20th December
Ed's Xmas Blog From The Bog
Hello everybody and just a brief blog to wish you all a pleasant and happy holiday period.
Greetings From Ireland
A special mention to all of our friends all over the world,from California to Tokyo and from South Africa to Australia and in between. We are still basking in the success of the recent Irish Open at the splendid Nuremore Golf Club,where Carol Brill(ladies) and Wally Roode(gents)were successful. Paul McCormack,made it a year to remember,with his success in the British Open and his retention of his US Open title. We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful achievements of blind golfers from Sth Korea,
Australia,England,Scotland,Israel,Canada,USA,Northern Ireland,
Sth Africa ,Italy and elsewhere,in what was a wonderful year for blind golfers all over the World.
A Huge Thank You Dr Handa
We are greatly indebted to Dr Handa for his continued support of the blind golf community all over the World. We met the great man in Tokyo,and were bowled over by his wonderful singing.
His rendition of "Danny Boy" will live long in the memory.
Old Friends Are Best
They say that old friends are best and we regard the blind golf community around the world as a community of friends,that we look forward to meeting at events no matter where they take place. It is in that spirit of friendship and comradeship that we want to wish all of you,golfers and guides,and all of your families a happy holiday period.
Ed Maguire,Captain IBG.
+-------------------------------+
Ed's Xmas Blog From The Bog
Hello everybody and just a brief blog to wish you all a pleasant and happy holiday period.
Greetings From Ireland
A special mention to all of our friends all over the world,from California to Tokyo and from South Africa to Australia and in between. We are still basking in the success of the recent Irish Open at the splendid Nuremore Golf Club,where Carol Brill(ladies) and Wally Roode(gents)were successful. Paul McCormack,made it a year to remember,with his success in the British Open and his retention of his US Open title. We would also like to acknowledge the wonderful achievements of blind golfers from Sth Korea,
Australia,England,Scotland,Israel,Canada,USA,Northern Ireland,
Sth Africa ,Italy and elsewhere,in what was a wonderful year for blind golfers all over the World.
A Huge Thank You Dr Handa
We are greatly indebted to Dr Handa for his continued support of the blind golf community all over the World. We met the great man in Tokyo,and were bowled over by his wonderful singing.
His rendition of "Danny Boy" will live long in the memory.
Old Friends Are Best
They say that old friends are best and we regard the blind golf community around the world as a community of friends,that we look forward to meeting at events no matter where they take place. It is in that spirit of friendship and comradeship that we want to wish all of you,golfers and guides,and all of your families a happy holiday period.
Ed Maguire,Captain IBG.
+-------------------------------+
9th November
Cead mile mile failte, one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog which comes to you from a little island south west of beautiful Blacksod. Much to report especially our end of season results which are available on the IBG (Irish Blind Golf) website.
Paul and Darragh Tame Hermitage
Yes indeed the Ballybofey battler Paul McCormack and his guide Jim took on the challenge that is Hermitage GC and there was only ever going to be one winner as the former New York football star stormed to a stellar victory in Category 1.
Adrian Downey chased Paul all the way to finish a gallant 2nd. However Paul's heroics were equalled by the Thurles tornado Darragh Stakelum who annexed the category 2 title with a display for the ages. Irish Open ladies champion Carol Brill's brilliant putting performance catapulted her to a highly creditable 2nd place finish.
Patrick Morgan Jnr's Day of Redemption
Our final order of merit event of a long season was at
Royal Dublin GC. And what a day of redemption it proved to be for rising star Patrick Morgan Jnr. who river-danced his way around a links that has been made famous by the exploits of
Christy O'Connor Snr. Patrick Jnr was pushed all the way to the
Cat 1 title by Clondalkin colossus Adrian Downey who has had a stellar season. Darragh Stakelum proved that Lar Corbett is not the only superstar in Thurles as he edged out Paul O’Rahilly for the
Cat 2 honours. The O’Rahilly was my playing companion for the day and was the essence of cordiality and cheerfulness.
Paul McCormack - Order of Merit Winner 2017
It was a battle that captivated the world of blind golf.
Who would reach the Everest of Irish Blind Golf ?
Who would succeed last year's last gasp champion Willem Wally Roode ?
Well all was revealed at the Hermitage GC Classic where
Paul McCormack took an unassailable and uncatchable lead and is this year's Order of Merit Champion.
Well done to Paul and his amiable and highly talented guide
Jim Kavanagh.
Darragh Stakelum pipped Carol Brill for 2nd place while Carol pipped your blogger by a further point in what was a battle royale.
Goodbye Until the Next Time
Apologies for the shorter than usual blog and goodbye and God bless you all until the next time.
Ed Maguire
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29th september
Ed's Blog From the Bog-Extra
Mea culpa, mea culpa but some of the intricacies of modern communications caught me out when I was sending out my recent blog. However here is the piece that was inadvertently omitted.
Viva Espana and Welcome Spain
The recent Handa Austrian Blind Golf Open was also remarkable because it was the first time that the Spanish Blind Golf Federation were involved in a Handa Blind Golf Tournament. Sussenbrunn GC welcomed the flamboyant, Marc Oller and his charismatic guide Jesus to its lush fairways. Aided and abetted by his charming cheerleader Maria Corralles. Marc put on a display of golf that augurs well for his future in the World of blind golf. One of Marc's drives was measured at 295 yds. Maria has told me that there is a thriving blind golf organization in Spain and she is to be complimented on the great work that she is doing. Marc is also a champion skier and I have to say that many of the ladies were quite impressed by his swing.
And before I sign off I would like to thank the GAA for providing us with a free link to watch the All Ireland football final in Vienna. Very kind indeed. If only they could change the result.
Hasta luego,
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From the Bog-Extra
Mea culpa, mea culpa but some of the intricacies of modern communications caught me out when I was sending out my recent blog. However here is the piece that was inadvertently omitted.
Viva Espana and Welcome Spain
The recent Handa Austrian Blind Golf Open was also remarkable because it was the first time that the Spanish Blind Golf Federation were involved in a Handa Blind Golf Tournament. Sussenbrunn GC welcomed the flamboyant, Marc Oller and his charismatic guide Jesus to its lush fairways. Aided and abetted by his charming cheerleader Maria Corralles. Marc put on a display of golf that augurs well for his future in the World of blind golf. One of Marc's drives was measured at 295 yds. Maria has told me that there is a thriving blind golf organization in Spain and she is to be complimented on the great work that she is doing. Marc is also a champion skier and I have to say that many of the ladies were quite impressed by his swing.
And before I sign off I would like to thank the GAA for providing us with a free link to watch the All Ireland football final in Vienna. Very kind indeed. If only they could change the result.
Hasta luego,
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
28th September
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Cead mile failte,one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog from the bog. Much to report and a few stories to share with you all.
Darragh Dares to Dream
The lead story this week has to be, indeed demands to be the simply sensational victory of Tipperary's Darragh Stakelum at captain's day in Royal Tara. The Thurles tyro spreadeagled the star studded field with an awesome 47 stapleford points. The amiable laid back youngster's story should act as an inspiration for other aspiring blind and visually impaired golfers around the world. Darragh started off his blind golf career with several mediocre displays but aided and abetted by his guide Gerry he has shown that perseverance pays. His Category 2 victory was richly merited for a young man that dared to dream that where there is hope there is salvation.
McCormack Cops Category One Prize
Forgive the pun but former NYPD policeman Paul McCormack showed that he is made of stern stuff when he added the Cat 1 captain's prize to his recent British Open victory. The boy from Ballybofey danced jigs and reels around Royal Tara's verdant fairways as he stormed to success with a battling 38 points. Wally Roode chased him the whole way to finish a sterling 2nd. But one of the stories of the day surely belonged to a dogged Peter Gorey who returned to action with a stunning 3rd place finish.
Good Luck To Carol in Australia
We all wish Carol Brill bon voyage and good luck in Australia. The energetic and enterprising young lady from Rathfarnham
Dublin will leave no stone unturned in her Australian odyssey.
Her 2nd place finish in Cat 2 at Royal Tara augmented her recent triumph in the Irish Open at Nuremore GC and Australia beware because Brill is targetting another major success in Sydney.
Lazarus and Padre Pio
As you can all gather captain's day at Royal Tara was a huge success. We are so grateful to Royal Tara Captain Chris Farrell, who knows a thing or two about competing at the highest level and Royal Tara president Michael Moran, for gracing our occasion with their presence. We are really grateful to Royal Tara for their continued kindness. But one of the shocks of the evening for me was when Fr. Brendan McHale made a Lazarus like appearance. This Columban Fathers priest is a great supporter of the IBG and had spent the day at a wedding in Bonniconlan Co Mayo. I'm not sure if Fr. Brendan has Padre Pio's powers of bi-location but I must say that the Mayo team could have used both of them against Dublin.
