11-7-2019
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle, míle fáilte to this week’s blog from the bog and I hope it finds you all in good form and enjoying the weather wherever you are around the world. And first and foremost today our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Brendan "Bottler" Grace who has just passed away. Brendan was the outstanding comedian of his own and many other generations and helped to keep this country laughing during good and bad times.
Roode Rules the Roost at Westmanstown
Last week's outing to Westmanstown was significant on many levels. I was playing in the company of Patrick Morgan Jnr. and newcomer Hugh Kennedy. Patrick Jnr. returned a fantastic score of 37 stapleford points and none of us believed that such a score could be bettered on such a long and demanding course. But cometh the day cometh the hour and South African born Willem Wally Roode rose to the challenge like a man possessed. The genial ever smiling native of Johannesburg brought a new dimension to the word determination as he strode the fairways like a colossus to register a fully deserved triumph. The ever improving Adrian Downey added another feather to his cap as he snatched 3rd place ahead of one of the largest fields of the season.
Céad Míle Fáilte Hugh Kennedy
Yes indeed and a hundred thousand welcomes to new member Hugh Kennedy from beautiful County Down. The former football star with Glenn John Martins outside Newry has won three Co Down senior football c'ships and has the distinction of keeping a tight rein on superstar Sean O Neill on many occasions. But by a remarkable coincidence one of the midfielders for the 1962 triumph was a player named Tom Maguire who only passed away a few weeks ago. Tom was my brother a man that I looked up to and was fiercely proud of. Hugh's wife Patricia made a big impression on all of us and I have to say that this charming couple are a great addition to our ranks.
My Mole Near the Hole
My mole near the hole has been very busy of late and no more so than at Westmanstown GC. where he deemed that Hugh Kennedy's chip in from near a rabbit hole on the 15th was the shot of the day. He also informed me that I had a double hit on a ball on the back nine. The news that our esteemed captain Phillip Bond is yet again over in Alvor in sunny Portugal
came as no surprise as the Ardrahan "crooner" and his charming wife Kathleen have fallen in love with the Algarve.
Marc, Maria, Jeus-Jugadores, Asociados y Voluntarios
Some of the nicest people that we have met were the Spanish blind golf
team. They made a very positive impression on all of us at international events in Italy and Spain. We hope to develop our friendship with them and initiate international competitions between Ireland and Spain. Marc is also a world class downhill skier which is pretty awesome for a visually impaired person. Hasta luego mi amigos.
Thanks a Million Michelle
The famous Beatles song could very well have been written about Michelle Hughes who has been guiding with IBG for many years. But the Westmanstown GC. member exceeded all expectations for our recent outing to her course. As she was busy supporting Padraig Harrington at Lahinch, Michelle left instructions that we be well looked after in her absence. Her generosity knows no bounds and was greatly appreciated.
Thank you Michelle.
The Knightsbrook Challenge
As our next order of merit event won't be until August 30th,we have
arranged the Knightsbrook Challenge for Fri August 16th, tee times 1.15-1.55. This will be a unique outing on the beautiful Trim Co. Meath course,
because visually impaired golfers and their guides will be playing so a fun
day is expected. This will not be an order of merit event but could be the most enjoyable outing of the year.
Time to Say Goodbye
Yes indeed it is time to say slán agus beannacht and hope you all cheer for Mayo this weekend.
Ed Maguire
+---------------------------------------+
27-6-2019
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle, míle fáilte, a hundred thousand welcomes to this week's "blog from the bog" coming to you from the sweltering east coast of Ireland. Much to report and lots of results and good news to bring to you
Patrick Jnr Unleashes A Tornado in Thurles
Yes indeed and what a day we had at Thurles GC in leafy Tipperary where
Patrick Morgan Jnr unleashed a flurry of golf shots that would put Rory McElroy and Dustin Johnson to shame. His 40 stapleford points on a long
unrelenting golf course drew gasps of admiration from the many spectators who had gathered for a fundraiser later in the day. Your chastened blogger amassed a very satisfying 35 points, while Carol Brill continues to impress and her 3rd place finish sets her up nicely for the defense of her British Open title in July.
