60.Com Christmas Party Christmas came early for the senior citizens at Dungarvan Golf Club. Yes, the 60.com group know how to celebrate, and their motto seems to be ‘start early’! They were on the course for nine holes last Wednesday morning, but the golf was merely a preamble – to whet the appetite for Tom Daly’s wonderful repast. Some of the oldies used their free bus pass, or at least had themselves ‘dropped out’ to the club by obliging spouses. I wonder what was in their minds. Others of the oldies prefer to stay with ‘The Young Ones’; I’d better not go there!

Tom Phelan and Ann Morrissey had arranged a marvellous day, with prizes galore, the odd jorum of spirits or quaff of wine, songs to beat the band, speeches by some who should know better, jokes for an adult audience, and home to bed early. Try as this writer might, nobody would spill the beans on the detail, but I was assured that all was above board in what was described with a twinkle as ‘better than any office party’. Hmm!

Enright Eurospar Winter League Ger Enright, popular member and generous sponsor of this year’s Winter League, is delighted at the response of players. “I am thrilled to see so many on the course each Thursday, Saturday and Sunday to get a score for their team – this is what it is all about, participation” said Ger enthusiastically. He also commented on the ding-dong nature of the league. Apart from Ballinroad, who seem to be running away with matters at this early stage, the other placings are changing weekly, with Master McGrath’s retirees out in all weathers trying to claim the top spot.(If they were all as good as Cyril Power!).

This weekend was ‘lost’ to the league due to frost, but players with a score in the bag may carry it forward. Those who don’t read notices – and there are many – need to be reminded that for these three weeks five scores count for the team total. Tadhg Sheehan works very hard each Sunday night to keep the league data updated, and participants may help by ensuring that they put their scores into the computer. Thanks are due to David Hayes at the Pro shop who organised a 9-hole, with Martin Landers winning on Saturday and Mick Leacy on Sunday.

Slow Play What a pity that some few members seem to forget their obligations when it comes to pace of play on the course. Yes, they come out to relax playing golf, but they dither and dally, often to the annoyance of those playing behind. Whether it’s a strolling disposition, a long pre-shot routine, an attempt at imitating the professionals, or simply a disregard for other members, the selfish behaviour of the tiny minority has often drawn comment on the course and in the clubhouse.

The Management Committee, under Chairman Brendan O’ Kennedy have discussed the annoyance of slow play, and how we might address the issue. Members are asked to remember especially that, if there is a gap in front of your group and you are delaying the group behind, you must call the group through. The Starter/Course Ranger has been given the authority to speak with groups to remind them of their obligations, and the committees running competitions want to avoid the imposition of penalties, a strategy that will be adopted in extreme cases.

Quiz Night The Considine family, with more than a little help from Tom Coffey, did it again on Saturday. Yes, we had a very enjoyable table quiz night, with Noel Brennan and Jenny Mulcahy in their usual teasing mood, with questions to entertain everybody. It looked like Michael Roche, Martin Foley and Co. would run away with it after three perfect rounds, but they finally faltered. Just to give readers a flavour, name the Irish broadcaster whose father and grandfather were elephant keepers at Dublin Zoo? Which fictional comic book and film character shares his name with a town in Turkey? What is the best-selling car of all time? Barack Obama was born in which state? In which city did Sonia win her Olympic silver in the 5,000m?
Answers: Pat Kenny, Batman, Toyota Corolla, Hawaii, Sydney.

DUNGARVAN GENTS RESULTS:  Thur 27th 16H Singles Stableford: 1st Cryil Power (21) -1, 43, 2 Pat Breen (9) 39, Gross Peter Mullaney (3) 28gross, 3 Noel Brennan (14) 37.  Sat.29th 9H Singles Stableford: 1st Martin Landers (19) 22pts, 2 Micheal O’ Connor (7) 22pts.  Sun. 30th 9 H Singles S/F: 1st  Ml Leacy (5) 20pts, J Leacy (4) 20pts.

DUNGARVAN GENTS FIXTURES Winter League 16 H Singles S/F: Thurs. 4th (Open), Sat. 5th and Sun. 6th.

DUNGARVAN LADIES RESULTS  Tues 11H Singles S/F: 1st Pat Flanagan (19) 24, CAT A Betty O’ Brien (10), CAT B Mary Flahavan (22) 24, CAT C Mary Fleming (30) 22pts.

DUNGARVAN LADIES FIXTURES Sat. 6th Dec 16 H Singles S/F. Tues. 9th 11H Singles S/F.

Ladies Christmas Party: A reminder to all the ladies that the Home Alliance /ladies club Christmas party takes place on December 5th in the club house. Make sure your name is on the list in the Ladies locker room . A great night is assured as we welcome in the Christmas season . Home Alliance prizes will be presented on the night. 

THE YOUNG ONES:  Next Comp Wed. 3rd Dec. draw for partners 1.45. Results 26/11/08 1st Pat Flanagan (19) 19pts, 2 Maria Ryan (28) 18pts.  New Members welcome.

SIXTY.COM:   Next competition Wed. 3rd Dec draw for partners at 1.30.  Results Wed. 26th Dec winners Seamus O’ Neill, Josephine Melody, Garry Morrissey, Ml Brosnan 281/2 pts.  2nd Mce Cliffe, Sean De Paor, Peggy O’ Brien, Ann Twomey 281/6 pts. 3rd Paddy O’ Brien, Maeve O’Riordan, Mary McGrath 281/2 pts.

Progressive 45:  Johnny Hogan and Chrissie Terry, Noel Brennan and Jack Elstead, Last 5 Tom Coffey and Cyril Power, Lucky Table Frank Ryan and Don Brennan : Progressive 45 every Thursday night at 8.30. All are welcome. 

Annual Subscription:  A gentle reminder to members is warranted concerning timely payment of the annual subscription. Some members are inclined to put this matter on the long finger, and the Management Committee would appreciate early settling of accounts.

This year, for a change, in an effort to regularise the ‘business end of things’ the Committee have said that members who have not paid by December 31st will not be eligible to use the course. Their registration for online booking will be blocked, and entry to competitions will be refused in the Pro-shop. On top of this late payment of subscription will involve an administration fee. 
The administration fee will be strictly enforced because with the introduction of the BRS online booking system, this makes it four separate databases to be maintained by the Club, thus resulting in increased number of entries in removal and reinstatement of lapsed members.
Payments are accepted both in the office and bar.  Please bring your invoice with your remittance, as this will enable us to process your payment more promptly. 
Please go the extra mile for your club by paying early, thank you.

DUNGARVAN GOLF CLUB MINI LOTTO:  Week ending 30th Dec : WINNING NUMBERS 13, 14, 21, 22    No Winner 15 euro winners Thomas Norris, Ann and Jim Ryan c/o M. Terry, John and Francis Norris c/o club, Pat Fitzgerald, Roger O’ Connor.   NEXT WEEKS JACKPOT  €12,700. Next Draw  Sun 7th Dec 2008. If you’re not in you can’t win! Thank you for your support.