GOLF: Team 15 clinch coveted Winter League title at Foyle

The eight qualifying teams took to the Ballyarnet fairways for the Final last Saturday and Team 15 certainly brought their ‘A’ game and played some splendid golf to finish five points clear of runners-up Team 5 of Kevin McDermott, Charles McDermott, Martin Moran and Cormac McGeady who finished with a fine score of 91 points.

Once again the Winter League, now in its 18th year, proved a very popular competition and everyone at Foyle are deeply indebted to Desmond Motors for their generous and long term sponsorship of the event, with special thanks going to the Greenkeeping staff for the fine condition of the course during the competition.

Thanks also to Linda and Conor at the Golf reception for their courtesy and help.

The Winter League Dinner and Prize Presentation will take place on Friday, January 13th 2017 at 8.00pm in Pitchers with all competitors qualifying for a complimentary meal with partners very welcome for a nominal fee.

Final result - 1, Team 15: Paddy McCafferty, Chris Lynch, Joe Lynch, Declan McKinney 96pts; 2, Team 5: Kevin McDermott, Charles McDermott,Martin Moran, Cormac McGeady 91; 3,Team 13: Sean McEleney, Martin McEleney, James Meehan, Paul McEleney 90; 4, Team 3: b.o.t, Gary McElroy, Gary Jackson, Ciaran O’Doherty, Michael Coyle 87; Ladies - 1, Team 12: Florence Rankin, Lorna Thompson, Myra Gough 380pts.

The Foyle Sunday Society had a bumper entry for their Christmas hamper competition on Sunday and with fine playing conditions and the Ballyarnett course playing very well everything was in order for good scoring and 11 handicapper Ciaran O’Doherty certainly obliged with a fine winning score of 42 points.

Chris Lynch took the Cat 0 -10 prize after a 40 points break of tie which was decided on the last six holes with Stephen Martin after his excellent three under par round came up short on the day.

Full Result - 1, Ciaran O’Doherty (11) 40pts; Cat 0-11: b.o.t, Chris Lynch (7) 40; Cat 11-16: Paddy McCafferty (16) 40; Cat 17+: b.o.t, Stephen Moran (18) 39; Front 9, Stuart Gauld (6) 21; Back 9, b.o.t, Ciaran McGuinness (7) 22.

Foyle Golf Club Captain, Mr Emmet McNally extends deepest sympathy on behalf of everyone at Foyle to fellow club member Gerry Toland on the recent death of his father.

May he rest in peace.

Club competitions - Sunday, December 11th: Foyle Sunday Society; Turkey competitions continue daily until Sunday, December 18th in three categories.

Ballyliffin

Sunday 4th December 2016 Members Christmas Hamper, Glashedy Links: - 1, Brendan Devlin (1) 36pts; 2, Jimmy Clancy (11) 36; CSS: 73; The Old Links - 1, Eddie McGonigle (17) 39pts; 2, Diarmuid Walsh (20) 39; CSS: 71.

Saturday Open, December 3rd - 1, Peter R McNeice (12) 43pts; 2, Liam Tourish (7) 42; 3, Colm McLaughlin (18) 41; 4, Paul Grant (6) 40; Gross, Keith Lapsley (5) 35.

Friday Open, December 2nd - 1, Iain McCafferty (8) 37pts; 2, John Gibbons (10) 34; 3, Gary Stewart (7) 34; CSS: R/O .

Wednesday Society, November 30th - 1, b.o.t, Brendan Callaghan 39; 2, Frank Harkin 39; 3, Patsy Toland 34; Two’s: Don McGonigle(2), Michael Butter, Keith Marston.

Ladies: Sunday, December 4th - Christmas Hamper 9 Holes 0-18; 1, Geraldine Mullan 20pts; 2, Margaret Doherty 16;

19-28; 1, Marie Gough 23; 2, Trish Kelly 20; 29-36; 1, Marlene O’Kane 19; 2, Mary C. McCool 18.

In the ‘Golfer of the Year’ Don McGonagle defended his lead better than his beloved Liverpool and took the title.

Fixtures - Today - Open competition on The Old Links; Tomorrow - Open Competition on Glashedy Links; Sunday - Members Confined on The Old Links.

Festive Opens at Ballyliffin Golf Club €25 for visitors. Dates for festive opens: Friday, December 23rd; Sat. December 24th; Monday, December 26th; Tues., December 27th; Wed. December 28th; Friday, December 30th; Sat. December 31st. Contact 0749376119 to book.