Adrian Downey - Courage Personified
Our charismatic former chairman showed immense commitment and
enormous courage by taking to the fairways despite suffering from a
debilitating back condition. The former Dublin hurler demonstrated the
heart of a lion in completing the arduous 18 holes and came off the 18th
with a big smile on his face.
The John and Joe Show
It was a pleasure and a privilege to be in the group that included Clare's,
John O Grady and Callan Co Kilkenny resident Joe Lonergan. John's drive on the 14th was the longest of the day while shot of the day was Joe's
wonderful approach shot on the 16th. Joe's guide Dinny and the inimitable
Paddy O’Grady who was guiding for son John added to what was truly a
unique and wonderful day in sunny Thurles.
A Contender For Fluke of The Century
Yes everybody I have to put my hand up and accept responsibility for a "shot" that my guide Martin McGuinness described as "fluke of the century". Martin lined me up 65 yards from the hole, I swung a pitching wedge, the ball was heading for the clubhouse window past the 17th hole, there was an almighty bang, I said to Martin,"there goes the window",
but when we went up the ball had hit the flag and fallen into the hole. By
the time we had gotten back to base the distance had increased to 165 yards. TR Dallas has a hit song titled "The Story I Tell You is True" and his song would have suited this occasion.
Isn't It Lovely to Enjoy the Friendship of Friends
A long standing friend of mine Navan's Joe McGrath used to use the above expression and I believe this to be so true in the world of blind golf
which is really an expended large family group around the world who enjoy each other's company and meeting up at local and international events. This little blog goes out to visually impaired golfers and other friends all over Ireland, Canada, USA, The Netherlands, Spain, Australia,Austria, Italy, Portugal, Sth Africa, Japan, Scotland, England and Israel.
We are in reality an international community of friends.
My Mole Near the Hole
I have to confess that my "mole near the hole" has been extremely quiet and well behaved of late but he couldn't resist telling me about one of our golfers who had a long conversation with a tree in Thurles. Apparently the words "bleedin" and "chainsaw" were to the fore in the one sided conversation. The greens which were very difficult were also the subject of some very colorful comments which cannot be repeated here.
Westmanstown - Fri July 5th
The race for the order of merit title is hotting up and my mole near the hole has informed me that Pat Morgan and son Patrick Jnr are getting some extra warm weather practice abroad. They'll be back in time for our
next outing which will take us to Westmanstown GC, Dublin on Fri July 5th.
(11.00-12.00). Michelle Hughes assures me that she will have the course in perfect order for us for what should be a great outing. Our esteemed captain Philip Bond tells me that he has fully recovered from Galway's
double defeats and that he will be leading the charge at Westmanstown.
Incidentally "Tee To Green" which appears in The Irish Independent every Thursday carry all our results and fixtures.
Slán agus Beannacht
Well it's time for me to say slán agus beannacht goodbye and God bless until the next time. Hope our little blog finds you in good health and good spirits.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle, míle fáilte, a hundred thousand welcomes to this week's "blog from the bog" coming to you from the sweltering east coast of Ireland. Much to report and lots of results and good news to bring to you
Patrick Jnr Unleashes A Tornado in Thurles
Yes indeed and what a day we had at Thurles GC in leafy Tipperary where
Patrick Morgan Jnr unleashed a flurry of golf shots that would put Rory McElroy and Dustin Johnson to shame. His 40 stapleford points on a long
unrelenting golf course drew gasps of admiration from the many spectators who had gathered for a fundraiser later in the day. Your chastened blogger amassed a very satisfying 35 points, while Carol Brill continues to impress and her 3rd place finish sets her up nicely for the defense of her British Open title in July.
Adrian Downey - Courage Personified
Our charismatic former chairman showed immense commitment and
enormous courage by taking to the fairways despite suffering from a
debilitating back condition. The former Dublin hurler demonstrated the
heart of a lion in completing the arduous 18 holes and came off the 18th
with a big smile on his face.
The John and Joe Show
It was a pleasure and a privilege to be in the group that included Clare's,
John O Grady and Callan Co Kilkenny resident Joe Lonergan. John's drive on the 14th was the longest of the day while shot of the day was Joe's
wonderful approach shot on the 16th. Joe's guide Dinny and the inimitable
Paddy O’Grady who was guiding for son John added to what was truly a
unique and wonderful day in sunny Thurles.
