Generations and tradition on show at Mourne

At the end of another strong year at Mourne Golf Club there was something of a tip of the hat to the past, present and future as the annual Past Captains v Council Match took place the day before the Juvenile Annual at Home competition.

There are some fixtures on the calendar that remind members and friends about the fabric and tradition of Mourne Golf Club, and last week was one such occasion as the clubhouse was filled over the weekend by members of all ages.

First up was the Past Captains match against the current Club Council and their guests where 32 hardy souls took to the Annesley Links as the heavens threatened to, and did, open mid-round. It didn’t dampen spirits as most of the fourballs made their way round the course, while others retreated early to the sanctuary of the clubhouse.

By day’s end, everyone was suited and booted for the sit-down meal presented by Denis Orr and his team as the sides eagerly awaited the match result. Honorary Secretary Tony Murray held his audience in full suspense before revealing that the 2025 matches finished in a draw at 4-4.

Current club Captain Paul Mullan took to the floor and thanked everyone on the day and reminded those present of the 26 former club captains who are with us today. “It is wonderful to see so many Past Captains here tonight, I believe we have 21 here in all. Days like today remain so important to our club and matches like these are an important tradition of the club,” said Mullan.

Past Captains unable to make the evening included; Gerry Brannigan, Sean Killough, Gregory Hanna, Andy Methven and John Heaney.

Just 24 hours later Mourne Golf Club was transformed into an altogether louder affair where juvenile members and their families packed in for the season-ending Annual at Home presentation.

It was a tremendous turnout where 30 Juveniles took to the Annesley Links, and it could be argued the juveniles endured even more testing conditions than their more experienced counterparts 24 hours previous. The winds whipped up and scattered showers meant scoring was extremely difficult.

However, the difficult conditions got pushed aside (some juveniles where even seen wearing shorts) as plenty of great golf was on show. In a close contest it was Caolan Northrop’s sensational score of 37 points that was good enough to win the Juvenile Annual at Home. He was pushed all the way by the in-form Ryan Thornton in second, while Conor Smyth was third and Aaron O’Boyle fourth.

Juvenile Convenor John Hanna and Juvenile Captain Callum Flynn were on hand to present the prizes with Danny Hillen ever present behind the camera. The array of prizes illustrated the generosity of members as every juvenile got a prize on the day.

“I would just like to thank everyone who took part today, it wasn’t easy out there, and to all the parents and families here tonight. I’d also like to thank John, Michael, Paddy and the team of volunteers for all the hard work they do behind the scenes,” said Flynn.

“This is my last competition as a juvenile but it’s great to see so many new juveniles here tonight and I hope the older juveniles take the new members under their wings. It has been a pleasure being your Juvenile Captain for the last year.”

The annual prizes were also presented after the Annual at Home and Luke Martin had a stellar year to be crowned Juvenile Golfer of the Year. Caolan Northrop also had a standout year with several notable wins.

(Pics courtesy of Danny Hillen)