The competition on Wednesday last was sponsored by Patricia Mc Cormack and Mary Rohan. The winners were 1^st Myah Kelly (23) 39 pts, Cat 1 Joan Molloy (15) 32 pts, Cat 2 Kathy Conlon (27) 35 pts, Cat 3 Mary Galvin (37) 32 pts and Cat 4 Bernie Lennon (44) 28 pts. Berniel Lennon also won the September Running Competition with 50 pts.

The Ladies Christmas Hamper takes place on Wednesday 8^th, it is a major competition and the last ladies 18 hole competition of the year which is played as stableford. The 16 hole competitions begin on Wednesday 16^th.

There is a Rules Night on Thursday at 7.30pm in the clubhouse. Gerard Buckley from Golf Ireland will be officiating. We would like as many as possible to attend.

RESULTS – JM Thursday Open Final (Stableford) 05/10/2025 – 1^st PJ McCormack (12) 36pts, 2^nd John Smyth (13) 36pts, 3^rd Ray Lynam (9) 35pts, 4^th Brian Foy (20) 35pts, Leading Qualifier – Sean Bohan 124pts.

Tuesday Club (Stableford) 05/10/2025 – 1^st Overall: Paul Tooher (13) 47pts, 1^st Cat 1: Gary Colgan (4) 36pts, 1^st Cat 2: PJ McCormack (12) 36pts, 1^st Cat 3: Phil Behan (15) 39pts, 1^st Cat 4: Derek Claffey (27) 40pts, 1^st Ladies: Sinead Healy (10) 36pts, Front 9: Mossy Collins (14) 21pts, Back 9: Jack Doran (16) 19pts.

JM Thursday Open (Stableford) 02/10/2025 – 1^st: Tommy Weir (9) 34pts.  

FUTURE COMPETITIONS – Next weekends club stableford competition can be played from 1pm on Friday. The fortnightly 13 hole competition runs to Sunday 12^th October and can be played any day. It is important to note your correct hc on the card when playing - whether it is off yellow or white tees.

JM THURSDAY OPEN FINAL – Congratulations to first placed PJ McCormack and all the other prize winners in our JM Thursday Open Final on Sunday afternoon.  We appreciate the very generous sponsorship of John Kelly and look forward to the presentation night in a few weeks. Watch this space for details.

2025 GOLFER OF THE YEAR – My thanks to Padraig Keenan for updating the table with the Tuesday Club sponsored stableford scores. Leader Jamal Sabir bounces back with a top 10 finish and although PJ Mc Cormack 2^nd on 362.5pts and John Smyth (now 3^rd with 342pts) actually made slight gains his lead is still a comfortable one.  

COURSE CORNER – To help keep the greens in great shape it is essential to fix all your pitchmarks. On the fairways please fill the divots with the sand provided and remember to bring the bags back to the stand afterwards.

MATCHPLAYS – In the Shay Murtagh Precast Club Matchplay Andy Dunne beat Denis McCarthy on Sunday and the final with Dessie Dolan is in the process of being arranged. Lee Scanlon is our worthy 2025 Scratch Matchplay Champion beating Jamal Sabir in the final.

CHRISTMAS RAFFLE – Santa could be coming early to a few members (or non-members) this year if they win a prize in our big Christmas Raffle. Full details will be revealed shortly and the tickets should be available very soon.

TUESDAY CLUB – Results from September 30th: 1^st Overall: Denis Cronin 33pts, 1^st Cat 1: Mick Young 27pts, 1^st Cat 2: Noel Ryan 30pts, 1^st Cat 3: Paschal Macken 32pts.

ANDY’S ARCHIVE –Here are another trio of items from the 125 year history of Moate GC. The first is from a Westmeath Independent dated 14/01/2017, followed by a Westmeath Examiner of 12/11/2011 and we sign off with an Offaly Independent snippet from 11/06/1971.

2017 – “Another healthy chunk of games got played during the last week which is great to see. There has been a lot of mid-table movement while top and bottom remains pretty much the same. It is important that teams finish their rounds in full as only teams with all 24 rounds played will be eligible for the ‘wildcard’ draw which sees an extra team get into the final. Teams led by Sean Dunne (7^th with 391pts), Liam Galvin (10^th on 376pts) and Sean Connell (12^th also with 376pts) all move up 6 positions. The big movers downward are Team 13 – John Bridges, Eamon Coughlan, Geraldine Coughlan & Andreas Dolan dropping 6 spots to 14^th on 368pts. The Coughlan Bunch stays top on 424pts. The full updated table can be seen on the website. Thanks to Seery’s Cash and Carry for their continued generous sponsorship of this event.”

