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9th Outing - Ballybofey & Stranorlar

The society paid its second visit to B & S on this brillian summer's day. The rain held off or was held off by the gods. The sun beamed, the wind was absent & toupees were cast aside recklessly. Men, some would say golfers, with raw red pates sought comfort in bar & restaurant after the conflict. It was an ideal day for golf & this was reflected in the scores. A word of welcome must be extended to the Kampala Kid on his return to these shores. He showed grave concern during his round but managed to achieve his goal by gaining a point or two.

It was a pleasure to see two new faces among the prize winners, 1st Thomas McWhinney with 37 points & Patrick Breslin 2nd. Pete Shovlin was third as usual. Paddy Breslin congratulated the winners & thanked the club for providing a course in such wonderful condition.

The League Table now shows Michael Galvin in 1st place with 52 points, followed by Paddy Breslin on 51 & Pete Shovlin on 50.

The next outing is to Portnoo on 7th September, the reason there is no outing on 24th August is due to the mini-open which is taking place on the home course.

10th Outing - Portnoo

The apostles who returned to their home course after nearly 2 months absence were greeted by hurricane-like winds, even though the rains held off for the duration of the contest. Gales buffeted backs on the front nine where controlling the ball in ferocious winds proved too difficult for most players. The back nine proved even more difficult. Horrendous winds lashed, gashed, whip lashed faces, sand blinded from tee. Gulls and oyster catchers, grounded by central control, retired to hangers to await the abatement. Rabbits barricaded burrows and were not seen for 3 or 4 days. Some members thought the experience so exhilarating that they decided to visit as much of the rough as possible. A number have not been seen since.

It proved to be a day for the old dogs. Where is the youth?? 1st was Michael Galvin, Dan Cunningham was second, while Stpehen Cullen was third.

The League Table now shows Michael Galvin in 1st place with 63 points, followed by Dan Cunningham on 52.

The next outing is to Ballyliffin on 23rd & 24th September. Booking as soon as possible is recommended as places are limited.

7th Outing - Portnoo

After a long absence (6 weeks), the society paid a pleasant visit to home base. On a wild, windy, but otherwise pleasant, winter's day, the elements proved how formidable they can be. Gales lashed the course, while dark grey, rain-laden clouds scurried overhead. Several times they were seen to attempt to unleash their moist contents but, thankfully, the gods prevailed and most players returned to the clubhouse dry but chasened. The gales were so horrific at times that balls were seen to abruptly shid to a halt in mid-air and plummet to earth, then again they were seen to stop and divert at 90 degrees to either right or left (remember, Donal, the tee shot at the 18th). Thankfully those members sporting toupees had them securely fixed with hairpins or Superglue. There is no worse or unmanly sight than to see grown men, one hand firmly planted on their bald pates, clubs awaving, vainly chasing dislodged hair pieces down fairways

The winner was Paddy Breslin on 36 points, followed by Pete Shovlin and Hugh Maloney with 34 points. Paddy Breslin (captain) congratulated the winner at the special after-competition in The Emporium, Dunkineely.

The League Table now shows Paddy Breslin in 1st place with 40 points, followed by Michael Galvin on 34.

The next outing is to Strabane on 27th July.

3rd Outing - Murvagh

The third outing of the year took place on 16th May in Murvagh. On what turned out to be a glorious evening, both weather-wise and golf-wise, a large number of members attended. This was the first individual competition of the year with points being awarded for the Player of the Year. Competition among a certain number of players was fierce, but of course gentlemanly in the best tradition of the game. The combination of beautiful weather, the condition of the course (beautiful greens) and the skill of the winners produced excellent golf.

The winner was Pat Conaghan (fresh from almost a week's practice in Athlone) with 44 points, second was Hugh Maloney with 39 points, while Joe Ward was third with 37 points. At this early stage in the year it looks as if the old rivalry for Player of the Year will continue.

Due to the unforeseen absence (unable to attend due to medical complications) of the society captain, Paddy Breslin, the presentation of the prizes was hosted by Dom Deeney. He thanked all present for the large turn-out. It was a pleasure to play on such a fine evening, on such a fine course, with such a fine group of people.

The next outing is to Portnoo on 1st June at 4.15. This will be the annual match against Kilcar.

1st Outing - Portnoo

The first outing of the year took place in Portnoo on Thursday 13th April. A number of new faces, together with the more seasoned campaigners, braved the conditions to play in a three-ball scramble. The golf was of a very high standard despite the horrendous conditions, biting northerly winds and hail stones the size of golf balls.

In first place was the battle-scarred trio of Dominic Deeny, Patrick Breslin and Anthony Tindall. Taking second place were Michael Galvin, Rory O'Donnell and Nial Burke.

The captain, Paddy Breslin, presented the prizes to the winning teams. In his inaugural oration he extolled the virtues of the society, its sense of community spirit, its standards of fair play and, above all, its camaraderie.

The next outing will be in Portnoo on Thursday 27th April.

2nd Outing - Portnoo

The second outing of the year took place on 27th April in Portnoo. An excellent number of members attended to face conditions that were not as troublesome as those of the previous event. Despite the overcast skies the rain held off and light was sufficient for the 6 teams to finish.

A three-man rumble was the order of the day on this occasion. The winners were Joe Ward, Tommy Mc Whinney and Ray Murphy, while in second place were Michael Galvin, Pete Shovelin and Rory O'Donnell.

Once again the society captain, Paddy Breslin, presented the prizes to the winning teams. He thanked all present for the large turn-out, it was a pleasure to see so many dedicated to the pursuit of pleasure midweek.