A Contender For Fluke of The Century
Yes everybody I have to put my hand up and accept responsibility for a "shot" that my guide Martin McGuinness described as "fluke of the century". Martin lined me up 65 yards from the hole, I swung a pitching wedge, the ball was heading for the clubhouse window past the 17th hole, there was an almighty bang, I said to Martin,"there goes the window",
but when we went up the ball had hit the flag and fallen into the hole. By
the time we had gotten back to base the distance had increased to 165 yards. TR Dallas has a hit song titled "The Story I Tell You is True" and his song would have suited this occasion.
Isn't It Lovely to Enjoy the Friendship of Friends
A long standing friend of mine Navan's Joe McGrath used to use the above expression and I believe this to be so true in the world of blind golf
which is really an expended large family group around the world who enjoy each other's company and meeting up at local and international events. This little blog goes out to visually impaired golfers and other friends all over Ireland, Canada, USA, The Netherlands, Spain, Australia,Austria, Italy, Portugal, Sth Africa, Japan, Scotland, England and Israel.
We are in reality an international community of friends.
My Mole Near the Hole
I have to confess that my "mole near the hole" has been extremely quiet and well behaved of late but he couldn't resist telling me about one of our golfers who had a long conversation with a tree in Thurles. Apparently the words "bleedin" and "chainsaw" were to the fore in the one sided conversation. The greens which were very difficult were also the subject of some very colorful comments which cannot be repeated here.
Westmanstown - Fri July 5th
The race for the order of merit title is hotting up and my mole near the hole has informed me that Pat Morgan and son Patrick Jnr are getting some extra warm weather practice abroad. They'll be back in time for our
next outing which will take us to Westmanstown GC, Dublin on Fri July 5th.
(11.00-12.00). Michelle Hughes assures me that she will have the course in perfect order for us for what should be a great outing. Our esteemed captain Philip Bond tells me that he has fully recovered from Galway's
double defeats and that he will be leading the charge at Westmanstown.
Incidentally "Tee To Green" which appears in The Irish Independent every Thursday carry all our results and fixtures.
Slán agus Beannacht
Well it's time for me to say slán agus beannacht goodbye and God bless until the next time. Hope our little blog finds you in good health and good spirits.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
17/05/2019
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle fáilte, one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's "blog" and I hope it finds you all well and of course playing plenty of golf. This little blog goes out to blind golfers and their friends in several countries and also to golf magazines and a number of newspapers.
We all have one thing very much in common and that is playing the game of golf. Isn't it wonderful to belong to a community of friends who have made little of the challenge of being blind or visually impaired,and yet being able to play competitive golf.
Storm Carol Blew Them All Away
The Elmgreen Blind Golf Classic on the March 26th produced some stellar golf from a big and competitive field. However our esteemed secretary Carol Brill done a veni,vidi,vichi, as she blew the field apart with a display for the ages. The British Open champion scored a whopping 40 stapleford points to overcome the brave challenge of Patrick Morgan Jnr,who was followed in 3rd place by Wally Roode. Delighted to report that IBG captain,Philip Bond returned an excellent 24 points and that Clondalkin dynamo,Adrian Downey had an fabulous outing returning a very creditable 29 points total. There are many astute followers of blind golf who believe that the former Dublin hurling legend could be a good each way bet to be
win this year's British Open.
Beechpark A Walk in the Park for Patrick Jnr
Isn't it amazing how a name can be instantly recognizable to everybody? Well when the name Patrick Jnr appears in print or on radio or television people nearly always know it's Patrick Morgan Jnr. The 22 yr old has blazed a trail around the World over the past 3 years from Arizona to Canada, Japan and all over Ireland and Europe. There's a saying that "nice guys finish last" well let's put that theory to bed because young Patrick is a serial winner and is also one of the nicest people in the world of blind golf. He treated the beautiful but very difficult Beechpark golf club like a walk in the park as he strolled to victory over your very humbled blogger on the 10th of May. This was our first time playing Beechpark GC,
in Dublin and I must say it was a wonderful experience. By the way I was in Belmullet
Co Mayo a couple of weeks ago and spoke to many people who had seen Patrick Jnr, put on an awesome golfing display at Carne Golf Links a few months ago.