2011 - “Ladies Notes – The winner of the September/October monthly running competition was Sinead Healy. The winter league and turkey competitions continue. Will anyone with items for the club auction on November 26 please bring them into the clubhouse as soon as possible.”  

1971 – “The May prize was won by Frank Tiernan, with Brendan Costello in second place. The gross went to Noel McLoughlin. On Sunday next the Teachers Prize is down for competition.”  

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

The competition on Wednesday last was the Elvery Trophy which was sponsored by Anne Healy and Ann Egan. The winners were 1^st Carmel Connolly (14) 70 nett, 2^ND Myah Kelly (25) 72 nett, 3^rd Caroline Farrell (16) 74 nett, Cat 1 Marie Keane (19) 74 nett, Cat 2 Veronica Mc Cormack (21) 76 nett, Cat 3 Esther Hynds (36) 76 nett and Cat 4 Mary Carolan (47) 78 nett.

Saturday saw a larger number of ladies going to Athlone Golf Club for The Lady Captain’s  Away Day. All those playing had a very enjoyable round of golf followed by a lovely meal in the clubhouse. Lady Captain Marianne thanked all who played and thanked Athlone golf club and their caterer for a very enjoyable day. She then presented the winners with their prizes. 1^st Helen Kelly, 2^nd Caroline Farrell, 3^rd Pearse Corbett and 4^th Aideen Jordan.

What a fantastic win for Europe over in the abusive cauldron of noise at Bethpage Black in the USA’s backyard. Congratulations to all concerned but in particular to Clara native Shane Lowry who obtained his first official handicap here at Moate Golf Club before moving to the club closer to home over in Esker Hills. It was a special moment in this our 125^th year that a former junior member sunk the putt to retain the Ryder Cup before they eventually got to put a sliver of daylight between the two sides.

Ray Donoghue on his way to a category win. 

RESULTS – Moate Meats (Stableford) 28/09/2025 – 1^st Overall: Frank Bannon (16) 41pts, 1^st Cat 1: Lee Scanlon (+1) 38pts, 1^st Cat 2: Ray Donoghue (13) 40pts, 1^st Cat 3: Robert Ryan (15) 40pts, 1^st Cat 4: Leonard Donaldson (24) 38pts, 1^st Ladies: Myah Kelly (23) 39pts, Front 9: George Garvey (11) 23pts, Back 9: Andrew Rafferty (16) 21pts.

Paul Jacob putts under the watchful eye of John Bray on Sunday. 

13 Hole Fortnightly (Stableford) 28/09/2025 – 1^st: Gabriel Buckley (19) 30pts, 2^nd: David Delaney (14) 28pts.

JM Thursday Open (Stableford) 25/09/2025 – 1^st: John Smyth (14) 41pts, 2^nd: Brian Foy (20) 40pts, Gross: Adrian Hiney (+1) 30pts, 3^rd: Noreen O’Grady (29) Roscommon 39pts.

FUTURE COMPETITIONS – Next weekends club stableford competition is sponsored by the Tuesday Club and can be played from 1pm on Friday. There is just one JM Thursday Open qualifier left and the fortnightly 13 hole competition runs from 29^th September to Sunday 12^th October and can be played any day. It is important to note your correct hc on the card when playing - whether it is off yellow, white or even blue tees.

Not the ideal angle for the 5th......

JM THURSDAY OPEN – Please note that the last day for qualification is Thursday 2^nd October. This has been a fantastic addition to the calendar all summer and we thank our very generous sponsor John Kelly who proposed honouring the memory of the late Johnny Mullally with naming it the JM Thursday Open and having a grand final. As John Kelly is not available on Sunday the 5^th the presentation will take place on another night and we will confirm when this is as soon as possible. The plan is to tie in with the issuing of prizes for a few other competitions and have some food available in the restaurant to mark the end of this event. John Smyth’s 41pts last week really threw the cat among the pigeons and the cut has moved to 115pts. Any good score from below the cut line next Thursday could wipe out a few who looked safe up to now. Sean Bohan remains on top with 124pts with Luke Tooher and PJ McCormack both on 122pts. Those on 115pts are all in – for  now! The final takes place from 1pm on Sunday 5^th October and tee times will be allocated (in order of qualification) on the night of Thursday 2^nd October.