Austria was Awesome
Yes indeed very happy to report that six of our intrepid warriors and their equally intrepid guides only returned from the Handa Austrian Blind Golf Open on the day before Captain's day. And what a trip it proved to be. Vienna must be one of the World's most beautiful and captivating cities even for people who are visually impaired. The tournament was a great success with major prizes for your blogger and for Paul O’Rahilly and Patrick Morgan Jnr. Legendary Dublin hurling star Adrian Downey, the Ardrahan crooner Philip Bond and the irrepressible Carol Brill also distinguished themselves. It is such an honour to represent your country no matter what the level. We were also delighted to support Austria's 2nd tournament.
My Mole Near The Hole
My mole near the hole has been very busy of late. The affable and very talented Nuremore GC pro, Maurice Cassidy (I was told confidentially) was overheard saying that if he ever goes blind he'll be straight on to Adrian Downey about joining the IBG. Well Maurice let me assure you that you'll get a cead mile failte. Maurice has been a wonderful supporter. My mole near the hole at Royal Tara tells me that several people were enthralled by the golfing display put on by guide supreme Gus Sealey. By the way the full captain's day results can be found on the Irish Blind Golf site.
Hermitage GC Oct 27th
And our 2nd last outing of a very long season sees us invade the lush fairways of Hermitage GC. in Co Dublin. The Order of Merit title is as tight as tight can be with only a handful of points separating the top 6 or 7 places. We'll be "hitting. it outta sight" from 9.30am.
So until the next time wherever you are around the world, slan leat agus beannacht De ort, goodbye and Gold bless you.
Ed Maguire, Captain IBG.
+-------------------------------+
12th September
Good evening golfers and guides just a gentle reminder that Captain's day is only a long drive and a 5 iron away.
Details
Royal Tara Co Meath
Friday Sept 22nd
First tee 11.00am
Royal Tara have generously agreed that there will be no charge for golf (3rd year in a row)
Prizes: There will be 1st 2nd and 3rd in Cat 1 and
1st 2nd and 3rd in Cat 2:
There will be prizes for Longest Drive and Nearest the pin.
There will also be prizes for Front 9 and Back 9.
There will be 1st and 2nd prizes in the guides par 3.
As has been the practice in recent years no golfer can win more than one prize.
Dinner The 4 course dinner will cost 20 euros but the good news is that dinner will be free for all the guides.
Par 3 Competition for Guides
There will be a par 3 competition for all of the guides and Paddy Powers are quoting
Jim Doyle 5 to 2, Eamonn McGee 3 to 1, Tommy Geraghty 7 to 2,
Tilda Hughes,4 to 1, Theresa McEvoy 4 to 1, Gus Sealey 9 to 2,
Pat Morgan 2 to 1, Martin Hogan 2 to 1, Pat Cockburn 5 to 2,
Paddy O Grady even money favourite and 10 to 1 the field.
Austrian Open,Vienna Sept 17-21
5 intrepid warriors and their equally intrepid guides will be representing us in Vienna for what promises to be a very competitive Austrian Open. Mind you it will be clashing with Mayo's triumphant return to Croke Park.
Tee to Green Irish Independent
All of our golfing news is in today's Irish Independent.
And finally best wishes and see you all at Royal Tara.
Regards,
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
Good evening golfers and guides just a gentle reminder that Captain's day is only a long drive and a 5 iron away.
Details
Royal Tara Co Meath
Friday Sept 22nd
First tee 11.00am
Royal Tara have generously agreed that there will be no charge for golf (3rd year in a row)
Prizes: There will be 1st 2nd and 3rd in Cat 1 and
1st 2nd and 3rd in Cat 2:
There will be prizes for Longest Drive and Nearest the pin.
There will also be prizes for Front 9 and Back 9.
There will be 1st and 2nd prizes in the guides par 3.
As has been the practice in recent years no golfer can win more than one prize.
Dinner The 4 course dinner will cost 20 euros but the good news is that dinner will be free for all the guides.
Par 3 Competition for Guides
There will be a par 3 competition for all of the guides and Paddy Powers are quoting
Jim Doyle 5 to 2, Eamonn McGee 3 to 1, Tommy Geraghty 7 to 2,
Tilda Hughes,4 to 1, Theresa McEvoy 4 to 1, Gus Sealey 9 to 2,
Pat Morgan 2 to 1, Martin Hogan 2 to 1, Pat Cockburn 5 to 2,
Paddy O Grady even money favourite and 10 to 1 the field.
Austrian Open,Vienna Sept 17-21
5 intrepid warriors and their equally intrepid guides will be representing us in Vienna for what promises to be a very competitive Austrian Open. Mind you it will be clashing with Mayo's triumphant return to Croke Park.
Tee to Green Irish Independent
All of our golfing news is in today's Irish Independent.
And finally best wishes and see you all at Royal Tara.
Regards,
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
25th. August
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Cead mile,mile failte,a hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog which comes to you from beautiful Blacksod on the wild Atlantic way. It has been quite a week for sport here in Ireland with the gallant warriors of Mayo and Kerry fighting out a dramatic draw in a match for the ages in Croke Park.
A Duel For Jim and Me
Yes indeed the Kerry v Mayo saga has thrown up a fascinating side show. My guide, Jim Doyle, is probably the most famous Kerry supporter in Ireland while I have more than a passing (not the ball) interest in the Mayo team.
Hence the daily "conflict" between golfer and guide. God only knows where it will all end. However I might ask our wonderful friend Kyoichi Sugiyama in Japan to adjudicate.
O’Rahilly Storms To Victory At Gowran
Anybody who reads this blog will know that I have always believed Paul O’Rahilly to be one of the most talented golfers in the World of blind golf. Paul's success at the recent British Open came as no surprise to his many admirers.
However his success at last Friday's Gowran Park Classic where he spreadeagled the entire opposition and romped home with a fabulous 38 pts. in really difficult conditions was one of his finest. The Category 2 laurels rested where they belonged.
The Roode and O Rahilly Show
Yes indeed it really was the Roode and O’Rahilly show at Gowran Park where the irrepressible Sth. African showed admirable patience and awesome ability to navigate the wet underfoot conditions and come away with the Category 1 laurels. Wally's success at the Irish Open has seen him back to top form again and his 35 points at Gowran Park was another step on his return to the top echelons of blind golf.
Adrian and Darragh Excel
There's something about bad weather which brings out the best in our chairman Adrian Downey. The Clondalkin Colossus and legendary Dublin hurling star has enthralled many with his displays on the hurling fields of Ireland and he is gradually doing the very same on the golf courses of Ireland. His 2nd place finish in Cat 1, showed that his great performance against Alan Morgan in this year's Celtic Cup was no flash in the pan. And what can we say about Darragh Stakelum? Darragh is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet but the Thurles Tornado has added a steeliness to his golf that has seen him succeed at the Irish Open and the fanatical Tipperary supporter put in another fabulous performance to snatch 2nd place by a single point in Cat 2, from Philip Bond another one of our golfers who has improved enormously and who was also successful at the Irish Open.
They Also Serve Who Only Stand And Wait
The above quotation could well have described your captain's performance last Friday. The weather and a very sore hip is my excuse but I have to say that Doonbeg's John O Grady outhit and outplayed me for the 14 holes that
I survived and John's 25 points were a wonderful achievement on such an awful day. Paul McCormack endured another difficult day but our British Open champion showed great spunk to come home with 27 pts. having not hit a golf ball for four weeks. It's great to see the doughty Donegal man at so many of our classics. However I was disappointed when Paul turned down my offer to manage the Donegal team. The manner in which I made the offer may have put him off as I said, "Sure Paul a blind man would do a better job with that Donegal team". Sorry about that Paul.
Patrick Jnr's Great Effort in Canada
Well done to Patrick Morgan Jnr and his dad Pat for representing us so well at the Canadian Open in Hamilton Ontario. Patrick had two very good rounds over a course rated the 2nd most difficult in Canada but did not get into the prizes on this occasion. However the good news is that Patrick jnr. Philip Bond, Adrian Downey, Paul O’Rahilly, Carol Brill and our guides will be leading an invasion of Austria when we all head to Vienna in mid September. Karin Becker will be looking after us and we hope to land at least a podium finish.
Captain's day at Royal Tara – Fri. Sept 22nd
Yes indeed captain's day is only around the corner and this year's event will once again be at Royal Tara GC, in the royal county of Meath. We always get a great big cead mile failte from John O Byrne and the wonderful committee at Royal Tara. The tournament will kick off at 11.00am and dinner will be at 6.00pm. It will be an honour and a privilege to welcome all of you.
Well it's time for me to say slan agus beannacht until the next time. Hope to see you all at Royal Tara. And a big hello to all our friends around the world receiving our blog.
