Brombridge Trophy

Led by the intrepid J B Joyce - with Paddy O’Brien ably standing in for the Captain who regrettably could not travel - 12 disciples set out by car ferry from Dun Laoghaire for a 3 day pilgrimage to the Wirral and the 10th annual meeting with Bromborough in late May. A key component of the team was entertainment-value and this year was exceptional with Paddy O’Sullivan and Jim Byrne leading us in three wonderful nights of music, humour and song. As usual what goes on tour stays on tour but some surprising new talent was discovered when all of the team performed in various contexts.

We think we got a half in this area of the trip but we were up against strong opposition from a rejuvenated Bromborough led by John Moore and Dr. Michael O’Neill who did an unforgettable rendition of Young Albert and the lion. Add in Bas (Barrie Gainer) who re-stocked the joke repertoire of JB, Joe O’Malley, Barry Tyrrell and Des Bradley, and you had a trip to treasure. However, we were narrowly (?) beaten in the match as Bromborough regained the Brom-bridge trophy. Blame was equally apportioned onto the Rhinestone Cowboy and Brian Young who hosted the customary Chateauneuf de Pape party on the evening before the match and also to the confusing instructions of the Manager, JB, who encouraged his partner to go for a half when all around him were being soundly beaten.

Alan Deacon and Harry Cahill, a tour operator in a previous existence, found the directions most confusing but then it was their first such trip. Our sincere thanks to the Bromborough Captain Phil Stones for the wonderful welcome and hospitality which he and all at Bromborough showered on us during the trip and to Michael O’Neill and Brendan Joyce our congratulation and thanks for another truly wonderful golfing experience.