2025 GOLFER OF THE YEAR – My thanks to Padraig Keenan for updating the table with the Moate Meats scores. Although he didn’t score points for the 4^th event in a row Jamal Sabir has a comfortable lead with 418pts over the chasing pack headed by Willie Ganly & PJ McCormack on 327.5pts and 326.5pts respectively. John Smyth has moved into 4^th with 309pts and Declan Murphy is snapping at his heels on 304pts. Some 236 members have now scored GOTY points.

COURSE CORNER – To help keep the greens in great shape it is essential to fix all your pitchmarks. On the fairways please fill the divots with the sand provided and remember to bring the bags back to the stand afterwards.

MATCHPLAYS – In the Shay Murtagh Precast Club matchplay Dessie Dolan has reached the final and the Denis McCarthy v Andy Dunne semi-final is in the process of being arranged. All remaining matches should be played off the white markers, using the white handicaps you are on the day – as quickly as possible. Please update the fixture sheets with results after your match.

TUESDAY CLUB – Results from September 23rd: 1^st Overall: Batty Tivenan 32pts, 1^st Cat 1: Mick Grehan 27pts, 1^st Cat 2: Joe Creggy 30pts, 1^st Cat 3: Patrick Guinan 30pts.

ANDY’S ARCHIVE –Here are another trio of items from the 125 year history of Moate GC. The first is from the Bert Burke papers, the second was found in a Westmeath Independent dated 12/4/2002 and the final one was in an Evening Press dated 21/3/1981.

1963 / 64 – As we all know Bert Burke is a club legend and a fantastic golfer. Recently he made available his fact filled scrapbooks and you might like to know that Bert was a fine gaelic footballer with an eye for goal. While playing for Ballyboden Wanderers in 1963/64 Bert was their top scorer (8-4) grabbing 1-2 v St Gerard’s, 1-1 v Inch Hibs, 2-1 v Round Towers, and 1-0 v St. Enda’s, St. Patricks twice and Inch Hibs.  

2002 - “Ladies Club Results. B. Clyne’s / M. McNeill’s Prize: 1^st Patricia Burke 38pts; 2^nd Mary Egan 36pts; 3^rd Eileen White 34pts; 4^th Marie Dolan 32pts. Marie Dolan’s Prize: 1^st Mary Egan 60pts; 2^nd Cariole Nally 50pts; 3^rd Mary Moran 50pts; 4^th Patricia Burke 50pts from Betty Behan. Moate Ladies play Delvin Castle in the first round of the Midland Plate. Representing Moate are Kathleen McDonnell, Theresa Cleary, Maire O’Leary, Dolores Egan and Kathy Conlon. On Monday Moate play Co. Meath in the third round of the Mail on Sunday. We wish both teams the best of luck.”  

1981 – “Senior Cup Draw – Provincial section at Birr (Saturday, July 18) – Birr v Tullamore; Heath v Moate; Arklow v Kilkenny; Woodenbridge v Carlow; New Ross v Wexford; Rosslare v Enniscorthy; Waterford v Abbeyleix. At Co. Louth (Saturday July 18) – Mullingar v Greenore; Royal Tara v Headfort; Dundalk v Co. Louth. Sunday, July 19 – Bettystown v Mullingar or Greenore.”  

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

Check out the 125^th anniversary photo reel which was given its premiere last Sunday in the clubhouse and has now been added to the links on the website. You might even spot yourself!

RESULTS – Grand Hotel Moate (Stableford) 21/09/2025 – 1^st Overall: Joe Healy (22) 42pts, 1^st Cat 1: Micheal Kelly (6) 36pts, 1^st Cat 2: Roger Quinn (13) 36pts, 1^st Cat 3: Andy Dunne (16) 36pts, 1^st Cat 4: Pat Byrne (21) 35pts, 1^st Ladies: Myah Kelly (25) 38pts, Front 9: Robert Ryan (15) 22pts, Back 9: Lee Scanlon (+1) 20pts.