Your Captain,
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Cead mile,mile failte,a hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog which comes to you from beautiful Blacksod on the wild Atlantic way. It has been quite a week for sport here in Ireland with the gallant warriors of Mayo and Kerry fighting out a dramatic draw in a match for the ages in Croke Park.
A Duel For Jim and Me
Yes indeed the Kerry v Mayo saga has thrown up a fascinating side show. My guide, Jim Doyle, is probably the most famous Kerry supporter in Ireland while I have more than a passing (not the ball) interest in the Mayo team.
Hence the daily "conflict" between golfer and guide. God only knows where it will all end. However I might ask our wonderful friend Kyoichi Sugiyama in Japan to adjudicate.
O’Rahilly Storms To Victory At Gowran
Anybody who reads this blog will know that I have always believed Paul O’Rahilly to be one of the most talented golfers in the World of blind golf. Paul's success at the recent British Open came as no surprise to his many admirers.
However his success at last Friday's Gowran Park Classic where he spreadeagled the entire opposition and romped home with a fabulous 38 pts. in really difficult conditions was one of his finest. The Category 2 laurels rested where they belonged.
The Roode and O Rahilly Show
Yes indeed it really was the Roode and O’Rahilly show at Gowran Park where the irrepressible Sth. African showed admirable patience and awesome ability to navigate the wet underfoot conditions and come away with the Category 1 laurels. Wally's success at the Irish Open has seen him back to top form again and his 35 points at Gowran Park was another step on his return to the top echelons of blind golf.
Adrian and Darragh Excel
There's something about bad weather which brings out the best in our chairman Adrian Downey. The Clondalkin Colossus and legendary Dublin hurling star has enthralled many with his displays on the hurling fields of Ireland and he is gradually doing the very same on the golf courses of Ireland. His 2nd place finish in Cat 1, showed that his great performance against Alan Morgan in this year's Celtic Cup was no flash in the pan. And what can we say about Darragh Stakelum? Darragh is one of the nicest people you could ever hope to meet but the Thurles Tornado has added a steeliness to his golf that has seen him succeed at the Irish Open and the fanatical Tipperary supporter put in another fabulous performance to snatch 2nd place by a single point in Cat 2, from Philip Bond another one of our golfers who has improved enormously and who was also successful at the Irish Open.
They Also Serve Who Only Stand And Wait
The above quotation could well have described your captain's performance last Friday. The weather and a very sore hip is my excuse but I have to say that Doonbeg's John O Grady outhit and outplayed me for the 14 holes that
I survived and John's 25 points were a wonderful achievement on such an awful day. Paul McCormack endured another difficult day but our British Open champion showed great spunk to come home with 27 pts. having not hit a golf ball for four weeks. It's great to see the doughty Donegal man at so many of our classics. However I was disappointed when Paul turned down my offer to manage the Donegal team. The manner in which I made the offer may have put him off as I said, "Sure Paul a blind man would do a better job with that Donegal team". Sorry about that Paul.
Patrick Jnr's Great Effort in Canada
Well done to Patrick Morgan Jnr and his dad Pat for representing us so well at the Canadian Open in Hamilton Ontario. Patrick had two very good rounds over a course rated the 2nd most difficult in Canada but did not get into the prizes on this occasion. However the good news is that Patrick jnr. Philip Bond, Adrian Downey, Paul O’Rahilly, Carol Brill and our guides will be leading an invasion of Austria when we all head to Vienna in mid September. Karin Becker will be looking after us and we hope to land at least a podium finish.
Captain's day at Royal Tara – Fri. Sept 22nd
Yes indeed captain's day is only around the corner and this year's event will once again be at Royal Tara GC, in the royal county of Meath. We always get a great big cead mile failte from John O Byrne and the wonderful committee at Royal Tara. The tournament will kick off at 11.00am and dinner will be at 6.00pm. It will be an honour and a privilege to welcome all of you.
Well it's time for me to say slan agus beannacht until the next time. Hope to see you all at Royal Tara. And a big hello to all our friends around the world receiving our blog.
Your Captain,
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
20th July
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Cead mile failte, one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog coming to you from the beautiful western seaboard of Ireland which we are considering renaming the "costa del Mayo".
Memories Of Nuremore
We are still basking in the delight of the fabulous
Handa Irish Blind Golf Open.
Nuremore GC and hotel proved to be the perfect location for what turned out to be a fantastic golf tournament. As I said in my previous blog it takes perfect ingredients to make a perfect meal and this was certainly the case in wonderful county Monaghan where the combination of an excellent championship golf course allied to the charming hotel and surroundings made it an experience to remember.
Thank you all for the very positive feedback.
The Brill and Hogan Show at Westmanstown
Newly crowned Irish Open champion Carol Brill and her irrepressible guide Martin Hogan stormed to victory at the July Classic at Westmanstown GC last Friday. Carol put Martin's local knowledge to good use and was monarch of all she surveyed as she danced her way to a devastating 49 stableford points. A stellar field was dominated by the deadly duo. For the record Paul O’Rahilly came an excellent 2nd to the Category 2 winner. Your captain Ed stumbled and limped his way to a Category 1 success with British Open champion Paul "The Navigator" McCormack on the podium once again in 2nd place.
My Mole Near the Hole
My mole near the hole has been extremely active over the past couple of week's. Thus it is that I know that former NYPD captain McCormack has been spotted relaxing in the Marbella region of Spain. My spy at Miraflores GC has promised to let me know how Paul fares on the Miraflores fairways over the coming days. Everybody's favourite Kerryman Jim Doyle has been spotted at Killarney racetrack and my mole near the hole tells me that Jim is on a winning streak. Mind you I put 50 euros on a horse at 20 to 1 last week but he didn't finish until 2 o clock.
All Roads Lead to Gowran Park
Just a gentle reminder that our next order of merit event will be the August Classic at Gowran Park Kilkenny where local resident
Paul O’Rahilly and guide John Kennedy will be favourites to prevail. A stellar field is expected and in that regard we hope our esteemed founder and Hall of Fame recipient Jimmy Murray might be back in action after his recent illness. The ever smiling Jimmy is made of stern stuff and will receive a big cead mile failte when he returns to the fold. For the record Gowran Park tees off from 11.00am on Fri August 18th.
And While I'm at it................
Yes indeed a big Irish welcome to all of you receiving our little blog wherever you are in the world. Thank you so much for your reaction to our last blog. A friend of mine said to me (when I lived in New York),"It's nice to be nice it don't hurt". I believe this is so true in the blind golf world where you find the nicest people of all.
Until the next time goodbye and best wishes.
Ed Maguire
Captain IBG (Irish Blind Golf)
+-------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Cead mile failte, one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's blog coming to you from the beautiful western seaboard of Ireland which we are considering renaming the "costa del Mayo".
Memories Of Nuremore
We are still basking in the delight of the fabulous
Handa Irish Blind Golf Open.
Nuremore GC and hotel proved to be the perfect location for what turned out to be a fantastic golf tournament. As I said in my previous blog it takes perfect ingredients to make a perfect meal and this was certainly the case in wonderful county Monaghan where the combination of an excellent championship golf course allied to the charming hotel and surroundings made it an experience to remember.
Thank you all for the very positive feedback.
The Brill and Hogan Show at Westmanstown
Newly crowned Irish Open champion Carol Brill and her irrepressible guide Martin Hogan stormed to victory at the July Classic at Westmanstown GC last Friday. Carol put Martin's local knowledge to good use and was monarch of all she surveyed as she danced her way to a devastating 49 stableford points. A stellar field was dominated by the deadly duo. For the record Paul O’Rahilly came an excellent 2nd to the Category 2 winner. Your captain Ed stumbled and limped his way to a Category 1 success with British Open champion Paul "The Navigator" McCormack on the podium once again in 2nd place.
My Mole Near the Hole
My mole near the hole has been extremely active over the past couple of week's. Thus it is that I know that former NYPD captain McCormack has been spotted relaxing in the Marbella region of Spain. My spy at Miraflores GC has promised to let me know how Paul fares on the Miraflores fairways over the coming days. Everybody's favourite Kerryman Jim Doyle has been spotted at Killarney racetrack and my mole near the hole tells me that Jim is on a winning streak. Mind you I put 50 euros on a horse at 20 to 1 last week but he didn't finish until 2 o clock.
All Roads Lead to Gowran Park
Just a gentle reminder that our next order of merit event will be the August Classic at Gowran Park Kilkenny where local resident
Paul O’Rahilly and guide John Kennedy will be favourites to prevail. A stellar field is expected and in that regard we hope our esteemed founder and Hall of Fame recipient Jimmy Murray might be back in action after his recent illness. The ever smiling Jimmy is made of stern stuff and will receive a big cead mile failte when he returns to the fold. For the record Gowran Park tees off from 11.00am on Fri August 18th.
