Mourne Golf Club News

October 2, 2023

By Paul Gallagher

Torrential rain may have put paid to the annual match between the Past Captains of Mourne Golf Club against Council members and guests last Saturday, but a fine dinner afforded the chance to pay respects to former captains no longer with us.

With golf clubs set to one side for the afternoon, the upshot was the chance for members of Mourne to enjoy the second and thrilling day of the Ryder Cup in Rome rather than losing golf balls on the Annesley Links. It was a fair trade when barely a sinner was to be found on any golf course last Saturday due to the elements.

The powers that be decided to push on with match dinner that evening as Past Captains, Council members and guests gathered before sitting down to a delicious steak dinner from chef Dennis Orr and his team.

With plenty of reminiscing about times of old and stories that have stood the test of time, Honorary Secretary Paddy Keenan got proceedings underway.

Current Captain Gareth Malley welcomed everyone and took a moment to remember some past captains who passed away in recent times, such as Brownlow McClean, Sean Keenan, John Murphy and more recently Richard Robinson.

Past Captain Theo Gallagher took to the floor to say a few words where he reminded everyone that matches and occasions such as these “are an important part of the tradition of Mourne Golf Club”.

“Days like this are important for a number of reasons, not only to remember those who are no longer with us, but to also thank Council members who do so much for the club,” said Gallagher, who also referred to next year’s Irish Open at Royal County Down.

“It promises to be another exciting year for Mourne when the Irish Open returns to Royal County Down next September. On behalf of all the Past Captains, I wish Council and the Irish Open committee well in their planning for what is sure to another great week.”

In other club news, the season-ending Annual at Home finally took place after being postponed due to the weather. The evening also saw the presentation of all the cups and trophies to the winners during the season and full details will appear next week.

A number of Mourne Golf Club Past Captains (September 2023)

Mourne Golf Club Past Captains present at last week’s dinner for the annual Past Captains v Council match. Backrow (L-R): Adrian O’Hare, David Graham, Sam Harrison, Gareth Malley (current Captain), Keith Toner, Ian McEvoy, Michael Keane, Gregory Hanna. Front Row (L-R): Hugh Hodges, Martin Greene (current club President), Theo Gallagher, Gerry Boden, John Heaney.