FUTURE COMPETITIONS – Next weekends club stableford competition is sponsored by Moate Meats and can be played from 1pm on Friday. There are just 2 JM Thursday Open qualifiers left and the fortnightly 13 hole competition continues to Sunday 28th September and can be played any day. It is important to note your correct hc on the card when playing - whether it is off yellow, white or even blue tees.

JM THURSDAY OPEN – With the unfortunate but necessary cancellation of last weeks JM Thursday Open we remain as we were. Sean Bohan leads the way with 124pts followed on 122pts by Luke Tooher and PJ McCormack while Michael O’Leary, Rory Minagh, Denis Francis and Beth Dunne are on the cut line with 114pts. The final for the 21 (plus ties) has been set for 1pm on Sunday 5^th October. This means the last day for qualification is Thursday 2^nd October.

Congratualtions to Michael Power who had a hole in one at the 15th on Sunday! 

2025 GOLFER OF THE YEAR – The Grand Hotel Moate competition has been added so we are bang up to date again. Although none of the top 5 scored this week Jamal Sabir has a commanding lead with 418pts with Willie Ganly & PJ McCormack next on 327.5pts and 314.5pts respectively. Then we have Paddy Coyne on 298.5pts and Willie Fleming has 294pts. 235 members have now scored GOTY points and this weeks random shout outs go to Michael Fox Jnr (139^th with 61pts) and Jimmy Kassaris (233^rd on 5pts).

COURSE CORNER – We were delighted to get the new nets installed on the 3^rd hole both at the tee box and down beside the pump house before it got too soft to have the heavy machinery in. To help keep the greens in great shape the course staff will continue the hollow tining and sanding programme for another couple of days. Please use the bunker rakes, fix all your pitchmarks and fill the divots. Remember to bring the sand/ seed bags back to the stand.  

MATCHPLAYS – In the Shay Murtagh Precast Club matchplay Kieran Claffey will now play Dessie Dolan in the semi-final and in the last outstanding quarter final Denis McCarthy is to play Mick O’Hanlon with the winner meeting Andy Dunne. All remaining matches should be played off the white markers, using the white handicaps you are on the day – as quickly as possible. Please update the fixture sheets with results after your match.

TUESDAY CLUB – Results from away day at Portumna on September 18th: 1^st Overall: Andrew Nally 40pts, 1^st Cat 1: Denis Cronin 39pts, 1^st Cat 2: Ollie Seery 39pts, 1^st Cat 3: Declan Rooney 39pts.

ANDY’S ARCHIVE –Here are another couple of items from the 125 year history of Moate GC. The first is from a Westmeath Topic dated 14/5/1987 and the second was found in a Westmeath Independent dated 29/06/1935.

1987 – “The Artificers prize at Moate Golf Club was played for recently and attracted a large entry as usual, with very keen scoring prevalent. The honours went to Ballycumber with the top spot going to Chris Daly with 43pts. The winners were: 1. Chris Daly; Category 0-9, Eamon Coughlan (37pts); Cat. 10-17, Charlie Doyle (39pts); Cat. 18-28, E Costello (42pts), 1^st nine, John Bridges; 2^nd nine, B. Grehan; Veterans, Peter Digan.”

1935 – “The departure of Sergeant T. Costello*, who has been stationed in Moate for practically six years, is deeply regretted in that town and the surrounding districts. Sergt. Costello, who was a courteous and efficient officer, was held in high esteem by all classes. His loss will be particularly felt by the local Commercial Club, in the formation of which he took a keen interest. The best wishes of the townspeople are extended to this popular officer on the occasion of his transfer to Coole, Westmeath. He is replaced by Sergt. Kelly, Coole, to whom a hearty welcome is extended.”  *(Sergeant Costello had arrived in Moate from Coole in February 1929 and was mentioned in other reports as playing in the Mens Cup of that year at Moate Golf Club.)

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

(Photos courtesy of George Garvey, Martin Horan, Mike Hiney, Michael Power & Andy Dunne)

We had a very special celebration this weekend marking the 125^th anniversary of the formation of Moate Golf Club. After a fun filled scramble in the autumn sunshine (mostly) a packed clubhouse enjoyed some refreshment and tasty food in The Eagles Nest provided by Frank, Donna & the team. Short but heartfelt speeches by the Club Presidents, Captains & Hon.  Secretary all highlighted the importance of the club and its membership since 1900. The star of the evening was undoubtedly the slideshow prepared by Micheal Kelly (with a bit of help from Andy Dunne) and thanks to numerous photo contributors. We were all treated to a massive slice of the clubs history and included best wishes from legendary Irish golfer Padraig Harrington. We will make the video available via the website in the near future. The evening concluded with everyone dancing (some better than others!!) to the tunes of Adrian Rabbitte.