And While I'm at it................
Yes indeed a big Irish welcome to all of you receiving our little blog wherever you are in the world. Thank you so much for your reaction to our last blog. A friend of mine said to me (when I lived in New York),"It's nice to be nice it don't hurt". I believe this is so true in the blind golf world where you find the nicest people of all.
Until the next time goodbye and best wishes.
Ed Maguire
Captain IBG (Irish Blind Golf)
+-------------------------------+
6th July
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Cead mile mile failte to this week's blog and what a momentous couple of weeks for all of us in the world of blind golf. The ISPS Handa British Blind Golf Open and the ISPS Handa Irish Blind Golf Open are now both complete. Anyway first things first............
Nuremore GC - the Icing on the Cake
And what a tournament the Irish Blind Golf Open turned out to be. Dr Handa's representative John White was fulsome in his praise for a quite wonderful championship. Club pro. the ever smiling and equally charming Maurice Cassidy had the course in tip top condition with superb signage and equally superb greens and fairways. None of us will forget our stay in the beautiful olde worlde style Nuremore Hotel - beautiful bedrooms, beautiful food, lots of beautiful drink and a staff that were so helpful and so kind. An experience never to be forgotten. It's rated 4 star but we all rated it 5 star.
The Fabulous Four----And More
Running a golf tournament is like cooking a meal...the ingredients have to be perfect. And so it proved at Nuremore GC where the first point of contact for golfers from 10 different countries were the fabulous four ladies who registered everybody. Maura Downey, Angie Morgan, Tracey Gray and Kathleen Bond were quite simple superb. They were aided and abetted by Niall, Becky and Sarah. Slaney Coaches (Paul), Philip Keegan and Eugene Gorman were kindness personified. The Carrickmacross and Castleblayney Council bought into the whole enterprise and we are grateful to Chairperson Aidan Campbell and to Catriona Coleman for their magnificent support. The Civil defence team led by Bobby Buckley were a reassuring sight as they looked after all of us so well and mind you they were needed on a few occasions.
Take a Bow Adrian, Pat, Philip, Eamonn and Carol
Our wonderful committee done a fantastic job and deserve all the praise that they get. Pat Morgan and Carol Brill in particular spent countless weeks days and hours making sure that everything went smoothly. It has been a pleasure to work with such talented and resourceful people.
My Mole Near the Hole
Yes indeed my mole near the hole informs me that a TV and radio career may be in the offing for our brilliant announcer Peter Gorey. Peter could be heard all over the golf course as he announced the various competitors. SKY Sports, BBC, RTE, Fox Sports, Channel 9(Australia) and several other big hitters are rumoured to be clamouring for his signature. My very good friend in Perth Malcolm Elliott tells me that Peter's fame has even spread to Western Australia. Thanks for that Malcolm (ha,ha,ha). Joking aside there can be no doubt that Peter added greatly to a wonderful occasion.
Roode Rises to the Occasion
One of the stories of the tournament was the magnificent performance of Willem Wally Roode who danced jigs and reels all over Nuremore's beautiful fairways as he triumphed over a formidable field. Wally and his guide Eamonn McGee were Napoleon like as they plotted and planned their way to a thrilling victory. More good news flowed for Team Ireland when the Thurles tornado Darragh Stakelum spreadeagled the field to become stableford champion of Ireland. Mind you Darragh was chased all the way to the finishing line by the "Ardrahan Crooner" Philip Bond who finished a superb 2nd. Well done to both of our heroes.
Carol Brill - A Star is Born
In what will go down as one of the greatest shocks in blind golf history Ireland's Carol Brill stormed to a transformational triumph in the ladies championship. The fact that multi world champion the gracious Linda Port from California was in the field was probably what inspired Carol to the heights that she reached. Incidentally my mole near the hole tells me that Carol benefited from the extraordinary advice of Nuremore Pro. Maurice Cassidy who ranks as one of the top teaching golf professionals in Ireland.
Music,Singing and Dancing
Our awards banquet proved an outstanding success due in large part to the talented singers, musicians and dancers who added so much to the occasion. The choral group were simply fantastic as was the riverdance type show put on by the Irish dancers. There were 14 in the traditional music group including 1954 all Ireland winning footballer Tom Duff and they were also fabulous.
We are so grateful to all of them.
A Stranger Is Only a Friend You Have not Yet Met
The truism of the above old Irish saying was reinforced so often during both the British and Irish Blind golf opens. It was my pleasure to play with so many fine people and fine guides. I'm indebted to Karin Becker and guider Jacob Becker, Malcolm Elrick and guide Sandy Shaw, Peter Osborne and guide Tommy Geraghty and to Garrett Slattery and guide Brendon Slattery. They are great people and were fantastic to play with. I was particularly taken with the humility of Professor Slattery one of the foremost actuarial lecturers in Sth. Africa.
Raise a Glass to Our Wonderful Guides
Yes indeed and many's a glass was raised to our guides because they were simply superb. Without the guides golf would be impossible as blind golf is truly a two person sport. The standing ovation accorded to them at our Nuremore banquet was totally deserved.
O’Rahilly' Irish Double
Paul O’Rahilly made it a double success for Ireland coming in with a fantastic nett 116 strokes in the British Open at Greenore GC. His 2nd place finish came as no surprise for a golfer who is a former British Masters champion. This confirms the recent return to top form of the Kilkenny based maestro.
Paul the Navigator
Many people in Ireland believe that it was Brendan the Navigator who discovered America and not Columbus or Amerigo Vespuci. Well Ireland has a new navigator and it's new British Open champion Paul "The Navigator" McCormack. Cometh the hour cometh the man and that man was ex NYPD captain McCormack, who navigated Greenore's fairways like a man possessed. John White believes Paul's nett 58 on day one may be a world record for Blind Golf. Paul made it a double success by taking the B2 honours. But it was a bittersweet victory for the Dublin based Donegal man as he and his family are still mourning the devastating loss of Paul's niece Rosabel Monroe who passed away at the heartbreakingly young age of16 months.
Ar dheis lamh De go raibh si.
And Finally.....................
Apologies for the length of the blog but there was so much to cover. I'd like to congratulate the Northern Ireland Blind golf for their successful tournament and I would like to thank John White and in particular Dr Handa for his wonderful and continued support of Blind golf around the world. Dr Handa is truly a remarkable human being. As I said at the banquet in Nuremore Hotel "we are a community of blind and visually impaired golfers and we are also a community of friends".
Our next Order of Merit event The Westmanstown Blind Golf Classic on Friday July 14th.
Until we meet again, slan agus beannacht.
Ed Maguire
Captain IBG
+-------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Cead mile mile failte to this week's blog and what a momentous couple of weeks for all of us in the world of blind golf. The ISPS Handa British Blind Golf Open and the ISPS Handa Irish Blind Golf Open are now both complete. Anyway first things first............
Nuremore GC - the Icing on the Cake
And what a tournament the Irish Blind Golf Open turned out to be. Dr Handa's representative John White was fulsome in his praise for a quite wonderful championship. Club pro. the ever smiling and equally charming Maurice Cassidy had the course in tip top condition with superb signage and equally superb greens and fairways. None of us will forget our stay in the beautiful olde worlde style Nuremore Hotel - beautiful bedrooms, beautiful food, lots of beautiful drink and a staff that were so helpful and so kind. An experience never to be forgotten. It's rated 4 star but we all rated it 5 star.
The Fabulous Four----And More
Running a golf tournament is like cooking a meal...the ingredients have to be perfect. And so it proved at Nuremore GC where the first point of contact for golfers from 10 different countries were the fabulous four ladies who registered everybody. Maura Downey, Angie Morgan, Tracey Gray and Kathleen Bond were quite simple superb. They were aided and abetted by Niall, Becky and Sarah. Slaney Coaches (Paul), Philip Keegan and Eugene Gorman were kindness personified. The Carrickmacross and Castleblayney Council bought into the whole enterprise and we are grateful to Chairperson Aidan Campbell and to Catriona Coleman for their magnificent support. The Civil defence team led by Bobby Buckley were a reassuring sight as they looked after all of us so well and mind you they were needed on a few occasions.
Take a Bow Adrian, Pat, Philip, Eamonn and Carol
Our wonderful committee done a fantastic job and deserve all the praise that they get. Pat Morgan and Carol Brill in particular spent countless weeks days and hours making sure that everything went smoothly. It has been a pleasure to work with such talented and resourceful people.
