Championships tomorrow and Thursday. Knock them outta sight!
Japan Bound
Half of Irish Blind Golf Team
Patrick Morgan And Paul O'Rahilly with their guides
Pat and Billy heading for the World Championships in Japan, with Ed Maguire and Wally Roode and guide Eamonn following on in the next two days.
Grateful tanks to the G.U.I. for their sponsorship of golf bags clothing and travel bags with the Ireland logo proudly displayed.
The team will play the 2017 ISPS Handa Japanese Open followed the next day by the International Blind Golf Championship in Tokyo.
Follow them on our Facebook Page, Good luck lads.
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Hermitage Golf Club
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Bhur gcead mile failte and a hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog from the bog. Many interesting pieces of news to relate and of course the results from our Hermitage Classic. But above and beyond any other news was the announcement of a Hall of Fame Award, But more about that later.
Patrick Jnr Strikes Again
Yes indeed the superbly talented Patrick Morgan Jnr put on a display for the ages last Friday at a beautifully presented Hermitage Golf Club as he danced jigs and reels all around it's fabulous fairways. Ambulances could be heard coming and going from the nearby Hermitage Clinic but one or two could have been dispatched to the golf course to carry away Patrick's shell shocked opponents such was the precision and ferocity of his play. The talented Dublin 3rd level student now sits proudly at the top of our order of merit table.
Resurgent O’Rahilly on Right Track
The resurgence of Paul O’Rahilly continued apace at Hermitage. The Kilkenny resident put in a storming display and was only pipped by one stroke by Patrick Jnr. When it's put into the equation that Paul was also only one stroke off Patrick's 2nd place finish at Royal Tara it puts into perspective the giant strides being made by the former British Master's champion.
Jimmy's Hall of Fame Award
However Patrick's and Paul's achievements were quite rightly put into the shade by the biggest and most wonderful news that emerged at our presentation function. The IBG is now in it's 25th year and our esteemed founder and the most affable person that you could ever meet the one and the only Jimmy Murray was presented with the Vision Sports Ireland Hall of Fame by Joe Geraghty Chair of Vision Sports Ireland. The presentation ceremony was very tastefully done by Joe and our own Adrian Downey resplendent in his Team Ireland casog. Jimmy got a well deserved standing ovation. And you know the smiling Jimmy is still swinging a mighty club as is evidenced by his 3rd place standing in the current Order of Merit table. Well done Jimmy.
The Joe Show
I'm sure all of you will remember the late great Joe Dolan and the saying "There's No Show Like a Joe Show". Well that saying could well apply to our guest at Hermitage Joe Geraghty who made quite an impression with his warm personality and super sense of humour. My mole Near the Hole tells me that the redoubtable Joe runs up to 5 miles a day nearly every day of the week.
Where Does She Get The Energy From
2017 is going to be a huge year for IBG what with the Irish Open and Celtic Cup to be hosted. As everybody knows we will be under extreme financial pressure to pull it all off but I know that there is a steely determination among our committee and members to make it all a huge success. One of our many supporters in this regard is Angie Morgan who is contributing so much time and effort and the latest being a fund raising venture among her work colleagues that will be a huge help. The big question is where she gets the time and energy. We send our thanks and gura mile mile maith agaibh to all of them.
Four Amigos Tokyo Bound
It's sayonara, bon voyage and good luck to four of our members who will be representing IBG at the Japanese Open and World Blind Golf C'ship at the Shinrinkouen GC outside Tokyo next week. Irish Blind Golf has been awarded four places for the events and will be sending four players. Those intrepid warriors, Willem Roode, Paul O’Rahilly, Patrick Morgan Jnr, me fein and our equally intrepid guides will be travelling to Japan and will be doing our damndest to represent Ireland to the very best of our ability. Fox TV will be covering the event so maybe it's time for some of us to get the hair colour in because you'd never who'd be watching. The land of the rising sun will never be the same again
And Finally
Na dean dearmad about our final qualifing outing of the year, The Portmarnock Classic, 18th Nov (10.30 am) when the hotly contested Order Of Merit title will be decided.
Royal Dublin Christmas Invatation will bring the curtain down on what has been a fantastic year for IBG. It's onwards and upwards after that as we all continue to punch above our weights (considerable in some cases)
Until the next time, slan agus beannacht.
Ed
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
CAPTAINS DAY
Royal Tara Golf Club
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Hello everybody agus bhur gcead mile failte to this week's blog coming to you from the beautiful Boyne valley. A short blog this time around because your blogger is in mourning after yesterday's defeat in Croke Park.
Royal Tara Was Majestic
And what a day it was at Royal Tara...... fabulous fairways,great greens and tall trees,yes lots and lots and lots of tall trees and small trees,and bushes,and lots and lots of lost balls and a few little curses thrown in for good measure. All and all a wonderful challenge for all of us. Yes Royal Tara was truly majestic
Peter the Great Triumphs
I don't know what odds Paddy Power's would have given for our winner to come out on top yesterday but I would not have minded having a good few bob on him. But cometh the hour,cometh the man and that man was our esteemed former President,Peter "The Great" Gorey. The musician,choirmaster,instrumentalist,and all round good guy showed a clean pair of heels to the rest of the field and galloped home by several lengths a comfortable winner.
The Best of The Rest
Patrick Jnr further embellished his growing reputation to finish a creditable 2nd,with our ex runai,Paul O Rahilly proving that his New Forest GC form was no flash in the pan with the 3rd place prize. Carol Brill added to her collection of trophies with a great round of golf,while Kilkenny "Cool Cat" Jimmy Murray added to last year's winning prize by snaring the back 9 honours. "There's something about John" is a phrase you'll hear more regularly if John O Grady keeps on performing like he did yesterday The "Doonbeg Dynamo" was back in the winners circle again with the front 9 victory. Well done to all of you.
Bon Yoyage as Italy Beckons
Yes indeed it's bon voyage and good fortune to our four intrepid warriors and their equally intrepid guides who will lead an Irish invasion of Italy tomorrow. Yes Philip Bond and Kay,Carol and Michelle Hughes,Pat and Patrick Jnr,myself and Kieran will be heading for Milan,and doing our best over there.
Thank You Royal Tara and Captain Colette
A big gura mile maith agaibh to Royal Tara GC and their charming ladies captain,Colette Bedford for their wonderful kindness and generosity. Colette and her equally charming husband,Declan,honoured us with their presence and their considerable good humour,and the good news is that we hope to do it all again next year. Many of our members were shocked when they heard that the trophies on display cost little more than 230 euros. Well that was because a wonderful friend of ours sponsored more than 50% of the cost. He wishes to remain anonymous so thank you very much indeed.
And Finally
Slan agus beannacht and keep hitting it out of sight. See you all at Hermitage GC.
Ed
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
Gowran Park Golf Club
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Cead mile failte to this week's blog coming to you from a wet and windy Blacksod on the wild Atlantic coast. And to this week's headline news.......
Morgan Marches On
Yes it's that man again or should I say that very young man Patrick Morgan Jnr who river danced his way around the lush fairways and greens of Gowran Park Golf Club in Kilkenny to capture the Gowran Park Classic in a style that was reminiscent of a young
Zach Johnson. Like Zach Patrick does not overpower a course with huge drives and long iron shots. He finesses a course with his accuracy and golfing intelligence. For the record Patrick shot a nett 67 to pip your well challenged captain by one stroke.
What A Wonderful Day
The entry was in double figures once again and what a fantastic day's golf it proved to be. When all the scores are added up it comes to a cumulative figure of 276 points giving an average per player of 27.6 which I believe may be the highest ever recorded so well done to all the players and their guides.
Tipperary v Kilkenny
Tomorrow sees the clash of the giants of hurling and it reminds us of the clash between our own members, Jimmy Murray Paul O’Rahilly and Tullaroan legend John Kennedy on the side of Kilkenny, Darragh Stakelum Joe Lonergan Davey and Dinny Lonergan on the Tipperary side. It's going to be a toughie but I'm on the side of.................
My Mole Near The Hole
What is it about Portugal that makes it so popular with the Irish? Even Darren Clarke is besotted with the place. My mole near the hole tells me that one of our members--hint he's quite tall---was seen strolling along the beachfront over there a couple of weeks ago and he didn't even sing a song for the locals. If that wasn't bad enough another one of our members now nearly calls Lansarote home.
Irish Blind Golf Open 2107
Congratulations to all the people who have been working away and organizing the Irish Blind Golf Open for 2017. The dates and the venue is in place and the application will be made to the IBGA next week. The open will be held at the fabulous Nuremore Hotel and golf complex outside Carrickmacross Co Monaghan where a great cead mile failte awaits those who come from all over the world. Our colleagues in the NIBGA have also been equally hard at work and we expect an announcement from Tommy and Jan regarding our co-organised events over the coming days. Well done to all concerned.
Captain's Day at Royal Tara
Yes it's that time of year again and I'll be having my captain's day and Royal Tara Classic on Fri Sept 30th with the sliothar being thrown in from 11.00am.
Jimmy Murray is the defending champion and is 5 to 2 with Paddy Powers to retain his title. I hear that odds of 3 to 2 can he had for Patrick Jnr while Wally is a top tip at 2 to 1. However i would not rule out the prospects of the former Dublin hurling legend
Adrian "The Pocket Rocket" Downey who is a handy 9 to 2 with the bookies. If Tipperary win tomorrow Joe Lonergan's 11 to 2 odds will shorten dramatically. Paul O’Rahilly and Peter Gorey are available at odds of 7 to 1 which looks a pretty good bet to me. The Ardrahan Crooner Philip Bond is a snip at a very generous 9 to 2 while the
Doonbeg Dynamo John O’Grady is being backed by Donald Trump and can be had at
Joe Lonergan's odds of 11 to 2. Paddy Powers would not give me any odds on Darragh as he said and I quote "there's too many Tipp lads playing". Paul Mc Cormack is attracting a lot of bets from New York and Arizona for his very generous 3 to 1 odds. And finally the irrepressible and indefatigable Carol Brill is 20 to 1 on to claim the ladies title.