RESULTS – Moate Golf Club 125^th Anniversary Scramble 14/9/2025 – 1^st: PJ McCormack, Robert Ryan, Mary Rose Coughlan, Luke Tooher 56.5 nett, 2^nd: Gary Colgan, Caroline Farrell, Willie Ganly, Caroline Cunniffe 57.6 nett, 3^rd Colm Farrell & Andy Dunne (Moate), Tony Buckley (New Forest) 58.2 nett.  

Tony Buckley (New Forest) & Colm Farrell on the 8th green. 

Masterstone 2 Person Scramble 14/9/2025 – 1^st Thomas Nally & Rian Conroy 61.7 (14/16), 2^nd Dessie Dolan & Nathan Dolan 61.8 (15/14), 3^rd Martin Fleming & William Fleming 63.1 (0/6).

Fortnightly 13 Hole 14/9/2025 – 1^st Liam Galvin (4) 29pts, 2^nd Andy Dunne (16) 28pts.

JM Thursday Open (Stableford) 11/09/2025 - 1^st: Andy Dunne (16) 40pts, 2^nd: Noel O’Reilly (8) 39pts, 3^rd Liam Lynam (18) 37pts.   

FUTURE COMPETITIONS – Next weekends club stableford competition is sponsored by The Grand Hotel Moate and can be played from 1pm on Friday. There are just 3 JM Thursday Open qualifiers left from 18^th September (see below for further details) and the fortnightly 13 hole competition runs from Monday 15^th September to Sunday 28th and can be played any day. It is important to note your correct hc on the card when playing - whether it is off yellow, white or even blue tees.

JM THURSDAY OPEN – We now have an impressive 386 scorers from 65 clubs. Rory Minagh, Denis Francis and Beth Dunne are still perilously sitting on the cut line with 114pts and have been joined there by Michael O’Leary. No change at the top so Sean Bohan still leads the way with 124pts followed on 122pts by Luke Tooher and PJ McCormack. The final for the 21 (plus ties) has been set for 1pm on Sunday 5^th October. This means the last day for qualification is Thursday 2^nd October.

Somewhere under the rainbow...........with thanks to Sinead Power

2025 GOLFER OF THE YEAR – Captains Prize points have been forwarded to the statistics team and that means the other recent competitions can be added and the table will be updated during the week.

COURSE CORNER – The course is in great shape so please fix all your pitchmarks and fill your divots. Remember to bring the bags back to the stand please. Despite some great work recently by course staff and volunteers on improving the bunkers, a lot of golfers using the course are determined not to use the rakes provided and this is causing issues for us all.

The new rakes can really do their stuff......but they have to be manually operated!! 

MATCHPLAYS – In the Shay Murtagh Precast Club matchplay Kieran Claffey has made it through to the semifinals and is awaiting the winner of Enda Claffey v Dessie Dolan. In the other quarter final Denis McCarthy is to play Mick O’Hanlon. Congratulations to the Scotch Foursomes winners Dessie Dolan & Kevin Duffy who defeated Cathal O’Rourke &  Ray Donoghue in the final last week. Congrats also to Dom & Eleanor Fitzpatrick who were winners in the Mixed Foursomes Final on Saturday. They beat Michael & Sinead Power in an exciting final. All remaining matches should be played off the white markers, using the white handicaps you are on the day – as quickly as possible. Please update the fixture sheets with results after your match.

TUESDAY CLUB – Results: September 9th: 1^st Overall – L. Lynn 32pts, Cat 1: Vincent Rickard 31pts, Cat 2: Kevin Jordan 28pts, Cat 3: T. Fallon 31pts.

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – On an historic weekend for the club marking our 125 years here are another couple of gems from the Moate GC related past. Both are from the Westmeath Independent dated 15/05/1926 and 27/05/1950.

1926 – “The golf tournament for the Captains Prize is continuing. Members of the club are contemplating acquiring a new golf links at Ballinagarbery. It is understood that negotiations are in progress in connection with the matter.”