My Mole Near the Hole
Yes indeed my mole near the hole informs me that a TV and radio career may be in the offing for our brilliant announcer Peter Gorey. Peter could be heard all over the golf course as he announced the various competitors. SKY Sports, BBC, RTE, Fox Sports, Channel 9(Australia) and several other big hitters are rumoured to be clamouring for his signature. My very good friend in Perth Malcolm Elliott tells me that Peter's fame has even spread to Western Australia. Thanks for that Malcolm (ha,ha,ha). Joking aside there can be no doubt that Peter added greatly to a wonderful occasion.
Roode Rises to the Occasion
One of the stories of the tournament was the magnificent performance of Willem Wally Roode who danced jigs and reels all over Nuremore's beautiful fairways as he triumphed over a formidable field. Wally and his guide Eamonn McGee were Napoleon like as they plotted and planned their way to a thrilling victory. More good news flowed for Team Ireland when the Thurles tornado Darragh Stakelum spreadeagled the field to become stableford champion of Ireland. Mind you Darragh was chased all the way to the finishing line by the "Ardrahan Crooner" Philip Bond who finished a superb 2nd. Well done to both of our heroes.
Carol Brill - A Star is Born
In what will go down as one of the greatest shocks in blind golf history Ireland's Carol Brill stormed to a transformational triumph in the ladies championship. The fact that multi world champion the gracious Linda Port from California was in the field was probably what inspired Carol to the heights that she reached. Incidentally my mole near the hole tells me that Carol benefited from the extraordinary advice of Nuremore Pro. Maurice Cassidy who ranks as one of the top teaching golf professionals in Ireland.
Music,Singing and Dancing
Our awards banquet proved an outstanding success due in large part to the talented singers, musicians and dancers who added so much to the occasion. The choral group were simply fantastic as was the riverdance type show put on by the Irish dancers. There were 14 in the traditional music group including 1954 all Ireland winning footballer Tom Duff and they were also fabulous.
We are so grateful to all of them.
A Stranger Is Only a Friend You Have not Yet Met
The truism of the above old Irish saying was reinforced so often during both the British and Irish Blind golf opens. It was my pleasure to play with so many fine people and fine guides. I'm indebted to Karin Becker and guider Jacob Becker, Malcolm Elrick and guide Sandy Shaw, Peter Osborne and guide Tommy Geraghty and to Garrett Slattery and guide Brendon Slattery. They are great people and were fantastic to play with. I was particularly taken with the humility of Professor Slattery one of the foremost actuarial lecturers in Sth. Africa.
Raise a Glass to Our Wonderful Guides
Yes indeed and many's a glass was raised to our guides because they were simply superb. Without the guides golf would be impossible as blind golf is truly a two person sport. The standing ovation accorded to them at our Nuremore banquet was totally deserved.
O’Rahilly' Irish Double
Paul O’Rahilly made it a double success for Ireland coming in with a fantastic nett 116 strokes in the British Open at Greenore GC. His 2nd place finish came as no surprise for a golfer who is a former British Masters champion. This confirms the recent return to top form of the Kilkenny based maestro.
Paul the Navigator
Many people in Ireland believe that it was Brendan the Navigator who discovered America and not Columbus or Amerigo Vespuci. Well Ireland has a new navigator and it's new British Open champion Paul "The Navigator" McCormack. Cometh the hour cometh the man and that man was ex NYPD captain McCormack, who navigated Greenore's fairways like a man possessed. John White believes Paul's nett 58 on day one may be a world record for Blind Golf. Paul made it a double success by taking the B2 honours. But it was a bittersweet victory for the Dublin based Donegal man as he and his family are still mourning the devastating loss of Paul's niece Rosabel Monroe who passed away at the heartbreakingly young age of16 months.
Ar dheis lamh De go raibh si.
And Finally.....................
Apologies for the length of the blog but there was so much to cover. I'd like to congratulate the Northern Ireland Blind golf for their successful tournament and I would like to thank John White and in particular Dr Handa for his wonderful and continued support of Blind golf around the world. Dr Handa is truly a remarkable human being. As I said at the banquet in Nuremore Hotel "we are a community of blind and visually impaired golfers and we are also a community of friends".
Our next Order of Merit event The Westmanstown Blind Golf Classic on Friday July 14th.
Until we meet again, slan agus beannacht.
Ed Maguire
Captain IBG
+-------------------------------+
13th June
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Cead mile mile failte go blog na seachtaine seo. A hundred thousand welcomes to our "blog from the bog" and I hope it finds you all very well and enjoying a pleasant summer. Much to report about and lots of news to bring you all up to date on.
Brill Sizzles at Nuremore GC Classic
Yes indeed our intrepid warriors took on the might of Nuremore GC last Friday and guess what the golf course won and quite easily at that. However Carol Brill and Theresa Scott riverdanced their way to victory in Category 2. A small but very competitive field were treated to a daunting challenge in "Kavanagh Country" but the two ladies were not found wanting. Your blogger stumbled and limped his way to a very fortunate victory in Cat 1 but I'm afraid the wonderful Nuremore golf course was the real winner.
A Huge Thank You To Carrick and Blayney
When I was playing football with Macartan Moore, Jim McKenna, Tony Brady, Jap Finlay and the Monaghan football team in New York in the mid seventies little did I know that one day I would be part of a group of visually impaired golfers being accorded a civic reception by The Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Councils.
This was our 2nd such reception as our esteemed chairperson Adrian Downey myself and John McLoughlin were made a presentation by the same council two weeks previously. We are extremely grateful to Aidan Campbell and his fellow councillors for their kindness and generosity. It was really appreciated. We have rarely come across a more committed forward looking group of people and Monaghan are fortunate to have such people steering the ship for them.
High Jinks at Hollywood Lakes
Our annual Blindfold Classic was once again held at Hollywood Lakes GC. and what a success it turned out to be. Twenty teams teed it up over the verdant Nth. Dublin countryside on what turned out to be a beautiful day with some incredible scoring. The Morgan Connection buttressed by father and son Pat and Patrick jnr. stormed to victory with 57.8 pts. . Carol's Lads with Carol Brill, Adrian Downey, Pat Cockburn and Michael Hogan came 2nd with 58.8pts. Hughes Heroes, with Pat Byrne, Joe McCabe and
Tim Goulding would surely have prevailed on any other day with a fantastic 59.2 points. Bond's Collection, with Philip, Michael and Gerard Bond ably supported by Brian McVicker were a very creditable 4th place. Men's long drive was won by Gerard Bond and ladies by Carol Brill.
Nearest the pin Joe O Connor and longest putt Patricia Bolger.
Take A Bow Peter Gorey
An awful lot of credit to Peter Gorey for organizing everything so very very well. Peter is so talented in so many ways that it would take a full "blog" to come near to describing his capabilities. Suffice to say that without Peter and the various people that helped him there would be no blindfold classic. We are especially grateful to all of you who took part and to those of you who contributed in so many other ways. Gura mile, mile maith agaibh.
My Mole Near the Hole
My mole near the hole has been very quiet of late but let me assure you that he is still keeping a very close eye on all of us. He tells me that a particular golfer has been seen practicing regularly at both Greenore and Nuremore Golf Courses. I have been sworn to secrecy. My "mole near the hole" also tells me that one of our members has gone to Killarney for downtime and for some golf lessons. You'll have to ask Jim Doyle who it is as Jim is from Killarney.
The Irish Open Beckons
Well a chairde we enter the most important couple of weeks as our Handa Irish Open is only around the corner. So much effort and work has gone into the preparation that I know it will be a huge success. We are grateful in advance to all who have helped in any way but especially the great people at the Nuremore Golf Club and their redoubtable man for all seasons Maurice Cassidy.
Maurice bought into everything from the word go and has been so proactive and supportive. And what can we say about Carol Brill ?
a human dynamo who just has no conception of the word "no" or "can't". Pat Morgan, Adrian Downey, Philip Bond, Eamonn McGee and so many others have given a new meaning to that ancient Irish concept of "Meitheal" or people helping one another out.
And While I'm At It
Golf notes in the Irish Independent carry all our results in their golf supplement every Thursday. And finally can I ask you to remember in special way a former teaching colleague of mine and person who was a force of nature and a legend in his native County Kerry, Danny Sheehy aka Donal McSithigh who died when his naomhog capsized off the coast of Portugal and Spain a couple of days ago. Go ndeana Dia trocaire a anam dilis.
Slan go foill,
You’re Captain,
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Cead mile mile failte go blog na seachtaine seo. A hundred thousand welcomes to our "blog from the bog" and I hope it finds you all very well and enjoying a pleasant summer. Much to report about and lots of news to bring you all up to date on.
Brill Sizzles at Nuremore GC Classic
Yes indeed our intrepid warriors took on the might of Nuremore GC last Friday and guess what the golf course won and quite easily at that. However Carol Brill and Theresa Scott riverdanced their way to victory in Category 2. A small but very competitive field were treated to a daunting challenge in "Kavanagh Country" but the two ladies were not found wanting. Your blogger stumbled and limped his way to a very fortunate victory in Cat 1 but I'm afraid the wonderful Nuremore golf course was the real winner.