Bon Yoyage And Good Luck to Catherine Walsh
A very late addition to this week's blog and what an addition it is. Catherine Walsh(PTS) is in Brazil representing Ireland in the Paralympics. Catherine is a visually impaired athlete and is participating in her seventh Paralympics. She has previously medalled at track (pentathlon in 2000) and cycling (silver and bronze in 2012) and she has now successfully transferred to triathlon which is making its debut in Rio. I understand that Catherine is not one of the favourites to medal but she wasn't expected to medal in 2012 either and came away with two medals. Catherine could "do a Tipperary" and shock everybody. We'll all be rooting for her. Incidentally Catherine is the wife of our very own Willem Wally Roode. Wow what a sporting family.
Go n-eiri an t-adh leat Catherine and we all hope that you bring home the bacon.
Slan agus Beannacht
Until the next time slan agus beannacht and good luck to both teams tomorrow and especially the boys who wear the green and red Mayo.
Ed
See Photo's in photo gallery
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Cead mile failte to this week's blog coming to you from a wet and windy Blacksod on the wild Atlantic coast. And to this week's headline news.......
Morgan Marches On
Yes it's that man again or should I say that very young man Patrick Morgan Jnr who river danced his way around the lush fairways and greens of Gowran Park Golf Club in Kilkenny to capture the Gowran Park Classic in a style that was reminiscent of a young
Zach Johnson. Like Zach Patrick does not overpower a course with huge drives and long iron shots. He finesses a course with his accuracy and golfing intelligence. For the record Patrick shot a nett 67 to pip your well challenged captain by one stroke.
What A Wonderful Day
The entry was in double figures once again and what a fantastic day's golf it proved to be. When all the scores are added up it comes to a cumulative figure of 276 points giving an average per player of 27.6 which I believe may be the highest ever recorded so well done to all the players and their guides.
Tipperary v Kilkenny
Tomorrow sees the clash of the giants of hurling and it reminds us of the clash between our own members, Jimmy Murray Paul O’Rahilly and Tullaroan legend John Kennedy on the side of Kilkenny, Darragh Stakelum Joe Lonergan Davey and Dinny Lonergan on the Tipperary side. It's going to be a toughie but I'm on the side of.................
My Mole Near The Hole
What is it about Portugal that makes it so popular with the Irish? Even Darren Clarke is besotted with the place. My mole near the hole tells me that one of our members--hint he's quite tall---was seen strolling along the beachfront over there a couple of weeks ago and he didn't even sing a song for the locals. If that wasn't bad enough another one of our members now nearly calls Lansarote home.
Irish Blind Golf Open 2107
Congratulations to all the people who have been working away and organizing the Irish Blind Golf Open for 2017. The dates and the venue is in place and the application will be made to the IBGA next week. The open will be held at the fabulous Nuremore Hotel and golf complex outside Carrickmacross Co Monaghan where a great cead mile failte awaits those who come from all over the world. Our colleagues in the NIBGA have also been equally hard at work and we expect an announcement from Tommy and Jan regarding our co-organised events over the coming days. Well done to all concerned.
Captain's Day at Royal Tara
Yes it's that time of year again and I'll be having my captain's day and Royal Tara Classic on Fri Sept 30th with the sliothar being thrown in from 11.00am.
Jimmy Murray is the defending champion and is 5 to 2 with Paddy Powers to retain his title. I hear that odds of 3 to 2 can he had for Patrick Jnr while Wally is a top tip at 2 to 1. However i would not rule out the prospects of the former Dublin hurling legend
Adrian "The Pocket Rocket" Downey who is a handy 9 to 2 with the bookies. If Tipperary win tomorrow Joe Lonergan's 11 to 2 odds will shorten dramatically. Paul O’Rahilly and Peter Gorey are available at odds of 7 to 1 which looks a pretty good bet to me. The Ardrahan Crooner Philip Bond is a snip at a very generous 9 to 2 while the
Doonbeg Dynamo John O’Grady is being backed by Donald Trump and can be had at
Joe Lonergan's odds of 11 to 2. Paddy Powers would not give me any odds on Darragh as he said and I quote "there's too many Tipp lads playing". Paul Mc Cormack is attracting a lot of bets from New York and Arizona for his very generous 3 to 1 odds. And finally the irrepressible and indefatigable Carol Brill is 20 to 1 on to claim the ladies title.
Bon Yoyage And Good Luck to Catherine Walsh
A very late addition to this week's blog and what an addition it is. Catherine Walsh(PTS) is in Brazil representing Ireland in the Paralympics. Catherine is a visually impaired athlete and is participating in her seventh Paralympics. She has previously medalled at track (pentathlon in 2000) and cycling (silver and bronze in 2012) and she has now successfully transferred to triathlon which is making its debut in Rio. I understand that Catherine is not one of the favourites to medal but she wasn't expected to medal in 2012 either and came away with two medals. Catherine could "do a Tipperary" and shock everybody. We'll all be rooting for her. Incidentally Catherine is the wife of our very own Willem Wally Roode. Wow what a sporting family.
Go n-eiri an t-adh leat Catherine and we all hope that you bring home the bacon.
Slan agus Beannacht
Until the next time slan agus beannacht and good luck to both teams tomorrow and especially the boys who wear the green and red Mayo.
Ed
See Photo's in photo gallery
+----------------------------------------------------------------------+
Newforest Golf Club
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Cead mile failte to this week's blog and hope you are all enjoying the weather and playing plenty of golf. First up this week.......
O’Rahilly Rules The Roost at New Forest
Yes it's that man again Paul O’Rahilly who defied a stellar field and a twisting hilly hazard littered course to come home as the winner on our first foray into beautiful Westmeath and the sensational New Forest Golf Course. And what a course it proved to be with nobody beating par.
It Could Have Been Picasso
Peter McEvoy was the designer of this Tyrrellspass masterpiece but it might well have been Pablo Picasso such is the breathtaking beauty of the entire lay out. McEvoy claimed that it was his greatest ever creation and nobody could question this. It was also I believe his final work of art.
A Swing To Dream Of
It's no secret that Paul O’Rahilly possesses the finest most natural swing in the blind golf world. I remember Australia's Gary Sargeant commenting on O’Rahilly's outstanding iron play at the 2014 Irish Open. As the poet said "a thing of beauty is a joy forever".
Hat's Off to Carol Brill
Everybody knows that Carol Brill has been a breath of fresh air since she joined Irish Blind Golf and it was entirely down to Carol that we got to play such a wonderful course. The Cunningham family left no stone unturned in making us all welcome and what can we say about the breakfast and dinner simply the best. It's a welcome addition to our schedule and will feature very strongly when a venue for the 2017 Celtic Cup International is being considered.
Welcome Back Joe and John
It was lovely to welcome Joe Lonergan and John O’Grady back after each took a short break from competition John to complete his Masters degree in finance and Joe to take his "masters degree" in minding the baby. Happy to report that both lads played very well. It was also nice to see Daragh Stakelum again. Between the football and hurling it seems as if the Tipp lads are taking over the world. Joe and Dinny never stopped talking about both teams and all I can say is that the Mayo boys are waiting in the long grass for them.
Our Events in The Irish Independent
Delighted to be able to report that our events will be published on a regular basis in the "Tee to Green" supplement in the Irish Independent from now on. In fact our first such report is in today's paper and we'll put in our other recent results over the coming weeks.
Viva Espana
My reference in a recent blog to a Spanish trip requires slight clarification. Joan and myself are going to Fuengirola from Oct 9th - Oct 17th. I would not able to book flights hotels transport etc. for anybody else who wishes to go. If anyone is interested in playing golf while they are there I can help.
What A Record
Had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Jan Dinsdale and her guide David recently. A little bit of research was very revealing because Jan is the most successful golfer in Blind Golf history. She has accrued an incredible 24 major titles. Nobody else male or female comes anywhere near. She was also the recipient of an MBE from the Queen a few years ago. I believe it's a shame we don't have a similar awards scheme in our part of this island because I think Jimmy Murray would be a shoe-in for such an honour.
My Mole Near The Hole
Have to report that my "mole near the hole" has been in overdrive over the past couple of weeks. First of all the incredible story that one of our members was seen relentlessly practicing at New Forest in the run up to our recent event there. A 2 stroke penalty may have to be imposed for such ungentlemanly/lady behaviour. And secondly my resident mole at Luttrellstown Castle has told me that one of our star players and his guide scored 43 stapleford points each on a recent visit there.
And Finally....................
It was lovely to welcome a Michael Kennedy to our "family". The affable Straffan resident had the unenviable task of guiding for your well challenged captain. The poor Dubliner also had to contend with Dinny and Joe's lilting accents and the stories of Michael Cleary and countless other Mullinahone and Tipperary hurling legends.
And just before I go a gentle reminder that our next event will be The Gowran Park Classic on Friday August 26 with the sliotar thrown in at 10.30am.
Sin a bhfuil. Slan agus beannacht.
Ed Maguire.
See Photo's in photo gallery
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
Cead mile failte to this week's blog and hope you are all enjoying the weather and playing plenty of golf. First up this week.......
O’Rahilly Rules The Roost at New Forest
Yes it's that man again Paul O’Rahilly who defied a stellar field and a twisting hilly hazard littered course to come home as the winner on our first foray into beautiful Westmeath and the sensational New Forest Golf Course. And what a course it proved to be with nobody beating par.
It Could Have Been Picasso
Peter McEvoy was the designer of this Tyrrellspass masterpiece but it might well have been Pablo Picasso such is the breathtaking beauty of the entire lay out. McEvoy claimed that it was his greatest ever creation and nobody could question this. It was also I believe his final work of art.
