Saturday 19th July 2008

Finally, the gods were looking down on us after all our bad weather and the sun shone down for Anthony Richardson’s Captain’s Day. The first players went out at 7.00 am and the Captain was there to see them off. Next up for the Captain was the traditional breakfast with Trevor Dargan and the greens staff. The course was in absolutely fantastic condition and was set up very fairly. The fast greens caused no end of hard luck stories in the bar afterwards.

Over 240 players paid tribute to the captain by playing in his competition. Great credit has to be given to the gentlemen’s committee as the timesheet ran on time all day. The course rangers tried to keep the pace of play up as best they could which is a difficult task with so many players taking part. After play a very enjoyable dinner was served by Jason, Chris and the team which was greatly enjoyed by the large crowd that attended. On the day that Greg Norman was rolling back the years to lead the British Open by two shots going into the final day, there was a man doing his bit for the over 50’s in Woodenbridge as well. Brian Hurley, in the best comeback since Lazarus, came in with a great score of 66 despite the small hiccup of an 8 at the last hole.

A lengthy prize giving followed with the presentation of thirteen prizes. On picking up his prize, Brian made a very witty speech and he expressed his appreciation to the Captain for the wonderful and unique prize. Our Captain, Anthony, then addressed the packed clubhouse. He expressed his sincere thanks to all the members and friends who had sent their well wishes and cards. He thanked the Lady Captain, Flo, for all her hard work during the year which he had enjoyed so much. He thanked the Board of Management for their support, Trevor and the ground staff and of course the golf committees for their hard work during the year. A special mention was made for our new manager, Gerry Coleman, and he wished him a happy tenure. Gerry, Pauline and all the bar staff received a large round of applause when the Captain thanked them on behalf of all the members for their wonderful demeanour and hard work during the year.

The Captain then made a special mention for our President, Heather, who had left a wedding to attend the prize giving and also said a few words to the packed audience. Finally, he paid tribute to his family and especially his brother Michael and wife Felicia for their patience and understanding. A presentation of flowers was then made by the Captain to the lady Captain, Flo, the President, Heather and of course his lovely wife, Felicia.

Our thanks to Mark Burke and especially John Harkin for their help in organising the entertainment. Our band, the Bizz, really lived up to their name as they played late into the night. Even the Vice Captain was dancing, now that is saying something ! Check out the band's website to view a selection of photos taken by a member of the band on the night.

The usual sing song then commencd with our M.C. Mark Burke and may I say what wonderful talent we have in the club with singers of the quality of Michael Richardson, Teresa Corkish and the Hunt sisters requiring a special mention. What a wonderful day and roll on next year !!   A large selection of photos taken on the day by Garett Byrne can be viewed in slideshow format by clicking here.

Gavin Moran

Vice Captain

The full list of prizewinners were as follows :

1st : Brian Hurley 66

2nd : Ernest Tucker 67

Gross : Ken Freeman 75

3rd: Mark O’Brien 68

4th: John Byrne 69

First 9 : Paddy O’Sullivan 32

Second 9: James O’Brien 34

Category 1 : Eamonn Brandon 70

Category 2 : Ciaran Dowling 70

Category 3 : Sean Behan 70

Category 4 : Eamonn Murphy 70

Past Capt : Dermot Healy 70

Over 65 : Dudley Byrne 70