A Huge Thank You To Carrick and Blayney
When I was playing football with Macartan Moore, Jim McKenna, Tony Brady, Jap Finlay and the Monaghan football team in New York in the mid seventies little did I know that one day I would be part of a group of visually impaired golfers being accorded a civic reception by The Carrickmacross-Castleblayney Councils.
This was our 2nd such reception as our esteemed chairperson Adrian Downey myself and John McLoughlin were made a presentation by the same council two weeks previously. We are extremely grateful to Aidan Campbell and his fellow councillors for their kindness and generosity. It was really appreciated. We have rarely come across a more committed forward looking group of people and Monaghan are fortunate to have such people steering the ship for them.
High Jinks at Hollywood Lakes
Our annual Blindfold Classic was once again held at Hollywood Lakes GC. and what a success it turned out to be. Twenty teams teed it up over the verdant Nth. Dublin countryside on what turned out to be a beautiful day with some incredible scoring. The Morgan Connection buttressed by father and son Pat and Patrick jnr. stormed to victory with 57.8 pts. . Carol's Lads with Carol Brill, Adrian Downey, Pat Cockburn and Michael Hogan came 2nd with 58.8pts. Hughes Heroes, with Pat Byrne, Joe McCabe and
Tim Goulding would surely have prevailed on any other day with a fantastic 59.2 points. Bond's Collection, with Philip, Michael and Gerard Bond ably supported by Brian McVicker were a very creditable 4th place. Men's long drive was won by Gerard Bond and ladies by Carol Brill.
Nearest the pin Joe O Connor and longest putt Patricia Bolger.
Take A Bow Peter Gorey
An awful lot of credit to Peter Gorey for organizing everything so very very well. Peter is so talented in so many ways that it would take a full "blog" to come near to describing his capabilities. Suffice to say that without Peter and the various people that helped him there would be no blindfold classic. We are especially grateful to all of you who took part and to those of you who contributed in so many other ways. Gura mile, mile maith agaibh.
My Mole Near the Hole
My mole near the hole has been very quiet of late but let me assure you that he is still keeping a very close eye on all of us. He tells me that a particular golfer has been seen practicing regularly at both Greenore and Nuremore Golf Courses. I have been sworn to secrecy. My "mole near the hole" also tells me that one of our members has gone to Killarney for downtime and for some golf lessons. You'll have to ask Jim Doyle who it is as Jim is from Killarney.
The Irish Open Beckons
Well a chairde we enter the most important couple of weeks as our Handa Irish Open is only around the corner. So much effort and work has gone into the preparation that I know it will be a huge success. We are grateful in advance to all who have helped in any way but especially the great people at the Nuremore Golf Club and their redoubtable man for all seasons Maurice Cassidy.
Maurice bought into everything from the word go and has been so proactive and supportive. And what can we say about Carol Brill ?
a human dynamo who just has no conception of the word "no" or "can't". Pat Morgan, Adrian Downey, Philip Bond, Eamonn McGee and so many others have given a new meaning to that ancient Irish concept of "Meitheal" or people helping one another out.
And While I'm At It
Golf notes in the Irish Independent carry all our results in their golf supplement every Thursday. And finally can I ask you to remember in special way a former teaching colleague of mine and person who was a force of nature and a legend in his native County Kerry, Danny Sheehy aka Donal McSithigh who died when his naomhog capsized off the coast of Portugal and Spain a couple of days ago. Go ndeana Dia trocaire a anam dilis.
Slan go foill,
You’re Captain,
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
Carrickmacross – Castleblayney
Community Development Fund Award
To
Irish Blind Golf
22nd May 2017
Community Development Fund Award
To
Irish Blind Golf
22nd May 2017
+-------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Cead mile failte to this week's blog and hope you are all well and enjoying the fantastic weather that we have been blessed with over the past few weeks. Much to share with you especially a fabulous Celtic Cup battle in Co Westmeath and an incredible score from the Elmgreen Classic in Dublin.
McCormack's Command Performance
Pride of place this week has to go to Paul McCormack's performance in winning Category 1 at the Elmgreen Classic by 9 clear shots last Friday at a beautifully presented course in north Dublin. It's difficult to find an adjective to adequately describe Paul's display. Words such as scintillating, remarkable, and brilliant come to mind but I have settled on the word extraordinary because to shoot a gross 89 shots and accumulate 49 stableford points is quite extraordinary.
The Most Improved Golfer in Ireland
There can be little doubt that Paul is one of the most improved golfers in Ireland and certainly in the blind golf world. Patrick Morgan jnr. came 2nd with an outstanding 40 points but McCormack outshone everybody with his tremendous ball striking and wonderful short game. And the thing about the Us Open champion is his modesty. Paul took it all in his stride and was the epitome of calmness and modesty after his great achievement. I don't know what he eats for dinner but I'm dying to find out so that I can get some of the same. Congratulations and well done Paul.
Carol Brill Storms to Victory
One of the stories of the weekend was the display of Carol Brill who riverdanced her way to a quite sensational victory in Category 2. Her 39 points was the best score she has ever achieved and was a score that will make the rest of the female world of blind golf sit up and take notice. It was quite obvious that Brill's sojourn in the Canary Islands revitalized and reinvigorated her. The sky's the limit for the Dundrum dynamo who is now gunning for glory in the Irish Open in Nuremore GC.
Celtic Cup Success for Canny Scots
Yes they've done it again. It was veni, vidi, vichi as those canny Scots came, seen and conquered in the Celtic Cup at a beautifully presented New Forest Golf Club in Co Westmeath 2 weeks ago. Captained by the genial Colin Simpson augmented by the brilliant Allan Morgan, Barry Hampton, David Paterson, Ally Reid and Charlie Forbes the Scots had too much ammunition for a gallant Team Ireland. Special and deserved mention for Patrick Morgan Jnr. and Jan Dinsdale who dazzled in defeat. Allan Morgan and Barry Hampton's miraculous recovery to achieve a half with Wally and Ed set the tone for a deserved Scottish triumph.
The Scottish team were impressed by the display of Adrian Downey who very nearly brought of the shock of the century in taking Allan Morgan all the way to the 16th before succumbing to the brilliant Scot. But the greatest victory of all was the spirit of friendship and fair play in which the match was played. Final word here must go to a quite outstanding golf course and the welcome and attention lavished on all of us by the Cunningham family. New Forest GC is truly a gem.
And While I'm At It .........
Just a gentle reminder that our next Order of Merit
event will be the Nuremore GC Classic outside Carrickmacross Co Monaghan on Friday June 9th. at 11.00am. It will provide a wonderful opportunity to practice on the course that will host the Handa Irish International Blind Golf Openin 6 weeks time. And finally the tireless Peter Gorey tells me that there are still a couple of places left for the Hollywood Lakes Blindfold Golf Classic on June 2nd. This event has gone from strength to strength thanks mainly to the selfless work and dedication of Peter "Mr Music" Gorey.
Until the next time slan agus beannach
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
Cead mile failte to this week's blog and hope you are all well and enjoying the fantastic weather that we have been blessed with over the past few weeks. Much to share with you especially a fabulous Celtic Cup battle in Co Westmeath and an incredible score from the Elmgreen Classic in Dublin.
McCormack's Command Performance
Pride of place this week has to go to Paul McCormack's performance in winning Category 1 at the Elmgreen Classic by 9 clear shots last Friday at a beautifully presented course in north Dublin. It's difficult to find an adjective to adequately describe Paul's display. Words such as scintillating, remarkable, and brilliant come to mind but I have settled on the word extraordinary because to shoot a gross 89 shots and accumulate 49 stableford points is quite extraordinary.
The Most Improved Golfer in Ireland
There can be little doubt that Paul is one of the most improved golfers in Ireland and certainly in the blind golf world. Patrick Morgan jnr. came 2nd with an outstanding 40 points but McCormack outshone everybody with his tremendous ball striking and wonderful short game. And the thing about the Us Open champion is his modesty. Paul took it all in his stride and was the epitome of calmness and modesty after his great achievement. I don't know what he eats for dinner but I'm dying to find out so that I can get some of the same. Congratulations and well done Paul.
Carol Brill Storms to Victory
One of the stories of the weekend was the display of Carol Brill who riverdanced her way to a quite sensational victory in Category 2. Her 39 points was the best score she has ever achieved and was a score that will make the rest of the female world of blind golf sit up and take notice. It was quite obvious that Brill's sojourn in the Canary Islands revitalized and reinvigorated her. The sky's the limit for the Dundrum dynamo who is now gunning for glory in the Irish Open in Nuremore GC.