A Swing To Dream Of
It's no secret that Paul O’Rahilly possesses the finest most natural swing in the blind golf world. I remember Australia's Gary Sargeant commenting on O’Rahilly's outstanding iron play at the 2014 Irish Open. As the poet said "a thing of beauty is a joy forever".
Hat's Off to Carol Brill
Everybody knows that Carol Brill has been a breath of fresh air since she joined Irish Blind Golf and it was entirely down to Carol that we got to play such a wonderful course. The Cunningham family left no stone unturned in making us all welcome and what can we say about the breakfast and dinner simply the best. It's a welcome addition to our schedule and will feature very strongly when a venue for the 2017 Celtic Cup International is being considered.
Welcome Back Joe and John
It was lovely to welcome Joe Lonergan and John O’Grady back after each took a short break from competition John to complete his Masters degree in finance and Joe to take his "masters degree" in minding the baby. Happy to report that both lads played very well. It was also nice to see Daragh Stakelum again. Between the football and hurling it seems as if the Tipp lads are taking over the world. Joe and Dinny never stopped talking about both teams and all I can say is that the Mayo boys are waiting in the long grass for them.
Our Events in The Irish Independent
Delighted to be able to report that our events will be published on a regular basis in the "Tee to Green" supplement in the Irish Independent from now on. In fact our first such report is in today's paper and we'll put in our other recent results over the coming weeks.
Viva Espana
My reference in a recent blog to a Spanish trip requires slight clarification. Joan and myself are going to Fuengirola from Oct 9th - Oct 17th. I would not able to book flights hotels transport etc. for anybody else who wishes to go. If anyone is interested in playing golf while they are there I can help.
What A Record
Had the pleasure of meeting and speaking with Jan Dinsdale and her guide David recently. A little bit of research was very revealing because Jan is the most successful golfer in Blind Golf history. She has accrued an incredible 24 major titles. Nobody else male or female comes anywhere near. She was also the recipient of an MBE from the Queen a few years ago. I believe it's a shame we don't have a similar awards scheme in our part of this island because I think Jimmy Murray would be a shoe-in for such an honour.
My Mole Near The Hole
Have to report that my "mole near the hole" has been in overdrive over the past couple of weeks. First of all the incredible story that one of our members was seen relentlessly practicing at New Forest in the run up to our recent event there. A 2 stroke penalty may have to be imposed for such ungentlemanly/lady behaviour. And secondly my resident mole at Luttrellstown Castle has told me that one of our star players and his guide scored 43 stapleford points each on a recent visit there.
And Finally....................
It was lovely to welcome a Michael Kennedy to our "family". The affable Straffan resident had the unenviable task of guiding for your well challenged captain. The poor Dubliner also had to contend with Dinny and Joe's lilting accents and the stories of Michael Cleary and countless other Mullinahone and Tipperary hurling legends.
And just before I go a gentle reminder that our next event will be The Gowran Park Classic on Friday August 26 with the sliotar thrown in at 10.30am.
Sin a bhfuil. Slan agus beannacht.
Ed Maguire.
See Photo's in photo gallery
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
British Blind Open
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Hello everybody and cead mile failte to this week's blog. It has been a hectic couple of weeks for all of us the highlight of which has been a quite magnificent British Open. Telford GC in Shropshire provided the platform for what proved to be one of the greatest golfing events in recent memory.
The Morgans Reign Supreme
First and foremost it has to go on record that Allan Morgan's display in Telford was one for the ages. The wiry wizard from northern Scotland was not to be out done as he drove pitched chipped and putted his way to a quite fantastic victory. Allan has been knocking on the door for quite some time now but he charged through the door and left the field trailing in his wake in Shropshire. But there was more than one Morgan in contention on this wonderful week for golf.
Patrick Jnr Was Like Radar
Ireland's Patrick Morgan Jnr danced jigs and reels all over Telford's testing 18 holes as he nailed shot after shot with radar like precision. Guided by his dad Pat, and fortified by the fearlessness of youth Patrick Jnr bestrode the fairways like a man possessed. His 2nd place finish elevates the genial young Dubliner into the higher echelons of the blind golfing world. Tokyo beckons for Ireland's undoubted No1.
Hats Off to Organizers
Brexit may be on the way but we don't believe that a tournament could have been organized any better than was the case at Telford GC. And it's hats off to those steely men and women of the England and Wales Blind Golf who left no stone unturned in making it such a memorable occasion. Nothing was left to chance by them. And everything was done with smiling faces. The hotel was fantastic the food was fabulous (as my midriff will attest) and the banquet was what a banquet should be...enjoyable without being too pretentious and stuffy. And what about the prizes? Well I have to say that they were quite magnificent. Well done to all concerned.
Downey Does It in Style
What a pleasure it was to hear of the success of our esteemed chairperson Adrian Downey and his guide Eamonn McGee. The former Dublin hurling legend came from nowhere to finish 2nd in the stapleford competition and was only pipped at the post by Ian Moncrief's stunning 50 points. Also in the winners circle was the courageous Carol Brill aided and abetted by her guide Theresa Schutte. Mention must also be made of the stunning performance of Jan Dinsdale and her guide David Mc Veigh. They took the bacon home in style.
My Mole Near the Hole
My mole near the hole has been very quiet for some time now but sprung back to life this week with the news that Irish Blind Golf may soon have at least one new patron and possibly two to replace the late Christy O Connor jnr. All I can say at the moment is to watch this space.
Viva Espana
Yes indeed it is Viva Espana as many of you will have received emails with details of our "invasion of Spain" in early October. We won't have a Spanish Armada but we will have quite a few blind golfers guides and friends travelling to Fuengirola. The dates are from Oct 9th - Oct 17th or thereabouts and anybody who reads this blog is very welcome to join us. Just get in touch with me and I'll fill you in.
A Big Extended Family
I believe that there are nearly 900 registered blind golfers in the World and it occurs to me that the blind golfing world is becoming one big happy and friendly family. It was lovely to meet Karin Becker and Gerhard Bergant and their guides. They put on such a brilliant Austrian Open. Zohar Sharon and his guide Shimsshon Levi charmed everybody but especially the ladies. The South Korean's In Chan Cho and his guide Shin Ki Kin made themselves popular with everybody but the enduring memory will be the excellence of the organization at this year's British Open.
Get Well Soon Jim Doyle
As we all know it's hard to keep a good man down and doubly hard if that man happens to be from Kerry. With that in mind we wish a very speedy recovery to my quite brilliant guide Jim Doyle from Killarney. Jim became ill just before the British Open and spent some time in hospital. I'm very happy to tell you that the personable and affable Kerryman is on the mend and is spending time with his sisters in Killarney.
And Finally---------
Yes it's time to say goodbye with a gentle reminder that our next outing is the New Forest Classic at New Forest GC, Co Westmeath on this Friday where the kick off will be at 10.30am. It's a new venue for our tightly contested Order of Merit C'ship and should be a great day out.
Slan agus beannacht
Ed
Top Irish Finishers:
Patrick Morgan Jnr ----------- Second Overall.
Adrian Downey --------------- Second Stableford.
Carol Brill ---------------------- Fifth Ladies Open.
See Photo's in photo gallery
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Hello everybody and cead mile failte to this week's blog. It has been a hectic couple of weeks for all of us the highlight of which has been a quite magnificent British Open. Telford GC in Shropshire provided the platform for what proved to be one of the greatest golfing events in recent memory.
The Morgans Reign Supreme
First and foremost it has to go on record that Allan Morgan's display in Telford was one for the ages. The wiry wizard from northern Scotland was not to be out done as he drove pitched chipped and putted his way to a quite fantastic victory. Allan has been knocking on the door for quite some time now but he charged through the door and left the field trailing in his wake in Shropshire. But there was more than one Morgan in contention on this wonderful week for golf.
Patrick Jnr Was Like Radar
Ireland's Patrick Morgan Jnr danced jigs and reels all over Telford's testing 18 holes as he nailed shot after shot with radar like precision. Guided by his dad Pat, and fortified by the fearlessness of youth Patrick Jnr bestrode the fairways like a man possessed. His 2nd place finish elevates the genial young Dubliner into the higher echelons of the blind golfing world. Tokyo beckons for Ireland's undoubted No1.
Hats Off to Organizers
Brexit may be on the way but we don't believe that a tournament could have been organized any better than was the case at Telford GC. And it's hats off to those steely men and women of the England and Wales Blind Golf who left no stone unturned in making it such a memorable occasion. Nothing was left to chance by them. And everything was done with smiling faces. The hotel was fantastic the food was fabulous (as my midriff will attest) and the banquet was what a banquet should be...enjoyable without being too pretentious and stuffy. And what about the prizes? Well I have to say that they were quite magnificent. Well done to all concerned.
Downey Does It in Style
What a pleasure it was to hear of the success of our esteemed chairperson Adrian Downey and his guide Eamonn McGee. The former Dublin hurling legend came from nowhere to finish 2nd in the stapleford competition and was only pipped at the post by Ian Moncrief's stunning 50 points. Also in the winners circle was the courageous Carol Brill aided and abetted by her guide Theresa Schutte. Mention must also be made of the stunning performance of Jan Dinsdale and her guide David Mc Veigh. They took the bacon home in style.
My Mole Near the Hole
My mole near the hole has been very quiet for some time now but sprung back to life this week with the news that Irish Blind Golf may soon have at least one new patron and possibly two to replace the late Christy O Connor jnr. All I can say at the moment is to watch this space.
Viva Espana
Yes indeed it is Viva Espana as many of you will have received emails with details of our "invasion of Spain" in early October. We won't have a Spanish Armada but we will have quite a few blind golfers guides and friends travelling to Fuengirola. The dates are from Oct 9th - Oct 17th or thereabouts and anybody who reads this blog is very welcome to join us. Just get in touch with me and I'll fill you in.
