Mourne Golf Club News

November 11, 2024

By Paul Gallagher

In the last hurrah of the juvenile golf season, Ollie Toner pulled out all the stops to win the Annual at Home with a breathtaking 48 points that saw him finish three clear of Shea Malley in second.

On a day of yet more hot scoring, it was Toner who finished top of the pile in a round that simply got better and better and a strong back nine ensured his win. Malley also had a day to remember and, on any other occasion, his 45 points might have been good enough for the win. Caolan Northrop rounded out the podium with his 41 points to take third.

The leading trio were followed by a stellar chasing pack that included James Rodgers on 39 points, one ahead of Harry Martin and John Gribben. Callum McLaughlin and Juvenile Captain Matthew Murphy were next with 37 points, while Paddy Curran Jnr had 36 points.

There was a great battle for the gross prize with James Rodgers and the Juvenile Captain Murphy going toe-to-toe with their pair of one-under 66s. Murphy carded four birdies and just three dropped shots, while Rodgers picked up three birdies and two bogeys. Rodgers won the gross on a countback with his better back nine of one-under.

As the winning juveniles were announced to choose their own prizes that were kindly donated by members and family for season-ending juvenile competition, club Captain Paddy Curran, Juvenile Convenor John Hanna and Juvenile Captain Murphy were on hand with photographer Danny Hillen.

The annual presentation of cups and trophies also took place as proud parents and family members looked on in the packed lounge at the clubhouse.

Special mention for Ryan Thornton whose handicap came tumbling down after a sensational season in 2024. Thornton’s efforts ensured he was named the Juvenile Golfer of the Year and proud parents Ciara and Simon plus family were on hand to witness the moment.

Captain Curran thanked everyone who attended the Juvenile Annual at Home and Prizegiving: “It gives me great pleasure to see so many juveniles and their family here this evening. You juveniles are the future of Mourne Golf Club and we are delighted to see so many of you playing and enjoying your golf.”

“I’d also like to thank the parents and families for coming tonight and for supporting the juveniles all season. I encourage all the juveniles to keep playing and to get their friends involved too. A vibrant juvenile section here at the Mourne is better for you and better for everyone.”

Curran also took a moment to thank Hanna who was somewhat “thrown in at the deep-end” after taking up the Juvenile Convenor role for the first time this year. Hanna has done a wonderful job all season

But the biggest round of applause of the evening was kept to the end when Juvenile Captain Matthew Murphy presented his aunty, Jacinta Murphy, with a bunch of flowers on behalf of all the juveniles to mark her recent retirement.

For years Jacinta has looked after the juveniles at Mourne and kept them all in check. In an emotional moment, Jacinta simply said, “sure, they’re all my babies, we’ve had great fun over the years”.

MGC Juvenile Annual at Home  Winners 2024

  • Ollie Toner 48 points
  • Shea Malley 45
  • Caolan Northrop 41
  • James Rodgers 39
  • Harry Martin 38
  • John Gribben 38
  • Calum McLaughlin 37
  • Matthew Murphy 37
  • Paddy Curran Jnr 36
  • Luke Martin 35
  • Eoin Smyth 35
  • Aaron O’Boyle 35
  • Callum Flynn 34
  • Ryan Thornton 27
  • Owen Gallagher 27
  • Eoin Polly 27
  • Harry Devlin 24
  • Jack Rodgers 17

MGC Juvenile Annual Trophy Winners 2024

  • Golfer of the Year: Ryan Thornton
  • Clubman of the Year Caolan Northrop
  • Most Improved Golfer Harry Martin

Cups

  • Mourne Shield James Rodgers
  • Hanna Putter James Rodgers
  • Lions Juvenile Trophy Harry Martin
  • Castlewellan Cup Eoin Polly

Medals 

  • Spring Medal Luke Martin
  • May Medal Ryan Thornton
  • June Medal Ryan Thornton
  • July Medal Eoin Smyth
  • September Medal Caolan Northrop
  • Harvest Medal Luke Martin

Juvenile Annual at Home Prize Winners 2024
(Pics courtesy of Danny Hillen)

Juvenile Annual trophy winners at Mourne Golf Club Prizegiving 2024
(Pics courtesy of Danny Hillen)

Juvenile Captain Matthew Murphy presented his aunty, Jacinta Murphy, with a bunch of flowers on behalf of all the juveniles to mark her recent retirement.
(Pic courtesy of Danny Hillen)