THURSDAY, August 12 was ‘Junior Golf Day’ in Portsalon as the club hosted the annual Shaw Shield and Kernaghan Cup competitions for juniors.
These competitions are long-standing traditional summer events, open to junior golfers with or without an official handicap, both members at Portsalon or another club or those just wishing to try competitive golf.
They have proved a real breeding ground for young golfers over many years, instilling a love of competition that continues to grow long into adulthood.
The Shaw Shield, open U18s with an official GUI Handicap, was won for the second year running by Liam Donlon (18), who has taken six shots off his handicap since triumphing 12 months ago, with a score of 38 points. Liam’s victory on the day was capped by a super ‘hole-in-one’ at the par-three 12th hole, enough to cement any success.
Runner-up in the Shaw Shield was Cliodhna Patton (24) who carded a commendable 31 points on a blustery Portsalon afternoon to take the silver medal. Well done, both.
We also had 20 competing in the Kernaghan Cup, open to all non-handicapped juniors, another really excellent turnout in the conditions.
After a nine-hole qualifier, we had a knockout competition featuring nine-hole matches to find the winner. Congratulations to Oisin Scanlon, who pipped Thomas Roache in the decider to hoist the Kernaghan Cup. Also well done to Aodhran McGrenaghan and Charlie Patton, who were semi-finalists on the day.
Our thanks to Derek Shaw for sponsoring prizes and to Gary O’Reilly for sponsoring lunch for all the participants.
Huge thanks are due to Club Manager Daragh Lyons and Junior Convenor/Vice-Captain Eamonn McConigley for organising and overseeing the day’s events and ensuring everything ran to plan. Their commitment to Junior Golf in Portsalon is steadfast and much-appreciated by young and old alike.
Lady Captain’s Day
Saturday was the big major in the ladies calendar as Iris Condron hosted her Captain’s Prize. The Ladies were out in force and the weather was certainly kind for the occasion with ideal playing conditions prevailing. Congrats to Mary Barrett, who took the top prize on the day.
In the Gents competition it was Joe Hensey that triumphed with a stunning tally of 45 points to win by six points from in-form Damian Toland. A great score from Joe and a definite return to form. It was so nearly a family double, with Deirdre pipped only by a point in the Ladies event.
Junior team in county decider
Congratulations to our Junior team who edged out Ballybofey & Stranorlar on Sunday evening in Dunfanaghy to book their spot in the Donegal final.
The Portsalon team just edged B&S on Sunday in perfect golfing conditions, winning 3-2. They will now face Dunfanaghy in the county decider, with date and venue to be confirmed. The Portsalon team on Sunday was Oisin Friel, Cian Page, Michael Campbell, Christian Harris, Ultan Blaney and Liam Donlon and they were guided by Junior Convener Eamonn McConigley and Daragh Lyons. Well done to all concerned!
Club Results
Wednesday 11th August
Winner: Kevin Boyce (10) – 42 pts
Runner-up: Michael McFadden (19) – 39 pts BOT
Gross: Clive Davison (8) – 38 pts
Third: Peter O’Donnell (11) – 39 pts
Saturday August 14th – Lady Captain’s Prize Iris Condron
Winner: Joe Hensey (17) – 45 pts
Runner-up: Damian Toland (4) – 39 pts BOT
Gross: Pascal Cullen (5) – 33 gross pts
Third: Liam Campbell (10) – 39 pts
First Nine: John McGettigan (18) – 22 pts
Second Nine: Hugh Doherty (22) – 23 pts
Sunday 15th August
Winner: Diarmad Coll (17) – 44 pts
Runner-up: Michael O’Hara (22) – 42 pts BOT
Gross: Damien Toland (4) – 33 gross pts
Third: Ollie O’Dowd (16) – 42 pts
Portsalon Ladies Notes
Lady Captain’s Day win for Mary Barrett
Lady Captain Iris Condron hosted her Captain’s Day on Saturday last. Played in near perfect conditions, it certainly didn’t disappoint with some fine performances and high scoring separating the prize-winners by the slimmest of margins.
Mary Barrett took the honours with a fantastic 40 pts to claim the Captain’s Prize by a single point from Deirdre Hensey, 39pts BOT. Break-of-ties were needed to separate the next five scorers, and it was an exciting end to a great day.
Many thanks to Lady Captain, Iris and the many ladies for the lovely tea before the golf and the fine presentations afterwards. Well done to all the winners.
Lady Captain’s Prize to the Men was won in spectacular fashion by Joe Hensey with 45 points with Damian Toland and Liam Campbell 39pts taking second and third respectively. A great day for the Hensey family, well done folks.
Claire Ferry wins the Members Prize
Claire Ferry continued her excellent form in recent weeks to win the members competition on Sunday with 41pts, enough to prevent Captain’s Prize winner Mary Barrett (38pts) from a weekend double-up! Well done ladies.
Dates for your diary
Mr Presidents Day, Sat-28 Aug., Past Captains, Sat-11 Sept. Lady Captains Outing to Redcastle Sunday 3rd Oct. further details are in the locker room. The timesheet is in operation and you must be booked in online before arriving at the club. Members are reminded to BOOK the timesheet, REGISTER at the Club shop on arrival and RETURN their completed cards in to the Ladies Locker room.
Result Lady Captain’s Prize – Mrs Iris Condron – August 14th
Winner: Mary Barrett – 40pts
Runner-up: Deirdre Hensey – 39pts BOT
Gross: Claire McGonagle
Third: Claire Ferry – 39 pts BOT
Fourth: Vera Kearney – 39 pts BOT
Fifth: Sarah Nicholl – 38pts BOT
Sixth: Deirdre O’Toole – 38pts BOT
Front Nine: Anne McDonnell
Back Nine: Trish Bradley
Nearest the Pin: Anne Busch
Longest Drive: Roisin McCormack
Visitors Prize: Hazel Russell, Rosapenna