A Big Extended Family
I believe that there are nearly 900 registered blind golfers in the World and it occurs to me that the blind golfing world is becoming one big happy and friendly family. It was lovely to meet Karin Becker and Gerhard Bergant and their guides. They put on such a brilliant Austrian Open. Zohar Sharon and his guide Shimsshon Levi charmed everybody but especially the ladies. The South Korean's In Chan Cho and his guide Shin Ki Kin made themselves popular with everybody but the enduring memory will be the excellence of the organization at this year's British Open.
Get Well Soon Jim Doyle
As we all know it's hard to keep a good man down and doubly hard if that man happens to be from Kerry. With that in mind we wish a very speedy recovery to my quite brilliant guide Jim Doyle from Killarney. Jim became ill just before the British Open and spent some time in hospital. I'm very happy to tell you that the personable and affable Kerryman is on the mend and is spending time with his sisters in Killarney.
And Finally---------
Yes it's time to say goodbye with a gentle reminder that our next outing is the New Forest Classic at New Forest GC, Co Westmeath on this Friday where the kick off will be at 10.30am. It's a new venue for our tightly contested Order of Merit C'ship and should be a great day out.
Slan agus beannacht
Ed
Top Irish Finishers:
Patrick Morgan Jnr ----------- Second Overall.
Adrian Downey --------------- Second Stableford.
Carol Brill ---------------------- Fifth Ladies Open.
See Photo's in photo gallery
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Austrian Blind Open
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Bhur gcead mile failte go dti blog na seachtaine seo.
It has been a hectic couple of weeks since the last blog with much news and lot's to catch up on. First and foremost the news from far away Austria was very welcome indeed.......
High Jinks in Vienna
"You'll never beat the Irish" is becoming the national anthem for our gallant warriors in France who shocked the sporting world when they played the Italian's off the pitch.
Well for Robbie Brady you can read Carol Brill. Carol's arrival at the Austrian Open was in itself a great achievement. She had to fly to Boston for a funeral of a close friend fly to Heathrow London for a connecting flight to Vienna and after all that produced a final round for the ages as she won the B2 category. Such bravery and strength of character is remarkable and we all say
WELL DONE CAROL.
Sussenbrunn GC Vienna What A Venue
Our congratulations to Karin Becker of the Austrian Blind Golf for putting on such a wonderful tournament in such a beautiful location. The hotel was terrific food good and golf fabulous. As Jim Doyle always says to me when I'm standing over a 3 foot putt
"What could possibly go wrong". Well there was an awful lot that could go wrong at Sussenbrunn with its seven lakes and various ponds not to mention it's innumerable other hazards. But we all had to agree that it was a beautiful course to play. The weather played its part also to make it a memorable occasion. Your captain eventually prevailed to win the first gross prize and make it a very successful trip for the Irish.
"That Match"
Yes I'm back to Ireland v Italy again because we all watched the match in the hotel. I will never forget the aftermath of Robbie Brady's goal. Pure pandemonium broke out all over the hotel. I am currently considering sending Past Morgan Snr. a bill for the physio treatment my left shoulder is going to require after he grabbed me in a bear hug that nearly left me with a broken collar bone. Pat kissed all the ladies (I'm not going to tell Angie this time Pat) and indeed most of the lads. But it was all great craic and I can tell you that the "craic" lasted until well into the next day. The bartender from Slovakia joined in the celebrations and even sung "Ole Ole Ole" with us.
Well Done Karin Becker
It would be remiss of me not to make a special mention of the huge effort put in by our host Karin Becker to make it such a successful event. Everything was organised to a T and
I must say that we were all very impressed. Mention must also be made of another Austrian Gerhard Bergant who hits a 3 wood distances that others can only dream about. He impressed us all with his golf and with his pleasant personality. It was a very competitive field that produced some wonderful golf over the three days.
My Moles Near the Holes
"The mole near the hole" part of my blog had a new meaning on the fairways of Sussennbrunn GC as thousands of tiny mole like animals scurried over and back across the golf course every day. My guide Jim Doyle told me that one of the little moles started laughing when he seen me trying to hit a five wood from beside the little hole he lived in. "How very dare he" was what I said to the Killarney maestro.
Cead Mile Failte to Darragh Stakelum
Our recent outing to Westmanstown GC was a great day out. Results can be seen elsewhere on our website suffice to say that a very enjoyable day was had by everybody not least our new member Darragh Spekelum who hails from the premier county of Tipperary. Darragh who is 26 years old and plays in the B2 category is a very determined young man and hit some fine fairway shots. He will be a very welcome addition and seems to be a very friendly amiable person. Cead mile failte Darragh and a very big thank you to Michelle who guided for him on the day.
Next Up Is Newforest GC
Yes indeed our next outing is to Newforest GC Co Westmeath on July 29th. It will be our first time to play there and I'm told that it's a fabulous golf course. the British open will be taking place at Telford Shropshire and we will be sending a very competitive team. Mention of competitive reminds me that our success around the world is quite striking (forgive the pun) as The Us Open, Italian Open, Sth. African Open, and Austrian Open titles are now held by Irish golfers. When you factor in that Tommy Reidy is the British Open Staplefort champion it has been quite a few months for all of us. We are grateful for the continuing support we get from sponsors and our very talented and dedicated guides.
Until the next time.
Slan Agus Beannacht.
Ed
Austrian
Results : Net Score.
ED Maguire --------------------- 144
P Morgan ------------------------158
A Downey ----------------------- 166
P Bond --------------------------- 183
G Bergant ----------------------- 156 H/C Score.
Ladies :
K Becker ------------------------ 147
C Brill ---------------------------- 183
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Westmanstown Golf Club
Friday 17 th June
Ed Maguire --------------------- 42 pts
P Gorey ------------------------- 37 pts
J Murray ------------------------ 36 pts
P Morgan ----------------------- 36pts
A Downey ---------------------- 31pts
P O'Rahilly --------------------- 28pts
P Bond -------------------------- 23pts
C Brill ---------------------------- N.R.
See Photo's in photo gallery
+------------------------------------------------------------------+
Blindfold Classic
I.B.G.S Thanks the following for their very kind Sponsorship.
Elmgreen G.C. Grange Castle G.C. St. Margaret's G.C.
Specsavers Dundrum, Dundrum House, Cashin Telecommunications,
Pat Mc Loughlin, Terry O Rahilly, Irish Distillers,
Helen Sexton, Angela Morgan, Sononco Ltd.
St. Pauls FC. Artane and John Langan.
Elmgreen G.C. Grange Castle G.C. St. Margaret's G.C.
Specsavers Dundrum, Dundrum House, Cashin Telecommunications,
Pat Mc Loughlin, Terry O Rahilly, Irish Distillers,
Helen Sexton, Angela Morgan, Sononco Ltd.
St. Pauls FC. Artane and John Langan.
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Bhur gcead mile failte aris and welcome to our blog from the bog. And what an incredible few days it has been for Irish blind golfers with another Blindfold Classic done and dusted with record numbers fantastic weather and fabulous scoring.
Take A Bow Peter Gorey
Well what can we say about our former chairman after this tour de force. 25 teams nearly 100 players and fab food and craic after the event. Peter Gorey was like the conductor of the RTE Symphony Orchestra as he orchestrated the entire event with the skill and certainty of a person who was born to the task. Pat Morgan and Carol Brill aided and abetted as did many others but credit where credit is due and take a HUGE BOW
Peter Gorey.
For the Record-the Winners Enclosure
On a day of terrific golf and very low scoring there emerged very clear winners indeed as Jim Doyle and son Neil Doyle backed by the big hitting Adrian Downey and supremely accurate Carol Brill danced jigs and reels around Hollywood Lakes as they left the field trailing in their wake. Neil Doyle flew in from Seattle for the event and I'm reliably informed that his iron play belonged to another galaxy such was his accuracy. And this from a man who had not played golf for over a year.
The Scores
1. Adrian Downey, Carol Brill, Jim Doyle and Neil Doyle 42 net.
2. Tommy Reidy, Colm Traynor, Martin and Declan Browne 46 net.
3. Paul O Rahilly, Joe O Reilly, Mick Kilcoyne and John Kennedy 47.5, (on countback)
4. Dermot O Brien, Fran Barker, Ben Carthy and Tommy Clarke 47.5.
Four Lovely Lassies From Westmanstown
Yvonne McBride (2016 ladies captain) Finola McGarrity (2015 ladies captain)
and competition secs. Mary Reilly and Michelle Hughes played immediately ahead of our team and what superb golfers they are. Drives straight down the middle, fairway shots straight down the middle, putts dropping all over the place. It was an education ladies and we were the students. And mention of Westmanstown reminds us that our next outing is to there and hope to see you all at that iconic venue.
Next Tues at South Meath
There will be a small gathering at Sth. Meath this Tuesday and 8 golfers are already confirmed for the 11.00 am tee off
There's Only One Joe Lonergan
What a pleasure it was to see Joe and Davy Lonergan back in action and to hear that the Tipperary twosome are counting down the days to Tipp gracing Croke Park on all ireland day. Jim Doyle tells me that Kerry will be the new power in hurling with Ciaran Carey at the helm and mind you Kerry did win the first ever All Ireland hurling title.
A Mayo Football Legend
Our esteemed golfing coach John Langan is the son of the late great Joe Langan one of Mayo's finest ever midfielders and what a pleasant surprise lay in store for me as I trudged of the 18th green to be greeted by yet another Mayo footballing icon the one and only Eddie Melvin, who was there with John Fergus, Brian Hennessy and Paraic Melvin.
Slan agus Beannacht
It's time to put this blog to bed but before I do a big gura mile mile maith agaibh to everybody who contributed to a wonderful day and a fantastic occasion at Hollywood Lakes as it was an Oscar winning performance by all concerned.