Next Up Hollywood Lakes Classic-June 7th
Yes indeed our next major outing will be to Hollywood Lakes, Nth Dublin for our annual fundraising classic on June 7th. Peter Gorey is the man who makes our classic such a success every single year. I don't know where he gets the energy from but when I find out I'm going plug into it because I could sure use some of it. It's going to be a brilliant day out and will as always be great fun. Everybody whether blind,visually impaired or with perfect eyesight has to putt blind fold on two of the holes. It's always great craic and if you'd like to play just contact any of the members of IBG. You'll get a big céad mile fáilte,and have a great day out.
Contact number 0876031046 and don't forget to "tell them that Ed sent you"(apologies to Darren Clarke ha,ha)
My Mole Near The Hole has Been Busy
My mole near the hole has been extremely busy over the past few weeks and has whispered that one of our members is threatening to bring a chain saw to Beechpark GC when next we play it. My lips are sealed suffice to say that the south Dublin resident was heard making some threatening gestures to several trees on the back 9. I'm also led to believe that Darragh Stakelum who is recovering from a long illness may be spending some time in Mooncoin Co. Kilkenny in the near future. I don't know what Liam Sheedy will make of that Darragh (ha,ha). I think Darragh who is the current Irish open champion will need a special dispensation as Kilkenny and Tipperary are mortal enemies on the hurling field. Anyway we all wish Darragh a speedy and full recovery and hope he'll be back in action with us very soon. He's greatly missed.
Thurles GC Classic 21st June
Incidentally, speaking of Darragh our next order of merit outing will be the Thurles GC Classic on June 21. I believe some golfers may be staying over night in the Tipperary venue and it's also Darragh's home town. Carol Brill and Patrick Jnr are the early favourites but Wally Roode and others will have a big say in the outcome. Wally is representing Ireland in the Sth African Blind Golf open as I write these words and we wish him all the best in Johannesburg.
Slán Agus Beannacht
Well it's time for me to wish you all slán agus beannacht, until the next time and thank you for your continued support of IBG and the blind golf
communities all over the world.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Céad míle fáilte, one hundred thousand welcomes to this week's "blog" and I hope it finds you all well and of course playing plenty of golf. This little blog goes out to blind golfers and their friends in several countries and also to golf magazines and a number of newspapers.
We all have one thing very much in common and that is playing the game of golf. Isn't it wonderful to belong to a community of friends who have made little of the challenge of being blind or visually impaired,and yet being able to play competitive golf.
Storm Carol Blew Them All Away
The Elmgreen Blind Golf Classic on the March 26th produced some stellar golf from a big and competitive field. However our esteemed secretary Carol Brill done a veni,vidi,vichi, as she blew the field apart with a display for the ages. The British Open champion scored a whopping 40 stapleford points to overcome the brave challenge of Patrick Morgan Jnr,who was followed in 3rd place by Wally Roode. Delighted to report that IBG captain,Philip Bond returned an excellent 24 points and that Clondalkin dynamo,Adrian Downey had an fabulous outing returning a very creditable 29 points total. There are many astute followers of blind golf who believe that the former Dublin hurling legend could be a good each way bet to be
win this year's British Open.
Beechpark A Walk in the Park for Patrick Jnr
Isn't it amazing how a name can be instantly recognizable to everybody? Well when the name Patrick Jnr appears in print or on radio or television people nearly always know it's Patrick Morgan Jnr. The 22 yr old has blazed a trail around the World over the past 3 years from Arizona to Canada, Japan and all over Ireland and Europe. There's a saying that "nice guys finish last" well let's put that theory to bed because young Patrick is a serial winner and is also one of the nicest people in the world of blind golf. He treated the beautiful but very difficult Beechpark golf club like a walk in the park as he strolled to victory over your very humbled blogger on the 10th of May. This was our first time playing Beechpark GC,
in Dublin and I must say it was a wonderful experience. By the way I was in Belmullet
Co Mayo a couple of weeks ago and spoke to many people who had seen Patrick Jnr, put on an awesome golfing display at Carne Golf Links a few months ago.