Celtic Cup Success for Canny Scots
Yes they've done it again. It was veni, vidi, vichi as those canny Scots came, seen and conquered in the Celtic Cup at a beautifully presented New Forest Golf Club in Co Westmeath 2 weeks ago. Captained by the genial Colin Simpson augmented by the brilliant Allan Morgan, Barry Hampton, David Paterson, Ally Reid and Charlie Forbes the Scots had too much ammunition for a gallant Team Ireland. Special and deserved mention for Patrick Morgan Jnr. and Jan Dinsdale who dazzled in defeat. Allan Morgan and Barry Hampton's miraculous recovery to achieve a half with Wally and Ed set the tone for a deserved Scottish triumph.
The Scottish team were impressed by the display of Adrian Downey who very nearly brought of the shock of the century in taking Allan Morgan all the way to the 16th before succumbing to the brilliant Scot. But the greatest victory of all was the spirit of friendship and fair play in which the match was played. Final word here must go to a quite outstanding golf course and the welcome and attention lavished on all of us by the Cunningham family. New Forest GC is truly a gem.
And While I'm At It .........
Just a gentle reminder that our next Order of Merit
event will be the Nuremore GC Classic outside Carrickmacross Co Monaghan on Friday June 9th. at 11.00am. It will provide a wonderful opportunity to practice on the course that will host the Handa Irish International Blind Golf Openin 6 weeks time. And finally the tireless Peter Gorey tells me that there are still a couple of places left for the Hollywood Lakes Blindfold Golf Classic on June 2nd. This event has gone from strength to strength thanks mainly to the selfless work and dedication of Peter "Mr Music" Gorey.
Until the next time slan agus beannach
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
12 th April
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Hello everybody and cead mile, mile failte to this week's "blog from the bog". Lots and lots of very good news to share with all of our friends, not least the stunning performance of Ballybofey battler Paul "The Predator" McCormack.
McCormack Sizzles in Arizona
Your blogger is for once stuck for words to adequately describe Paul McCormack's extraordinary display in Tucson Arizona last weekend. Paul had his share of challenges when he became the youngest ever police captain of the NYPD with his first posting at the Bronx precinct made famous by Paul Newman in the film "Fort Apache the Bronx". Such a career required courage, cunning, intelligence and resilience of the highest order and these were I believe the traits that got the Donegal man over the line at the US Open.
Two In a Row- Par For The Course
My "mole near the hole" in Tucson tells me that Paul only arrived in Tucson at 3.30am. due to a 10 hour delay in San Francisco. Our intrepid warrior had to tee it up for round one 7 hours later. Gale force winds and 92 degrees heat conditions only slightly discommoded Paul and his guide Karl Pierce as their 6 under 66 left them in 3rd place. Day two saw the temperature "plummet" to "only" 80 degrees with little wind. A quadruple bogey 8 at the first hole on day two was as bad as it got for the Ballybofey battler who drove the green at the 298 yard par four third on his way to an amazing nett albatross. Paul spread-eagled the field as he came home in 61 shots and became the first ever visually impaired golfer to win two consecutive US Blind Golf Opens. I am reliably informed that a good rollicking from guide Karl and a "small drop" of Jameson played a major part in Paul's history making achievement.
And Then There was Grangecastle
Yes I realize it's difficult to come down to earth but our domestic Order of Merit event, the Grangecastle Classic was contested in Sth Dublin last Friday. A compact but highly competitive field slugged it out over the beautifully manicured course. Your blogger's 38 stapleford points prevailed on a balmy wind free day. It was however the return to top form of Patrick Morgan Jnr. that captured the imagination as the youngster danced jigs and reels around the course on his way to a redemptive 37 points total. Well done Patrick.
The McGee and Doyle Show
I believe that Karl Pierce played a major part in Paul McCormack's Tucson success. Eamonn McGee and Jim Doyle also brought into focus the fabulous part that our guides play. Doyler called putt after putt correctly at Grangecastle and it was
truly heartening to hear the encouragement that Eamonn continually gave to the "Doonbeg Dynamo" John O Grady. It's only a matter of time before John returns to the winner's enclosure.
Carol Brill's Warm Weather Training
Yes I can confirm without fear of contradiction that our PRO/Assistant Sec/organizer in-chief is in far off Lansorote. My "mole near the hole" in Puerto del Carmen tells me that Carol can be seen doing her warm weather training under the careful and watchful eye of her beautiful daughter Saira. She'll return renewed and rejuvenated and is my tip for a podium finish at the Irish Open.
The Celtic Cup Beckons
Next up for us is the Celtic Cup. The Scottish International team arrive at Newforest GC. in Co Westmeath on May 1st to defend the Celtic Cup against Ireland. The 6 person Team Ireland will be Tommy Reidy (NIBGA), Jan Dinsdale (NIBGA), Ed Maguire(IBG),
Patrick Morgan Jnr. (IBG), Willem Wally Roode (IBG), Paul O’Rahilly (IBG) and 1st reserve Adrian Downey (IBG.
Scotland were victorious last year when they prevailed on the very last hole. I have hired a brass band to play outside the Team Scotland hotel for the entire night prior to international. And if that does not work I'm going to force them to listen to a full Donald Trump speech. And as a last resort I'll make them read my blog over and over all night long.
And finally our next Order of Merit outing will be the Elmgreen Classic on
Fri May 12,kicking off at 11.30am.
Until the next time...........slan agus beannacht.
Ed Maguire
+-------------------------------+
12 th April
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Hello everybody and cead mile, mile failte to this week's "blog from the bog". Lots and lots of very good news to share with all of our friends, not least the stunning performance of Ballybofey battler Paul "The Predator" McCormack.
McCormack Sizzles in Arizona
Your blogger is for once stuck for words to adequately describe Paul McCormack's extraordinary display in Tucson Arizona last weekend. Paul had his share of challenges when he became the youngest ever police captain of the NYPD with his first posting at the Bronx precinct made famous by Paul Newman in the film "Fort Apache the Bronx". Such a career required courage, cunning, intelligence and resilience of the highest order and these were I believe the traits that got the Donegal man over the line at the US Open.
Two In a Row- Par For The Course
My "mole near the hole" in Tucson tells me that Paul only arrived in Tucson at 3.30am. due to a 10 hour delay in San Francisco. Our intrepid warrior had to tee it up for round one 7 hours later. Gale force winds and 92 degrees heat conditions only slightly discommoded Paul and his guide Karl Pierce as their 6 under 66 left them in 3rd place. Day two saw the temperature "plummet" to "only" 80 degrees with little wind. A quadruple bogey 8 at the first hole on day two was as bad as it got for the Ballybofey battler who drove the green at the 298 yard par four third on his way to an amazing nett albatross. Paul spread-eagled the field as he came home in 61 shots and became the first ever visually impaired golfer to win two consecutive US Blind Golf Opens. I am reliably informed that a good rollicking from guide Karl and a "small drop" of Jameson played a major part in Paul's history making achievement.
And Then There was Grangecastle
Yes I realize it's difficult to come down to earth but our domestic Order of Merit event, the Grangecastle Classic was contested in Sth Dublin last Friday. A compact but highly competitive field slugged it out over the beautifully manicured course. Your blogger's 38 stapleford points prevailed on a balmy wind free day. It was however the return to top form of Patrick Morgan Jnr. that captured the imagination as the youngster danced jigs and reels around the course on his way to a redemptive 37 points total. Well done Patrick.
The McGee and Doyle Show
I believe that Karl Pierce played a major part in Paul McCormack's Tucson success. Eamonn McGee and Jim Doyle also brought into focus the fabulous part that our guides play. Doyler called putt after putt correctly at Grangecastle and it was
truly heartening to hear the encouragement that Eamonn continually gave to the "Doonbeg Dynamo" John O Grady. It's only a matter of time before John returns to the winner's enclosure.
Carol Brill's Warm Weather Training
Yes I can confirm without fear of contradiction that our PRO/Assistant Sec/organizer in-chief is in far off Lansorote. My "mole near the hole" in Puerto del Carmen tells me that Carol can be seen doing her warm weather training under the careful and watchful eye of her beautiful daughter Saira. She'll return renewed and rejuvenated and is my tip for a podium finish at the Irish Open.
The Celtic Cup Beckons
Next up for us is the Celtic Cup. The Scottish International team arrive at Newforest GC. in Co Westmeath on May 1st to defend the Celtic Cup against Ireland. The 6 person Team Ireland will be Tommy Reidy (NIBGA), Jan Dinsdale (NIBGA), Ed Maguire(IBG),
Patrick Morgan Jnr. (IBG), Willem Wally Roode (IBG), Paul O’Rahilly (IBG) and 1st reserve Adrian Downey (IBG.