Until the next time slan tamall.
Ed
See Photo's in photo gallery
+---------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Stackstown GC
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Hello everybody and bhur gcead mile failte to this week's blog.
Much has happened since our last blog but sure we'll try to put a bit of shape on it.
Stackstown Was The Winner
What a day we had at Stackstown GC last Friday. Ryanair's Michael O Leary would have enjoyed it because it was a "war of attrition" and there was only going to be one
winner-----the golf course. For the record the following was the result:
1st Patrick Morgan Jnr
2nd Philip Bond
1st 9 Paul O’Rahilly
2nd 9 Ed Maguire
So well done Patrick and well done the golf course which was a clear winner on a beautiful day for golf.
The Fuss about Gus
I had the pleasure of playing my round with Jimmy Murray and Gus "The Fuss" Sealey and we sure had some fun. Patrick Morgan Jnr decided to take no chances and the result was a beautiful black eye for poor Gus who just happened to walk into Patrick's driver. Not a very wise thing to do. Now Patrick our rules committee will have to study replays of the incident to determine if there was intent and premeditation. Anyway the redoubtable Sealey carried on as if nothing had happened. Our Gus is one tough cookie.
Two Lovely Ladies
Our group was made up by Carol Brill and Teresa McEvoy and what a smashing pair they are. There's not much that Teresa does not know about golf and what a charming lady.
As for Carol well where can we begin. I can report that her golf has improved 100% and it's only a matter of time before she's in the winner's enclosure. I'd say Italian Open champion Karin Becker will have a lot to worry about at the Austrian Open if Carol keeps on improving.
The Irish Times Came Calling
What a couple of week's it has been for Irish Blind Golf. On last Monday week the Irish Times came to Sth Meath GC and took a video of some of our members playing and the result is a video which can be accessed on our website and on the Irish Times website. Then last night's main evening news on RTE 1 TV featured an interview with Patrick Morgan jnr and showcased his beautiful swing. Good man Patrick and his dad who also featured prominently.
Padraig's Smile
What is it about Padraig Harrington and "that smile". He was all over the place at Stackstown smiling down on us from every vantage point. I went home and there he was at the US Player's Championship smiling all the time. A missed putt no problem just a big smile, ball in the water no problem a big smile. What a personality maybe Rory could learn a thing or two from Padraig. Mind you our very own Jimmy Murray would match anybody in the "smiling stakes".
My Mole Near the Hole
My humble apologies to our esteemed chairman Adrian Downey for suggesting that he may have been seen playing a round of golf with Darren Clarke in Majorca last week. My "mole near the hole" in Majorca sent me an email "senor Eduardo I tell you this. I see Adrian he play golf with Jimines on our course last week. He hit 3 wood it go 250 meters. Miguel he amazed". So there you are Adrian my spies are everywhere.
Cead Mile Failte Fr Seamus
Yes indeed to put an end to this never ending blog it's a cead mile failte and a very big welcome to Fr Seamus Cullen and his Columban colleagues at the Columban House in Tokyo. The Arva Co Cavan native is doing great work in Japan and will be guiding us in many ways when we are at the World Championship in Tokyo. Our blog will be going to Japan from now on and best wishes to Fr Seamus and friends.
And While I'm at It ...........
Just a gentle reminder about our Blindfold Classic which is only around the corner.
Peter Gorey has been leaving no stone unturned in making it the best and most successful in our history. June 3rd is the big day. Hollywood Lakes is the venue.
Until the next time,
Slan agus beannacht,
Ed
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Hello everybody and bhur gcead mile failte to this week's blog.
Much has happened since our last blog but sure we'll try to put a bit of shape on it.
Stackstown Was The Winner
What a day we had at Stackstown GC last Friday. Ryanair's Michael O Leary would have enjoyed it because it was a "war of attrition" and there was only going to be one
winner-----the golf course. For the record the following was the result:
1st Patrick Morgan Jnr
2nd Philip Bond
1st 9 Paul O’Rahilly
2nd 9 Ed Maguire
So well done Patrick and well done the golf course which was a clear winner on a beautiful day for golf.
The Fuss about Gus
I had the pleasure of playing my round with Jimmy Murray and Gus "The Fuss" Sealey and we sure had some fun. Patrick Morgan Jnr decided to take no chances and the result was a beautiful black eye for poor Gus who just happened to walk into Patrick's driver. Not a very wise thing to do. Now Patrick our rules committee will have to study replays of the incident to determine if there was intent and premeditation. Anyway the redoubtable Sealey carried on as if nothing had happened. Our Gus is one tough cookie.
Two Lovely Ladies
Our group was made up by Carol Brill and Teresa McEvoy and what a smashing pair they are. There's not much that Teresa does not know about golf and what a charming lady.
As for Carol well where can we begin. I can report that her golf has improved 100% and it's only a matter of time before she's in the winner's enclosure. I'd say Italian Open champion Karin Becker will have a lot to worry about at the Austrian Open if Carol keeps on improving.
The Irish Times Came Calling
What a couple of week's it has been for Irish Blind Golf. On last Monday week the Irish Times came to Sth Meath GC and took a video of some of our members playing and the result is a video which can be accessed on our website and on the Irish Times website. Then last night's main evening news on RTE 1 TV featured an interview with Patrick Morgan jnr and showcased his beautiful swing. Good man Patrick and his dad who also featured prominently.
Padraig's Smile
What is it about Padraig Harrington and "that smile". He was all over the place at Stackstown smiling down on us from every vantage point. I went home and there he was at the US Player's Championship smiling all the time. A missed putt no problem just a big smile, ball in the water no problem a big smile. What a personality maybe Rory could learn a thing or two from Padraig. Mind you our very own Jimmy Murray would match anybody in the "smiling stakes".
My Mole Near the Hole
My humble apologies to our esteemed chairman Adrian Downey for suggesting that he may have been seen playing a round of golf with Darren Clarke in Majorca last week. My "mole near the hole" in Majorca sent me an email "senor Eduardo I tell you this. I see Adrian he play golf with Jimines on our course last week. He hit 3 wood it go 250 meters. Miguel he amazed". So there you are Adrian my spies are everywhere.
Cead Mile Failte Fr Seamus
Yes indeed to put an end to this never ending blog it's a cead mile failte and a very big welcome to Fr Seamus Cullen and his Columban colleagues at the Columban House in Tokyo. The Arva Co Cavan native is doing great work in Japan and will be guiding us in many ways when we are at the World Championship in Tokyo. Our blog will be going to Japan from now on and best wishes to Fr Seamus and friends.
And While I'm at It ...........
Just a gentle reminder about our Blindfold Classic which is only around the corner.
Peter Gorey has been leaving no stone unturned in making it the best and most successful in our history. June 3rd is the big day. Hollywood Lakes is the venue.
Until the next time,
Slan agus beannacht,
Ed
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Celtic Cup
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Hello everybody and cead mile failte to this week's "blog".
Needless to say our thoughts are dominated by the absolutely fabulous Celtic Cup shootout at Drumoig GC adjacent to St Andrews Scotland.
Scotland The Brave
And credit where credit is due to a gallant Scottish team. Our Celtic cousins invoked the spirit of William Wallace as they bestrode the fairways of the Kingdom of Fife to record a scarcely believable one shot victory. Yes indeed the tartan brave hearts done Scotland and their association proud with a display that owed as much to courage and bravery as it did to skill and technique.
Drew Cochrane and Colin Simpson
It's hard to believe that after two days and approximately 236 holes the entire match went to the very last hole. Full credit to Ballymena's greatest Drew Cochrane who gave his heart and soul for the Team Ireland cause only to be piped at the post. Drew had prevailed in brilliant fashion with Patrick Jnr in the fourball. But cometh the day cometh the man and that man was Scotland's Colin Simpson who came from one down with 2 to play and regained the Celtic Cup for Scotland.
Haggis How Are Ye
Fair play to Scotland for their generous hospitality. The hotel was super the food was first class and the course was one of the best we have ever played on. There was no haggis to be seen anywhere which came as a relief to some of us. But above and beyond everything else was the superb welcome that we got. Thank you to the S.B.G.S. But mind you our warriors are going into strict training for the next staging of the Celtic Cup a competition which is now a must on both our schedules.
And Then There Was Terry McMeechan
The social side of the competition was well observed with a wonderful banquet and a post banquet sing song that was of such a high standard. There were great contributions from all sides especially Jim Doyle and Warren Stewart but absolute pride of place must go to one of the funniest wittiest people that I have ever encountered none other than Sam Smyth's guide Terry McMeechan.
My Mole Near the Hole
Yes indeed my mole near the hole has been very active of late. His biggest bit of news was that our esteemed chairman Adrian Downey and his charming wife Maura are in Majorca. The word is that Adrian is getting in some warm weather training for the Austrian Open. Rumours that he was seen playing with Darren Clarke could not be authenticated at the time of going to press.
Didn’t We Look Well
I well remember last year's Celtic Cup at Ballymascanlon when the Scottish team arrived at the banquet in their beautiful blazers. We were all so envious and a little bit jealous because we had no blazers. All together now AWE. Well that was all put to rights at Drumoig GC when we arrived at the banquet in our Augusta like blazers.
The Media is Must
Well done to Paul McCormack Pat Morgan and Patrick Jnr for a wonderful performance on the Ray Darcy Show. You done us all proud and well done also to Angie Morgan who played a stormer on Dublin local radio. I never knew that their eldest son had been a scratch golfer and won a golf scholarship to America.
Until the next time,
Slan agus beannacht,
Ed Maguire
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Hello everybody and cead mile failte to this week's "blog".
Needless to say our thoughts are dominated by the absolutely fabulous Celtic Cup shootout at Drumoig GC adjacent to St Andrews Scotland.