Next Up Hollywood Lakes Classic-June 7th
Yes indeed our next major outing will be to Hollywood Lakes, Nth Dublin for our annual fundraising classic on June 7th. Peter Gorey is the man who makes our classic such a success every single year. I don't know where he gets the energy from but when I find out I'm going plug into it because I could sure use some of it. It's going to be a brilliant day out and will as always be great fun. Everybody whether blind,visually impaired or with perfect eyesight has to putt blind fold on two of the holes. It's always great craic and if you'd like to play just contact any of the members of IBG. You'll get a big céad mile fáilte,and have a great day out.
Contact number 0876031046 and don't forget to "tell them that Ed sent you"(apologies to Darren Clarke ha,ha)
My Mole Near The Hole has Been Busy
My mole near the hole has been extremely busy over the past few weeks and has whispered that one of our members is threatening to bring a chain saw to Beechpark GC when next we play it. My lips are sealed suffice to say that the south Dublin resident was heard making some threatening gestures to several trees on the back 9. I'm also led to believe that Darragh Stakelum who is recovering from a long illness may be spending some time in Mooncoin Co. Kilkenny in the near future. I don't know what Liam Sheedy will make of that Darragh (ha,ha). I think Darragh who is the current Irish open champion will need a special dispensation as Kilkenny and Tipperary are mortal enemies on the hurling field. Anyway we all wish Darragh a speedy and full recovery and hope he'll be back in action with us very soon. He's greatly missed.
Thurles GC Classic 21st June
Incidentally, speaking of Darragh our next order of merit outing will be the Thurles GC Classic on June 21. I believe some golfers may be staying over night in the Tipperary venue and it's also Darragh's home town. Carol Brill and Patrick Jnr are the early favourites but Wally Roode and others will have a big say in the outcome. Wally is representing Ireland in the Sth African Blind Golf open as I write these words and we wish him all the best in Johannesburg.
Slán Agus Beannacht
Well it's time for me to wish you all slán agus beannacht, until the next time and thank you for your continued support of IBG and the blind golf
communities all over the world.
Ed Maguire.
+---------------------------------------+
25/03/2019
Ed's Blog From the Bog
Céad míle fáilte to this week's "blog" and I hope it finds you all in good spirits and that your golf swing is in good working order. Our golfing year is up and most definitely running and we're hoping to have a stellar season. I know that this little blog goes out to blind golf organizations in many countries so we wish you all well.
Our Captain Splits The Fairway
Our first event of the year took us to Castle Golf Club which is situate in leafy south Dublin. And what a day and what a challenge it turned out to be. The captains of Castle GC,
Carina Staunton(must have connections in Mayo) and Joe O Hare honoured us at the first tee,
where our esteemed captain Phillip Bond split the fairway with a huge drive. To say that they were impressed would be putting it mildly as the genial Joe O Hare muttered, "I wouldn't mind hitting a drive like that any time".
Brill Storms the Castle
It was a day for low scores as a whipping wind and dozens of very uncooperative trees conspired to make life difficult for everybody. But cometh the hour cometh the hero as British open winner, Carol Brill cast the winter blues aside with aplomb as she stormed the barricades and withstood a gallant late challenge from 2018 order of merit champion
Wally Roode to finish a deserving winner. Patrick Morgan Jnr, who many consider will give everybody a run for their money in 2019 hung in for a gallant 3rd place.
My Mole Near the Hole
Yes indeed my mole near the hole has been really busy of late and told me that one of our members was seen talking to a tree, yes you read it correctly he was "talking to a tree"
at Castle Golf club last Friday and it was hilarious. Now I know that King George 5th of England had many interesting conversations with trees but I don't believe he ever threatened to come back with a chainsaw because "you're in my bleedin way".
The recent AGM of IBG saw a lot of changes to the committee with the most notable being the election of Eamon McGee as our new chair person. Eamon is a person with much experience and an individual of high integrity. He replaces Adrian Downey who gave stellar service and was persuaded to remain on the committee as our treasurer. So it's onwards and very much upwards for Irish Blind Golf as we embrace a new season full of confidence
and hope.