1950 – “Mrs. Alice Dorrington, Athlone Road, Moate, has retired from the catering business and gone to reside in England with her son, who is an engineer in Stamford. Mrs. Dorrington, who, for years past, catered for all show and golf dances, and other functions, will be missed by all, and we join with her numerous friends in wishing her many happy years in her new home.”  

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

Lady President Eleanor Fitzpatrick’s Prize Day on Sunday was a huge success. Despite the weather a large number of Moate ladies took to the fairways to honour our Lady President and were hoping to win one of the beautiful prizes on offer. The competition was over 18 holes stroke play. The winner of Eleanors gorgeous 1^st prize and the Presidents Cup was Sinead Power (22) with 73 nett, beating Sinead Healy (10) on countback, the gross winner was Ella Grennan (4) with 83 gross, 3^rd Helen Kelly (15) 74 nett, 4^th Mary Horan (22) 74 nett, 5^th Kay Gantley (39) 74 nett, Past President Carmel Carroll (17) 76 nett, Seniors Veronica McCormack (21) 75 nett, Front 9 Vivienne Dunican (28 )31, Back 9 Loreto Boland (14) 39, Junior Myah Kelly (27) 68 nett, Men’s 1^st Dom Fitzpatrick and 2^nd Philip Dully. Before the presentation of prizes Lady President Eleanor thanked the ladies committee, the members who played, the catering and ground staff, Anna in the shop, the management committee and her family for all their help during the year, Lady Captain Marianne Young, Men’s President Michael Kelly and Captain Michael Mc Loughlin thanked Eleanor for all her work during her year and over a long number of years for the club and complimented her on her lovely array of prizes. The presentation of prizes was followed by a very enjoyable meal.

Lady Presidents Photo Gallery

The competition on Wednesday last was sponsored by Joan Molloy and Carmel Foxe. The winners were 1^st Eleanor Fitzpatrick (24) 37 pts, Cat 1 Marie Keane (20) 32 pts, Cat 2 Betty Behan (27) 32 pts, Cat 3 Eileen Seery (36) 28 pts and Cat 4 Bernie Lennon (43 26 pts.

The winners of the August Running competition were 1^st Patricia Mc Cormack (26) 77 pts, 2^nd Theresa Cleary (36) 57 pts, 3^rd Bernie Lennon (44) 55 pts and 4^th Caroline Farrell (17) 55 pts,

RESULTS – Blues Stableford (Sponsored by Mark Devery & Andy Dunne) - 1^st Overall: Dom Fitzpatrick (8) 41pts, 1^st Cat 1: Bert Burke (7) 37pts, 1^st Cat 2: Alan Tyrrell (9) 39pts, 1^st Cat 3: Thomas Kerrigan (15) 40pts, 1^st Cat 4: Keith Murphy (22) 40pts, Front 9: John Nally (23) 24pts, Back 9: Mal Kelly (19) 21pts.

Conor Costello & Jameson Brown were out early on Sunday. 

JM Thursday Open (Stableford) 04/09/2025 - 1^st: Dermot McGowan (16) 38pts, 2^nd: John Nally (21) 38pts, Gross: Martin Fleming (1) 37pts, 3^rd Andrew Rafferty (16) 36pts.   

FUTURE COMPETITIONS –From Monday 8^th to Saturday 13^th we have the Masterstone 2 Person Scramble and then on Sunday 14^th we have our long awaited 125^th Anniversary Scramble with a shotgun start (1pm)  Please get your name down on the sheet in the shop as quickly as possible. The tee draw will be published by Friday. The JM Thursday Open qualifiers continue on 11^th September (see below for further details) and the new fortnightly 13 hole competition runs from Monday 18^th to Sunday 31^st August and can be played any day. It is important to note your correct hc on the card when playing - whether it is off yellow, white or even blue tees.

JM THURSDAY OPEN – The qualifying table has been updated to include the last couple of weeks. We now have a whopping 385 scorers from 65 clubs. Rory Minagh, Denis Francis and Beth Dunne are currently anxiously sitting on the cut line with 114pts and as there are 27 players within 5pts of that mark they have good reason to be looking over their shoulders! Sean Bohan still leads the way with 124pts followed on 122pts by Luke Tooher and PJ McCormack. The final for the 21 (plus ties) that will make it through has been set for 1pm on Sunday 5^th October. This means the last day for qualification is Thursday 2^nd October.