Scotland The Brave
And credit where credit is due to a gallant Scottish team. Our Celtic cousins invoked the spirit of William Wallace as they bestrode the fairways of the Kingdom of Fife to record a scarcely believable one shot victory. Yes indeed the tartan brave hearts done Scotland and their association proud with a display that owed as much to courage and bravery as it did to skill and technique.
Drew Cochrane and Colin Simpson
It's hard to believe that after two days and approximately 236 holes the entire match went to the very last hole. Full credit to Ballymena's greatest Drew Cochrane who gave his heart and soul for the Team Ireland cause only to be piped at the post. Drew had prevailed in brilliant fashion with Patrick Jnr in the fourball. But cometh the day cometh the man and that man was Scotland's Colin Simpson who came from one down with 2 to play and regained the Celtic Cup for Scotland.
Haggis How Are Ye
Fair play to Scotland for their generous hospitality. The hotel was super the food was first class and the course was one of the best we have ever played on. There was no haggis to be seen anywhere which came as a relief to some of us. But above and beyond everything else was the superb welcome that we got. Thank you to the S.B.G.S. But mind you our warriors are going into strict training for the next staging of the Celtic Cup a competition which is now a must on both our schedules.
And Then There Was Terry McMeechan
The social side of the competition was well observed with a wonderful banquet and a post banquet sing song that was of such a high standard. There were great contributions from all sides especially Jim Doyle and Warren Stewart but absolute pride of place must go to one of the funniest wittiest people that I have ever encountered none other than Sam Smyth's guide Terry McMeechan.
My Mole Near the Hole
Yes indeed my mole near the hole has been very active of late. His biggest bit of news was that our esteemed chairman Adrian Downey and his charming wife Maura are in Majorca. The word is that Adrian is getting in some warm weather training for the Austrian Open. Rumours that he was seen playing with Darren Clarke could not be authenticated at the time of going to press.
Didn’t We Look Well
I well remember last year's Celtic Cup at Ballymascanlon when the Scottish team arrived at the banquet in their beautiful blazers. We were all so envious and a little bit jealous because we had no blazers. All together now AWE. Well that was all put to rights at Drumoig GC when we arrived at the banquet in our Augusta like blazers.
The Media is Must
Well done to Paul McCormack Pat Morgan and Patrick Jnr for a wonderful performance on the Ray Darcy Show. You done us all proud and well done also to Angie Morgan who played a stormer on Dublin local radio. I never knew that their eldest son had been a scratch golfer and won a golf scholarship to America.
Until the next time,
Slan agus beannacht,
Ed Maguire
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Hard luck Ireland in the Celtic cup.
Results from today's games:
Sam lost 6 & 5.
Tommy lost 3 & 2.
Patrick won 6 & 5.
Ed won 3 & 2.
Wally lost 5 & 4.
Last game went to the wire with Drew beaten on the 18th.
Final Result :
Scotland -- 5 Team Ireland -- 4
Well done lads.
Roll on next year for return game in Ireland.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Results from today's games:
Sam lost 6 & 5.
Tommy lost 3 & 2.
Patrick won 6 & 5.
Ed won 3 & 2.
Wally lost 5 & 4.
Last game went to the wire with Drew beaten on the 18th.
Final Result :
Scotland -- 5 Team Ireland -- 4
Well done lads.
Roll on next year for return game in Ireland.
+-------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
News from Scotland where the Celtic Cup's first day's results have just come in
(thanks to our reporter Pat Morgan Snr).
Wally & Ed won 8 and 6.
Sam & Tommy lost 5 & 4
Patrick and Drew won 3 & 1 .
A great days golf in very windy conditions.
Team Ireland -- 2. Scotland -- 1.
Roll on the singles tomorrow. Best of luck guys.
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
(thanks to our reporter Pat Morgan Snr).
Wally & Ed won 8 and 6.
Sam & Tommy lost 5 & 4
Patrick and Drew won 3 & 1 .
A great days golf in very windy conditions.
Team Ireland -- 2. Scotland -- 1.
Roll on the singles tomorrow. Best of luck guys.
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
What a day at Elmgreen GC as we raced around the course at top speed to avoid the afternoon's rain forecast.
Here are today's scores
1st - 42pts ------- Patrick Morgan
2nd - 37pts ------- Paul McCormack
Front nine -------- Peter Gorey
Back nine --------- Adrian Downey
Looks like the Tucson boys brought their good form home with them.
It was wonderful to meet our new member Scot Ryan who played his first game and
our latest guide Michelle Hughes who guided for him. Theresa Schutte guided for
Carol Brill for the first time and made a great team. You are all so welcome aboard and we hope you enjoyed today's outing.
Our next home outing is Friday 13th May at Stackstown GC.
Hoping to see you all there.
See Photo's in photo gallery
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Here are today's scores
1st - 42pts ------- Patrick Morgan
2nd - 37pts ------- Paul McCormack
Front nine -------- Peter Gorey
Back nine --------- Adrian Downey
Looks like the Tucson boys brought their good form home with them.
It was wonderful to meet our new member Scot Ryan who played his first game and
our latest guide Michelle Hughes who guided for him. Theresa Schutte guided for
Carol Brill for the first time and made a great team. You are all so welcome aboard and we hope you enjoyed today's outing.
Our next home outing is Friday 13th May at Stackstown GC.
Hoping to see you all there.
See Photo's in photo gallery
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------+
On Monday 25th April five members of I.G.B.S were welcomed to South Meath Golf Club as three of our members who had joined had their first game as new members of the club. They were joined by some of the local members in a competition hosted by Ed McGuire
(also a new member in 2016).
Refreshments were provided by the committee with the help of Joan McGuire and her daughter Alison. It was a fantastic spread and enjoyed by all.
Thanks to South Meath Golf Club and all who took part on the day, it was a great success.
The Results on the day were as follows:
First : --------------- Patrick Morgan ------- 36 Pts.
Second : ------------ Adrian Downey ------- 35 Pts.
Front Nine : ------- Martin Maguiness ---- 18 Pts.
Back Nine : -------- Carol Brill -------------- 15 Pts.
See Photo's in photo gallery
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
(also a new member in 2016).
Refreshments were provided by the committee with the help of Joan McGuire and her daughter Alison. It was a fantastic spread and enjoyed by all.
Thanks to South Meath Golf Club and all who took part on the day, it was a great success.
The Results on the day were as follows:
First : --------------- Patrick Morgan ------- 36 Pts.
Second : ------------ Adrian Downey ------- 35 Pts.
Front Nine : ------- Martin Maguiness ---- 18 Pts.
Back Nine : -------- Carol Brill -------------- 15 Pts.
See Photo's in photo gallery
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
US Blind Golf Open
Ed's Blog From The Bog 2
Hello again everybody and here goes with an updated version of my most recent Blog From The Bog. Due to circumstances way beyond our control the result we carried about the recent US Blind Golf Open was incorrect and the great news is that we had not one but two winners at the US Open. Paul McCormack and Patrick Morgan Jnr shattered all our preconceptions with their defining performances in the searing Arizona heat.
McCormack and Morgan The Masters
Yes indeed Paul McCormack and "Comeback Kid" Patrick Morgan Jnr were masters of all they surveyed as they drove chipped pitched and putted their way to a remarkable one two that left the shattered opposition trailing in their wakes. Ted Ray famously said that "golf is a fascinating game it has taken me 40 years to discover I can't play it". Well Paul McCormack from Sutton via Ballybofey Philadelphia and New York discovered something about himself in Arizona and that is that he has the heart of a lion and that he is a great golfer. His first place finish was well deserved with his nett rounds of 60 and 63 off his handicap of 40. Patrick Morgan Jnr's nett rounds of 66 and 61 off his handicap of 29 was a fantastic achievement for one so young.
Cometh the Hour Cometh the Men
Sorry about the slight misquote above but mere words are seemingly inadequate when trying to describe what was really a display for the ages by our two brave warriors who entered the lion’s den took on an elite field and finished first and second. All of Ireland should be proud of their achievements.
South Meath,Monday Elmgreen Friday
Our two returning heroes will be guests of honour at South Meath GC Trim next Monday April 25th where over 20 golfers including our own members and friends of the blind golfers will gather to do battle for ginormous prizes. Sambos buns tea and coffee afterwards and we'll all sing "Ireland's Call" for Paul and Patrick Jnr. The ball will be thrown in at 11.15am. Our next outing will be at Elmgreen GC the following Friday April 29th kick off at 11.00.
The Americans Should Get Downey
It was most unfortunate that the organizers got it so wrong in Arizona. It was certainly unintentional but I really believe they would benefit from the advice and direction of somebody like our own esteemed chairman Adrian Downey. What happened in Arizona would never have happened on Adrian's watch. And I haven't even mentioned his prowess as a legendary Dublin hurling star yet. Anyway chun deire agus crioch a chur leis we'll see you all at Sth.Meath and at Elmgreen and before I sign off a brief mention of our all important Blindfold Golf Classic which is only a few weeks away.
Until my next blog which I promise will be shorter,
Slan agus beannach
Ed Maguire
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Hello again everybody and here goes with an updated version of my most recent Blog From The Bog. Due to circumstances way beyond our control the result we carried about the recent US Blind Golf Open was incorrect and the great news is that we had not one but two winners at the US Open. Paul McCormack and Patrick Morgan Jnr shattered all our preconceptions with their defining performances in the searing Arizona heat.
McCormack and Morgan The Masters
Yes indeed Paul McCormack and "Comeback Kid" Patrick Morgan Jnr were masters of all they surveyed as they drove chipped pitched and putted their way to a remarkable one two that left the shattered opposition trailing in their wakes. Ted Ray famously said that "golf is a fascinating game it has taken me 40 years to discover I can't play it". Well Paul McCormack from Sutton via Ballybofey Philadelphia and New York discovered something about himself in Arizona and that is that he has the heart of a lion and that he is a great golfer. His first place finish was well deserved with his nett rounds of 60 and 63 off his handicap of 40. Patrick Morgan Jnr's nett rounds of 66 and 61 off his handicap of 29 was a fantastic achievement for one so young.