Dates For Your Dairies
It's going to be a very busy season for Irish blind Golf both domestically and on the international front. Our next outing will be to Elm Green GC on Friday, April 5th where we will be teeing off from 11,00am, and we would like to remind everybody about our
Hollywood Lakes fundraiser on June 7th which is such great fun and is such an important date in our schedule.
Slán Tamall
Yes it's time to say slán tamall (goodbye for a while) and hope you are all well and that you are enjoying your golf and your lives. As we have often heard the blind golf world is like one big extended family where friendships are formed that last a lifetime. It is in that spirit of comradeship and congeniality that I say farewell and that I quote an old Irish saying,
"A stranger is just a friend that you have yet to meet".
Ed Maguire
+---------------------------------------+
01/01/2019
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Just a very brief message to wish you all well. 2019 has finally arrived and with it comes the hopes and aspirations of so many people here in Ireland. The last year brought its difficulties and challenges for Irish Blind Golf, but life would surely be boring without its challenges. I firmly believe that the next year will be pivotal and will see us scale heights that will make us an even stronger organization.
Jimmy Murray RIP
The loss our founder and spiritual leader, the legendary Jimmy Murray came as a monumental shock to all of us but Jimmy's beloved wife Maureen insisted that the continuing growth and expansion of IBG would have been Jimmy's greatest wish and would be his legacy. This is one of the many reasons why we must try to make 2019 a year to be remembered. Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anam uasal.
AGM and Other Matters
It is expected that our AGM will be around the same time as last year but this will be confirmed in the very near future. We are also delighted that Darragh Stakelum is on the road to recovery and that our esteemed captain Philip Bond is also in great shape again. Rumours that the Ardrahan hurling team want him to make a comeback could not be confirmed but I know they're looking for a big strong full forward.
Have a Happy and Healthy 2019
Joan and myself would like to wish you all a very happy and an even healthier new year and may all of your dreams come true. I'm finishing off this little blog with a small poem that I wrote today. It's about friendship and Inniskee Island which I mention in the poem, is just of the coast of Mayo and has a special place in my heart.
My Friend
As I listen to the haunting sound,
Of the waves near Inniskee;
I'd like to be the kind of friend,
That you have been to me.
That faithful friend that you may find,
If you look inside your heart;
And realize that this new year,
Brings the chance of a brand new start.
I'd like to be that kind of friend,
Who never questions why;
But loves you just the way you are,
With a love that money can't buy.
Ed Maguire 01/01/2019
Slan agus beannacht oraibh go leir.
Ed's Blog From The Bog
Just a very brief message to wish you all well. 2019 has finally arrived and with it comes the hopes and aspirations of so many people here in Ireland. The last year brought its difficulties and challenges for Irish Blind Golf, but life would surely be boring without its challenges. I firmly believe that the next year will be pivotal and will see us scale heights that will make us an even stronger organization.
Jimmy Murray RIP
The loss our founder and spiritual leader, the legendary Jimmy Murray came as a monumental shock to all of us but Jimmy's beloved wife Maureen insisted that the continuing growth and expansion of IBG would have been Jimmy's greatest wish and would be his legacy. This is one of the many reasons why we must try to make 2019 a year to be remembered. Ar dheis lamh De go raibh a anam uasal.
AGM and Other Matters
It is expected that our AGM will be around the same time as last year but this will be confirmed in the very near future. We are also delighted that Darragh Stakelum is on the road to recovery and that our esteemed captain Philip Bond is also in great shape again. Rumours that the Ardrahan hurling team want him to make a comeback could not be confirmed but I know they're looking for a big strong full forward.
Have a Happy and Healthy 2019
Joan and myself would like to wish you all a very happy and an even healthier new year and may all of your dreams come true. I'm finishing off this little blog with a small poem that I wrote today. It's about friendship and Inniskee Island which I mention in the poem, is just of the coast of Mayo and has a special place in my heart.
My Friend
As I listen to the haunting sound,
Of the waves near Inniskee;
I'd like to be the kind of friend,
That you have been to me.
That faithful friend that you may find,
If you look inside your heart;
And realize that this new year,
Brings the chance of a brand new start.
I'd like to be that kind of friend,
Who never questions why;
But loves you just the way you are,
With a love that money can't buy.
Ed Maguire 01/01/2019
Slan agus beannacht oraibh go leir.