Scotland were victorious last year when they prevailed on the very last hole. I have hired a brass band to play outside the Team Scotland hotel for the entire night prior to international. And if that does not work I'm going to force them to listen to a full Donald Trump speech. And as a last resort I'll make them read my blog over and over all night long.
And finally our next Order of Merit outing will be the Elmgreen Classic on
Fri May 12,kicking off at 11.30am.
Until the next time...........slan agus beannacht.
Ed Maguire
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16 March 2017
Ed´s Blog From the Bog
Bhur gcead mile failte .
Greetings and cead failte to this week´s blog, and what a few weeks it has been for IBG. Everything is going smoothly for Irish Open at Nuremore Golf Club later in the year. We have extended an invitation to Dr Handa to be a guest at our event and are hopeful that he can fit us into his tight schedule. More about this at a later date.......
The Two Pauls-Kings of The Castle
We had our first official outing of the year last Friday at the wonderful Castle Golf Club Churchtown Dublin and what a day it turned out to be. The Castle Classic was contested for by a stellar field that included golfers from Tipperary, Clare, Kilkenny, Donegal, Mayo, Dublin, Sth. Africa and Philadelphia. The standard of golf was of the highest order with a high of the day of 42 stapleford points being recorded by our Group 1 winner. Yes indeed the irrepressible Paul McCormack danced a highland jig around the iconic Sth. Dublin course as he bestrode the fairways like a man possessed. Paul told me that the key to his success was "that I scored on every hole and didn’t try to force my shots thanks to my excellent guide Jim Kavanagh".
Cometh The Hour Cometh The Man
Our Group 2 winner, Paul O’Rahilly pulled out all the stops as he stormed to a stunning Group 2 victory. The Kilkenny based former British Masters champion is rightly acknowledged as one of the sweetest strikers of a ball in the blind golf world and so it was at Castle Golf Club where Paul gave a masterclass in the niceties of the game of golf. My "mole near the hole" told me that O’Rahilly was coolness personified under pressure.
Darragh Dares To Dream
One of the many pleasures of compiling this blog is to be able to report on a good news story that warms the cockles of the heart. And yes indeed such a story unfolded in South Dublin last Friday when one of our newest members the ever smiling always good humoured Darragh Stakelum confounded the tipsters as he took a gallant 2nd place in an ultra-competitive Group 2. Darragh like the two Pauls is also a beautiful striker of a golf ball. It´s onwards and upwards for the "Thurles Tornado”
The Sal and Tony Show
Your blogger pipped Wally Roode and Adrian Downey for 2nd place in Group 2. Adrian is famously known as a legendary Dublin hurling icon but the Clondalkin dynamo is quickly building up a reputation for his competitiveness on the fairways. The former British Stapleford Champion has added steel to his undoubted style and is one of the bookies favourites for this year´s order of merit title. More about this anon. However I have to report that I had an absolute ball at Castle Golf Club in what I can only describe as
"the Sal and Tony Show". Yes new member Sal McKenna and her jovial guide Tony illuminated the whole proceedings with their good humour and jovial disposition. Sal is a seriously good golfer and Tony is a seriously funny man. What a combination they are.
What A Golf Course
This was our first time to play Castle Golf Club and what a welcome we got. The course is simply fantastic. It presents quite a challenge but it´s a fair challenge and therein lies the success of this course. We booked the course for next year within 5 minutes of finishing our event. The staff were so helpful and cheerful.
The Doyle Family
As you all know last year´s "Blindfold Classic" was won by Jim and Neil Doyle aided and abetted by Adrian Downey and Carol Brill. Well I have to report that my "mole near the hole" in Seattle (where Neil works with Microsoft) tells me that the Doyles are following a fitness programme that is designed to bring them to full fitness for this year´s event. I´ll keep you all posted on this major development.
Theresa´s Field Of Dreams
John O Grady and his dad Paddy would have been surprised to see Theresa McEvoy donning the Cuala colours at Castle Golf Club. It´s the O’Gradys for Ballyea and Theresa for Cuala. May the best team win.
Bon Yoyage and Good Luck Paul
Yes indeed it´s slan leat and good luck to Paul McCormack who is on his way to Tucson Arizona where he´ll be defending his US Open title. Paul is such a lovely chatty guy but don´t let that deceive you because behind that smiling exterior lies a warrior who knows how to survive in the toughest environments and knows how to win. All of Ireland will be behind you Paul as you attempt to defend your title.
And finally.......
Please excuse the length of this week´s blog...and I hope it finds you all in good spirits. And a final word for our guides without whom our dream would be just that..a dream. You make it all possible.
Until the next time....slan agus beannacht.
Ed Maguire.....Captain IBG
+-----------------------------------------+
Ed´s Blog From the Bog
Bhur gcead mile failte .
Greetings and cead failte to this week´s blog, and what a few weeks it has been for IBG. Everything is going smoothly for Irish Open at Nuremore Golf Club later in the year. We have extended an invitation to Dr Handa to be a guest at our event and are hopeful that he can fit us into his tight schedule. More about this at a later date.......
The Two Pauls-Kings of The Castle
We had our first official outing of the year last Friday at the wonderful Castle Golf Club Churchtown Dublin and what a day it turned out to be. The Castle Classic was contested for by a stellar field that included golfers from Tipperary, Clare, Kilkenny, Donegal, Mayo, Dublin, Sth. Africa and Philadelphia. The standard of golf was of the highest order with a high of the day of 42 stapleford points being recorded by our Group 1 winner. Yes indeed the irrepressible Paul McCormack danced a highland jig around the iconic Sth. Dublin course as he bestrode the fairways like a man possessed. Paul told me that the key to his success was "that I scored on every hole and didn’t try to force my shots thanks to my excellent guide Jim Kavanagh".
Cometh The Hour Cometh The Man
Our Group 2 winner, Paul O’Rahilly pulled out all the stops as he stormed to a stunning Group 2 victory. The Kilkenny based former British Masters champion is rightly acknowledged as one of the sweetest strikers of a ball in the blind golf world and so it was at Castle Golf Club where Paul gave a masterclass in the niceties of the game of golf. My "mole near the hole" told me that O’Rahilly was coolness personified under pressure.
Darragh Dares To Dream
One of the many pleasures of compiling this blog is to be able to report on a good news story that warms the cockles of the heart. And yes indeed such a story unfolded in South Dublin last Friday when one of our newest members the ever smiling always good humoured Darragh Stakelum confounded the tipsters as he took a gallant 2nd place in an ultra-competitive Group 2. Darragh like the two Pauls is also a beautiful striker of a golf ball. It´s onwards and upwards for the "Thurles Tornado”
The Sal and Tony Show
Your blogger pipped Wally Roode and Adrian Downey for 2nd place in Group 2. Adrian is famously known as a legendary Dublin hurling icon but the Clondalkin dynamo is quickly building up a reputation for his competitiveness on the fairways. The former British Stapleford Champion has added steel to his undoubted style and is one of the bookies favourites for this year´s order of merit title. More about this anon. However I have to report that I had an absolute ball at Castle Golf Club in what I can only describe as
"the Sal and Tony Show". Yes new member Sal McKenna and her jovial guide Tony illuminated the whole proceedings with their good humour and jovial disposition. Sal is a seriously good golfer and Tony is a seriously funny man. What a combination they are.
What A Golf Course
This was our first time to play Castle Golf Club and what a welcome we got. The course is simply fantastic. It presents quite a challenge but it´s a fair challenge and therein lies the success of this course. We booked the course for next year within 5 minutes of finishing our event. The staff were so helpful and cheerful.
The Doyle Family
As you all know last year´s "Blindfold Classic" was won by Jim and Neil Doyle aided and abetted by Adrian Downey and Carol Brill. Well I have to report that my "mole near the hole" in Seattle (where Neil works with Microsoft) tells me that the Doyles are following a fitness programme that is designed to bring them to full fitness for this year´s event. I´ll keep you all posted on this major development.
Theresa´s Field Of Dreams
John O Grady and his dad Paddy would have been surprised to see Theresa McEvoy donning the Cuala colours at Castle Golf Club. It´s the O’Gradys for Ballyea and Theresa for Cuala. May the best team win.
Bon Yoyage and Good Luck Paul
Yes indeed it´s slan leat and good luck to Paul McCormack who is on his way to Tucson Arizona where he´ll be defending his US Open title. Paul is such a lovely chatty guy but don´t let that deceive you because behind that smiling exterior lies a warrior who knows how to survive in the toughest environments and knows how to win. All of Ireland will be behind you Paul as you attempt to defend your title.
And finally.......
Please excuse the length of this week´s blog...and I hope it finds you all in good spirits. And a final word for our guides without whom our dream would be just that..a dream. You make it all possible.
Until the next time....slan agus beannacht.
Ed Maguire.....Captain IBG
+-----------------------------------------+