Cometh the Hour Cometh the Men
Sorry about the slight misquote above but mere words are seemingly inadequate when trying to describe what was really a display for the ages by our two brave warriors who entered the lion’s den took on an elite field and finished first and second. All of Ireland should be proud of their achievements.
South Meath,Monday Elmgreen Friday
Our two returning heroes will be guests of honour at South Meath GC Trim next Monday April 25th where over 20 golfers including our own members and friends of the blind golfers will gather to do battle for ginormous prizes. Sambos buns tea and coffee afterwards and we'll all sing "Ireland's Call" for Paul and Patrick Jnr. The ball will be thrown in at 11.15am. Our next outing will be at Elmgreen GC the following Friday April 29th kick off at 11.00.
The Americans Should Get Downey
It was most unfortunate that the organizers got it so wrong in Arizona. It was certainly unintentional but I really believe they would benefit from the advice and direction of somebody like our own esteemed chairman Adrian Downey. What happened in Arizona would never have happened on Adrian's watch. And I haven't even mentioned his prowess as a legendary Dublin hurling star yet. Anyway chun deire agus crioch a chur leis we'll see you all at Sth.Meath and at Elmgreen and before I sign off a brief mention of our all important Blindfold Golf Classic which is only a few weeks away.
Until my next blog which I promise will be shorter,
Slan agus beannach
Ed Maguire
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
GRANGECASTLE
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Hello everybody,
Lovely to see the better weather after a winter that would test the patience of a monk or indeed a monastery full of monks. But the good news is that we all survived the wind and the rain and are fighting fit and raring to go for yet another season.
Magical Murray Gate Crashes Grangecastle
What is it about Kilkenny that continues to breed winners no matter what the sport. Jimmy Murray roared "Veni Vidi Vichi" as he came, saw and conquered at Grangecastle last Thursday. It was a display for the ages that blew the rest of the field out of the water. Coincidentally Jimmy's score of 40 equalled his winning score on Captain's day at
Royal Tara. Patrick Morgan returned an excellent score of 37 staplefort points and would have been expected to be in the winner’s enclosure on any other day.
Morgan and Mc Cormack For US Open
Yes indeed those intrepid warriors Patrick Morgan Jnr and new member Paul Mc Cormack will be traveling to Tucson Arizona to play in the US Blind Open from April 14-18. It will be quite an adventure for both men when they dare to succeed where none have succeeded before. No pressure lads but we believe that both of you will give it a really good rattle in the B2 and B3 categories. And by the way if either of you come across a guy named
Donald Trump will you please tell him that I need a new wall built at the back of my house if he's not too busy that is.
My Mole Near the Hole in Las Vegas
Yes indeed my "mole near the hole" has been quite busy of late and tells me that the Morgan Clan are traveling to Las Vegas in force to take on the casinos. I believe that
Pat Morgan snr intends to bring his own chips with him and plans to come back to Ireland with buckets full of dollars. Good luck lads.
The Height of Sartorial Eloquence
I remember playing in the Celtic Cup against Scotland last year and even though we beat them in the annual golf international I could not help but be envious of the beautiful blazers that they wore. Well great news reached us a couple of weeks ago when new member Paul McCormack informed us that he had sourced a sponsor in New York who is providing all of us with blazers for all our golfers and all of our guides. Yes there's one for everyone in the society. Thanks Paul and well done.
The 25th Anniversary of the I.B.G.S
It was a rather poignant moment at Grangecastle GC when our esteemed former secretary announced that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the I.B.G.S. more about that anon suffice to say that it was a memorable moment when our founder member Jimmy Murray was accorded the honour driving the first ball of our 25th anniversary season. And what a result with the smiling Kilkenny cat walking away with the cream.
Slan Go Foill
Our next meeting will be at Elmgreen GC on April 29th and until then slan go foill and before i finish a big cead mile failte to our new guide John Smith who will be guiding for Adrian. Welcome on board John.
Ed Maguire.
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Hello everybody,
Lovely to see the better weather after a winter that would test the patience of a monk or indeed a monastery full of monks. But the good news is that we all survived the wind and the rain and are fighting fit and raring to go for yet another season.
Magical Murray Gate Crashes Grangecastle
What is it about Kilkenny that continues to breed winners no matter what the sport. Jimmy Murray roared "Veni Vidi Vichi" as he came, saw and conquered at Grangecastle last Thursday. It was a display for the ages that blew the rest of the field out of the water. Coincidentally Jimmy's score of 40 equalled his winning score on Captain's day at
Royal Tara. Patrick Morgan returned an excellent score of 37 staplefort points and would have been expected to be in the winner’s enclosure on any other day.
Morgan and Mc Cormack For US Open
Yes indeed those intrepid warriors Patrick Morgan Jnr and new member Paul Mc Cormack will be traveling to Tucson Arizona to play in the US Blind Open from April 14-18. It will be quite an adventure for both men when they dare to succeed where none have succeeded before. No pressure lads but we believe that both of you will give it a really good rattle in the B2 and B3 categories. And by the way if either of you come across a guy named
Donald Trump will you please tell him that I need a new wall built at the back of my house if he's not too busy that is.
My Mole Near the Hole in Las Vegas
Yes indeed my "mole near the hole" has been quite busy of late and tells me that the Morgan Clan are traveling to Las Vegas in force to take on the casinos. I believe that
Pat Morgan snr intends to bring his own chips with him and plans to come back to Ireland with buckets full of dollars. Good luck lads.
The Height of Sartorial Eloquence
I remember playing in the Celtic Cup against Scotland last year and even though we beat them in the annual golf international I could not help but be envious of the beautiful blazers that they wore. Well great news reached us a couple of weeks ago when new member Paul McCormack informed us that he had sourced a sponsor in New York who is providing all of us with blazers for all our golfers and all of our guides. Yes there's one for everyone in the society. Thanks Paul and well done.
The 25th Anniversary of the I.B.G.S
It was a rather poignant moment at Grangecastle GC when our esteemed former secretary announced that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the I.B.G.S. more about that anon suffice to say that it was a memorable moment when our founder member Jimmy Murray was accorded the honour driving the first ball of our 25th anniversary season. And what a result with the smiling Kilkenny cat walking away with the cream.
Slan Go Foill
Our next meeting will be at Elmgreen GC on April 29th and until then slan go foill and before i finish a big cead mile failte to our new guide John Smith who will be guiding for Adrian. Welcome on board John.
Ed Maguire.
+------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Hello everybody,
Cead mile failte to Ed's "Blog from the Bog".
Hope you all survived Xmas and the new year and are ready for the new season. And what a season it promises to be with at least 9 competitions in Ireland and several around the world.
What A Super AGM
First of all I have to comment on our recent AGM and what an AGM it turned out to be. Plenty of good positive dialogue and lots of input from everybody present. The attendance of 15 was exceptionally good and indicates that our society is very much heading in the right direction. For the record the following officers were elected and this will be the composition of our committee for the coming year.
Chairperson: Adrian Downey
Secretary: Philip Bond
Ass Secretary and P.R.O: Carol Brill
Treasurer: Eamonn McGee
Handicap Secretary and Registrar: Patrick Morgan
Captain: Ed Maguire
Paul McCormack A Brief Profile
Carol and myself will be doing brief profiles of all our members over the coming year. We have three new members this year so we'll start off with Donegalman Paul McCormack whose cv is most interesting. Born in the city of brotherly love Philadelphia but moved to Ballybofey when he was only 4 years old. Moved to New York after his Leaving Cert and worked in construction for 4 years. Had a distinguished career as a policeman with the NYPD including a stint at the notorious "Fort Apache" in the Bronx. Paul had to take early retirement as a result of injuries sustained at Ground Zero New York. Paul is a very affable friendly man and will be a welcome addition to our society playing in the B2 category. Cead mile mile failte Paul.
Get Well Soon Carol
We would like to convey all of our best wishes for a very speedy recovery to our excellent PRO and Ass Secretary Carol Brill who is hospitalized at the moment. Carol has put our society on a new footing with Facebook and Twitter featuring strongly. More people than ever are aware of our society as a result. Get well soon Carol.
Grangecastle Thursday March 10th
Yes it's all systems go for our first outing at Grangecastle on Thursday March 10th. The ball will be thrown in at 11.00 am and my mole near the hole at Grangecastle tells me that Dublin's legendary hurling star the redoubtable and indefatigable Adrian Downey has been seen practicing relentlessly around Grangecastle GC in preparation for our first big outing. We will all be watching his performance with great interest. A score of six under par is predicted for the former Dublin hurling star.
100 Euro Golf Membership at South Meath GC
South Meath GC have offered all our members including our guides full membership of their club for 100 euros a year. It is an Eddie Hackett designed 18 holes course one mile outside Trim and enjoys full GUI membership. Four of our members have already joined and if anyone else is interested just give me a call and I will arrange membership for you.
Time to say goodbye and slan agus beannacht De ar gach einne.
Ed Maguire.
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Cead mile failte to Ed's "Blog from the Bog".
Hope you all survived Xmas and the new year and are ready for the new season. And what a season it promises to be with at least 9 competitions in Ireland and several around the world.
What A Super AGM
First of all I have to comment on our recent AGM and what an AGM it turned out to be. Plenty of good positive dialogue and lots of input from everybody present. The attendance of 15 was exceptionally good and indicates that our society is very much heading in the right direction. For the record the following officers were elected and this will be the composition of our committee for the coming year.