2025 GOLFER OF THE YEAR – As I’m just back from my holidays in sunny Italy it will take me another couple of days to update the GOTY table to include the Captains Prize & other recent competitions.  

COURSE CORNER – The course is in great shape so please fix all your pitchmarks and fill your divots. Remember to bring the bags back to the stand please. Despite some great work recently by course staff and volunteers on improving the bunkers, a lot of golfers using the course are determined not to use the rakes provided and this is causing issues for us all.

MATCHPLAYS – I have to catch up on where we are at with the Shay Murtagh Precast Club matchplay ties. I see Kieran Claffey has made it through to the semifinals and is awaiting the identity of his opponent, as am I. In the Scotch Foursomes Final we have Dessie Dolan / Kevin Duffy v Cathal O’Rourke / Ray Donoghue (I don’t know if this has been played or not). All remaining matches should be played off the white markers, using the white handicaps you are on the day – as quickly as possible. Please update the fixture sheets with results after your match.

TUESDAY CLUB – Results: September 2nd: 1^st Overall – J. Casey 33pts, 1^st Cat 1 – Aidan Bass 33pts, 1^st Cat 2 – Kevin Jordan 30pts, 1^st Cat 3 – Tommy Nee 32pts.

The Tuesday Club on tour in Westport. 

ANDY’S ARCHIVE – Just like the museums I visited recently my PC is full of little historic treasures and here are 2 more Moate GC related items for this week. Firstly from a Westmeath Independent dated 07/12/1935 and then an Offaly Independent from 30/05/1980.

1935 – “A very successful whist drive in aid of local charities was held in the Town Hall, Moate, on Friday night, the 29^th. Twenty five tables were occupied and the drive, which proved highly enjoyable was attended by parties from Athlone, Kilbeggan and Mullingar. Mrs. Upton, who organized the function, presented the prizes to the winners at the conclusion and also presided at the draw which was run in conjunction with the whist drive. At the interval a splendid supper was served by the ladies committee. Speaking before the drive concluded, Mrs. Upton stated that she wished to express her grateful thanks to all who had so kindly supported the whist drive, mentioning in a special way the master of ceremonies, his stewards, the ladies in charge of the catering – Mrs. Moorhead and Mrs. Clibborn, and the various shopkeepers who so generously gave everything needed. First prize (£5) -  Miss N. Butler, Athlone. Second prize (£2) Mr. J. McCormack, Moate. Booby prize (10/-), was divided between Miss Hodgins, Rahugh and Mr. J. Duffy, Rosemount. Table prizes were won by the following:- Miss O’Kelly, Miss Scanlon, Miss Taylor, Mr. M. Scanlon, Mr. J. Keenan and Mr. Ashton. After the distribution of the prizes, Mr. J.K. Yorke suitably returned thanks to Mrs. Upton for organizing the drive for the benefit of the poor in the area.”

1980 – “Athlone and district schoolboys’ league. Pioneers 1 – 7 Monksland. Monksland needed to win this game to force a playoff with Connaught United and Charlie Mullally’s boys made no mistake – overwhelming Pioneers by seven goals to one. John Costello was the games outstanding player while Rory Minagh caught the eye with some runs for Pioneers. John Geraghty (2), Laurence Kildea, Pat Gavin, Barry Doyle and two o.g’s were Monkslands scorers, while Rory Minagh was Pioneers marksman.”  

Regards,  

Andy Dunne 

Moate Golf Club 

Hon. Secretary & P.R.O 

Lady President Eleanor Fitzpatrick’s Prize is on Sunday 7^th September next. Draw times are 10am, 11am and 12md. Presentation and meal at 6.30 pm approx.. There will be a 13 hole men’s competition, information in clubhouse. We send best wishes to Eleanor and wish her a very enjoyable day.

The competition on Wednesday last was sponsored by Geraldine Coughlan and Sinead Power. The winners were 1^st Myah Kelly (29) 40 pts, Cat 1 Sinead Healy (10) 36 pts, Cat 2 Carmel Foxe (27) 37 pts, Cat 3 Rose Buckley (36) a40 pts and Cat 4 Carmel Mackey (50) 35 pts