The next outing is to Murvagh on 16th May at 4.30.

Congratulations to our much beloved past captain, Pat Conaghan, who achieved the almost impossible feat of a hole-in-one at Rosses Point recently.

DATE	TIME	VENUE
13th April	4.30	Narin/Portnoo
27th April	4.30	Narin/Portnoo
16th May	4.15	Murvagh
1st June	4.15	Portnoo
15th June	4.00	B & S
29th June	4.00	Strandhill
13th July	4.15	Portnoo
27th July	3.15	Strabane
10th August	4.15	B & S
7th September	4.00	Portnoo
23/24st September	11.00	Ballyliffin
18th November	11.00	Portnoo

4th Outing - Portnoo

The annual match against Kilcar took place in conditions that were the worst since man was invented. If the klaxon had been created by now the match would surely have been abandoned. It was an evening of two halves really, the feline breeze purred gently and the golden honeycombed sun beamed down as the Kilcar players meandered from tee to rough, to bunker and back again. But come Angelus bell the gods took their revenge. Torrential rain and howling gales buffeted the gallant DBI players. Some were seen to develop webbed feet and sprout beaks, others had scales and fins mysteriously appear on their bodies. Yet no mermaid was to be seen.

The match was easily won by the DBI players, 256 points to Kilcar's 241. Andy Service (Kilcar) had the highest score of the day 38 points. Tony Bonner was, as usual, gracious in defeat. He congratulated the the DBI players on a wonderful performance in atrocious conditions. All look forward to another enthralling encounter next year .

The top DBI scorers were Mick O'Donnell and Pete Shovlin, both with 35 points, while Michael Galvin had 34. Congratulations to new recruit Nial Burke who had his first birdie on a golf course. We look forward to many more arresting displays from him in the future.

The next outing is to Ballybofey & Stranorlar on 15th June.

5th Outing - Ballybofey & Stranorlar

The eagerly awaited journey to B & S took place on 15th June. 25 members attended and so proved to be the most popular outing so far this year. We look forward to such numbers in Strandhill on 29th June. The weather conditions were ideal, balmy Caribbean breezes caressing our honeyed cheeks, the sun sneaking from behind lazy clouds every now-and-again. The midges were held at bay until the 18th. They seemed to sense that this was their final opportunity for attack and massed in their thousands upon the tee, but men of the calibre of Dan & Bobby Cunningham & Paddy Breslin could not be deflected from the challenge in hand.

The winner was Dan Cunningham on 44 points, next was Bobby Cunningham with 36 points, while Paddy Breslin had 35. Rory O'Donnell (sorry, no pictures), in presenting his special prize to Dan, praised the B & S club for the facilities offered and the condition of the course.

The League Table now sees Michael Galvin & Joe Ward tieing for 1st place on 27 points, followed by Hugh Maloney on 24 & Mick O'Donnell on 21.

The next outing is to Strandhill on 29th June.

6th Outing - Strandhill

The long awaited long journey to Strandhill took place on 29th June. The weather conditions were perfect for good golfers, a warm summer breeze gently assaulted the senses, the sun lay hidden beneath sheer, slim, silky linen clouds, lolling waves lip-lapped the golden strand. Thankfully the midges have not discovered the beauty and tranquility of Strandhill.

A few words of commiseration for the golfer who accidentally broke 2 clubs (one a putter!!) on the day. A special fund has been established to buy him a new set. Cash only, no envelopes or cheques, contributions can be made to the society treasurer. Receipts will be issued.

The winner was Pat Conaghan on 38 points, next was Ray Murphy with 36 points, while Paddy Breslin had 34. Paddy Breslin (captain) paid special thanks to Anthony Dan, praised the club for the facilities offered and the condition of the course.

The League Table now sees Joe Ward in 1st place on 32 points, followed by Paddy Breslin on 29.

The next outing is to Portnoo on 14th June.

8th Outing - Strabane

The society paid its first visit to Strabane on this autumnal day. The rain waited for the golfers to arrive before it descended. Torrential rain, horrendous lightning assulted the players during the round. This outing witness grown men cry into their pints, singed & sodden toupees askew. The bad weather was reflected in the golf.

The winner was Dan Cunninghan, followed by Michael Galvin, with Pete Shovlin third. Paddy Breslin (captain) congratulated the winners & thanked the club for providing all facilities.

The League Table now shows Paddy Breslin in 1st place with 48 points, followed by Michael Galvin on 44.

The next outing is to Ballybofey on 10th August.

11th Outing - Ballyliffin

I have been requested not to mention the non-golfing aspects of this weekend. There will be no mention therefore of debauchery, diso-dancing, clubbing, smoking or smurfing; no mention of granddads gyrating until the early hours of the morning, no mention of clandestine visits to boudoirs, no mention of siting comatose before the band, no mention of ...........

The golf on the other hand proved to be out of this world, particularly on the Sunday. A nicer course than the Glashedy Links could not be found in this isle. A pity the golf, for most members, did not match the conditions. The rain absented itself both days and Sunday in particular proved to be an ideal day for golf, particularly on such a spectacular course.

John Breslin was the player of the weekend, winning on Sunday and second on Saturday. He absconded with most of the loot. Congratulations to three of the younger members (Ken Byrne, Stephen Cullen & Donal Cannon) who proved they could both hold their drink & play golf.

The League Table now shows Paddy Breslin on 68 (due mainly to his 2nd place on the Saturday);Michael Galvin in 2nd place with 63 points, followed by Dan Cunningham (why, oh why did you not leave Shirley alone?) on 58 points.

The next outing is to Portnoo on 18th November.