Chairperson: Adrian Downey
Secretary: Philip Bond
Ass Secretary and P.R.O: Carol Brill
Treasurer: Eamonn McGee
Handicap Secretary and Registrar: Patrick Morgan
Captain: Ed Maguire
Paul McCormack A Brief Profile
Carol and myself will be doing brief profiles of all our members over the coming year. We have three new members this year so we'll start off with Donegalman Paul McCormack whose cv is most interesting. Born in the city of brotherly love Philadelphia but moved to Ballybofey when he was only 4 years old. Moved to New York after his Leaving Cert and worked in construction for 4 years. Had a distinguished career as a policeman with the NYPD including a stint at the notorious "Fort Apache" in the Bronx. Paul had to take early retirement as a result of injuries sustained at Ground Zero New York. Paul is a very affable friendly man and will be a welcome addition to our society playing in the B2 category. Cead mile mile failte Paul.
Get Well Soon Carol
We would like to convey all of our best wishes for a very speedy recovery to our excellent PRO and Ass Secretary Carol Brill who is hospitalized at the moment. Carol has put our society on a new footing with Facebook and Twitter featuring strongly. More people than ever are aware of our society as a result. Get well soon Carol.
Grangecastle Thursday March 10th
Yes it's all systems go for our first outing at Grangecastle on Thursday March 10th. The ball will be thrown in at 11.00 am and my mole near the hole at Grangecastle tells me that Dublin's legendary hurling star the redoubtable and indefatigable Adrian Downey has been seen practicing relentlessly around Grangecastle GC in preparation for our first big outing. We will all be watching his performance with great interest. A score of six under par is predicted for the former Dublin hurling star.
100 Euro Golf Membership at South Meath GC
South Meath GC have offered all our members including our guides full membership of their club for 100 euros a year. It is an Eddie Hackett designed 18 holes course one mile outside Trim and enjoys full GUI membership. Four of our members have already joined and if anyone else is interested just give me a call and I will arrange membership for you.
Time to say goodbye and slan agus beannacht De ar gach einne.
Ed Maguire.
+--------------------------------------------------------------------------------+
IRISH BLIND GOLF SOCIETY
Annual General Meeting
Date: January 30 th 2016
Venue: League for the Blind, Hill Street, Dublin
Minutes (prepared by PB on 1st February, and issued on 2nd February)
Attendees: Ed Maguire, Adrian Downey, Carol Brill, Eamonn McGee, Willem Roode,
Joe O’Reilly, Paul O’Rahilly, Jimmy Murray, Philip Bond, Kathleen Bond, John O’Grady,
Pat Morgan Snr, Patrick Morgan Jnr, Jim Doyle, Paul McCormack
Apologies: Joe Lonergan, Peter Gorey, Paddy Higgins, Susan Corrigan, John Langan,
Paddy Higgins, Fergus Sealy
Minutes of the 2015 AGM
There were taken as read.
Secretary’s Report
Read by PB. Proposed and seconded.
Finance Report for 2015
Report was read by Pat Morgan and was explained by Adrian Downey. It was proposed and accepted.
Election of 2016 Committee
Outgoing chairman PG. Adrian Downey proposed as new Chairperson by EM and seconded by PB. No other nominations received.
Treasurer Eamonn McGee proposed by AD and seconded by EM.
AD proposed Carol Brill as Assistant Secretary and PRO, seconded by EM.
Committee for 2016
Captain: Ed Maguire
Chairman: Adrian Downey
Treasurer: Eamonn McGee
Secretary: Philip Bond
Assistant Secretary/PRO: Carol Brill
Handicap Secretary: Pat Morgan
Members Subscription for 2016
Subscription increased to €80 including guide. Proposed by AD and seconded by JOG.
Golf Classic
PG will undertake once again this year.
Date and Venue – Hollywood Lakes, 3 rd June
Sub Committee has been formed. PG, PM, CB
Irish Open 2017
Sub Committee has been formed – AD, CB, EM, PB
Home Outings 2016
March Thursday 10 th Grange Castle Golf Club. First Tee 11 am. Refreshments Served in Club Rooms after games.
April Friday 29 th Elmgreen Golf Club. First Tee 11 am
May Friday 13 th Stackstown Golf Club. First Tee 12 noon
June Friday 17 th Westmanstown Golf Club. First Tee 10am
July Friday 29 th Newforest Golf Club First Tee 1030 am
August Friday 26 th Gowran Park Golf Club First Tee 1030 am
September Friday 30 th CAPTAINS DAY Royal Tara Golf Club First Tee 11 am
October Friday 21st Hermitage Golf Club First Tee 9am
November Royal Dublin Golf Club To be confirmed
International Competitions 2016
April - US Open, Arizona. Patrick Morgan and Paul McCormack
July – Canadian Open, Alberta. Carol Brill and Paul O’Rahilly
July – British Open, Telford. Everyone was advised to submit their application form to the
British Blind Golfers Society.
August 15 th to 18 th – British Masters – PB to write to organisers seeking further information regarding entry to this competition.
October 3 rd – 7 th – Italian Open – open to all members. To advise EM so group booking can be organised.
November 8 th – 10th World Championship, Japan.
Patrick Morgan Jnr, Paul O’Rahilly, Ed Maguire and Willem Roode have been
provisionally entered.
Celtic Cup 2016 – May 1-3
The Celtic Cup was discussed at length and the top three players on Order of Merit have first refusal to enter.
Any Other Business
Captain Ed Maguire sympathised to the O’Connor Family on the death of our Patron Christy O’Connor Jnr. RIP.
Vacancy on the International Blind Golfers Association has arisen due to the passing of Brian McLeod RIP.
The committee discussed that POR would be the choice recommendation of the Irish Blind Golfers Society.
POR was honoured and will revert to committee of his decision.
EM discussed the membership fee on offer from the South Meath Golf Club.
CB informed the attendees that approaches have been made for a new Patron for the society.
EM discussed with the members the invitation from the Learning Centre, run by Tadgh Harrington, who are offering members an opportunity to sample their Track4 facility.
PMSnr reminded the members that cards must be signed outside the clubhouse before handing to him.
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Annual General Meeting
Date: January 30 th 2016
Venue: League for the Blind, Hill Street, Dublin
Minutes (prepared by PB on 1st February, and issued on 2nd February)
Attendees: Ed Maguire, Adrian Downey, Carol Brill, Eamonn McGee, Willem Roode,
Joe O’Reilly, Paul O’Rahilly, Jimmy Murray, Philip Bond, Kathleen Bond, John O’Grady,
Pat Morgan Snr, Patrick Morgan Jnr, Jim Doyle, Paul McCormack
Apologies: Joe Lonergan, Peter Gorey, Paddy Higgins, Susan Corrigan, John Langan,
Paddy Higgins, Fergus Sealy
Minutes of the 2015 AGM
There were taken as read.
Secretary’s Report
Read by PB. Proposed and seconded.
Finance Report for 2015
Report was read by Pat Morgan and was explained by Adrian Downey. It was proposed and accepted.
Election of 2016 Committee
Outgoing chairman PG. Adrian Downey proposed as new Chairperson by EM and seconded by PB. No other nominations received.
Treasurer Eamonn McGee proposed by AD and seconded by EM.
AD proposed Carol Brill as Assistant Secretary and PRO, seconded by EM.
Committee for 2016
Captain: Ed Maguire
Chairman: Adrian Downey
Treasurer: Eamonn McGee
Secretary: Philip Bond
Assistant Secretary/PRO: Carol Brill
Handicap Secretary: Pat Morgan
Members Subscription for 2016
Subscription increased to €80 including guide. Proposed by AD and seconded by JOG.
Golf Classic
PG will undertake once again this year.
Date and Venue – Hollywood Lakes, 3 rd June
Sub Committee has been formed. PG, PM, CB
Irish Open 2017
Sub Committee has been formed – AD, CB, EM, PB
Home Outings 2016
March Thursday 10 th Grange Castle Golf Club. First Tee 11 am. Refreshments Served in Club Rooms after games.
April Friday 29 th Elmgreen Golf Club. First Tee 11 am
May Friday 13 th Stackstown Golf Club. First Tee 12 noon
June Friday 17 th Westmanstown Golf Club. First Tee 10am
July Friday 29 th Newforest Golf Club First Tee 1030 am
August Friday 26 th Gowran Park Golf Club First Tee 1030 am
September Friday 30 th CAPTAINS DAY Royal Tara Golf Club First Tee 11 am
October Friday 21st Hermitage Golf Club First Tee 9am
November Royal Dublin Golf Club To be confirmed
International Competitions 2016
April - US Open, Arizona. Patrick Morgan and Paul McCormack
July – Canadian Open, Alberta. Carol Brill and Paul O’Rahilly
July – British Open, Telford. Everyone was advised to submit their application form to the
British Blind Golfers Society.
August 15 th to 18 th – British Masters – PB to write to organisers seeking further information regarding entry to this competition.
October 3 rd – 7 th – Italian Open – open to all members. To advise EM so group booking can be organised.
November 8 th – 10th World Championship, Japan.
Patrick Morgan Jnr, Paul O’Rahilly, Ed Maguire and Willem Roode have been
provisionally entered.
Celtic Cup 2016 – May 1-3
The Celtic Cup was discussed at length and the top three players on Order of Merit have first refusal to enter.
Any Other Business
Captain Ed Maguire sympathised to the O’Connor Family on the death of our Patron Christy O’Connor Jnr. RIP.
Vacancy on the International Blind Golfers Association has arisen due to the passing of Brian McLeod RIP.
The committee discussed that POR would be the choice recommendation of the Irish Blind Golfers Society.
POR was honoured and will revert to committee of his decision.
EM discussed the membership fee on offer from the South Meath Golf Club.
CB informed the attendees that approaches have been made for a new Patron for the society.
EM discussed with the members the invitation from the Learning Centre, run by Tadgh Harrington, who are offering members an opportunity to sample their Track4 facility.
PMSnr reminded the members that cards must be signed outside the clubhouse before handing to him.
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