Annual Golf Competition & Dinner: 02 September 2021 (Comdt Chris O’Flanagan (Retd) & Comdt Michael Flood (Retd)
Following the cancellation of the Artillery Club’s Annual Golf Outing and Dinner in 2020 on account of Covid-19, the 2021 event took place on 02 September, at the Birr Golf Club, County Offaly. Club members, spouses and guests participated in the golf competition, and later were joined by non-golfers for an enjoyable dinner in Dooley’s Hotel. 21 attended the event.
As in previous years, some attendees arrived on 01 September, and having booked into Dooley’s Hotel attended dinner in The Thatch Restaurant.
Covid-19 protocols prevailed throughout.
Thankfully, the weather on 02 September was very conducive for enjoyable rounds of golf, and the golf course did not disappoint. Set in a rolling parkland of Eskers and Drumlins with wide fairways that gave tremendous run to the golf ball. The greens were fast and tricky but in beautiful condition. It is a tribute to the membership (450) of one of our oldest Irish Golf Clubs (Founded 1903) as to how well this course is maintained. A lot of member’s voluntary efforts must contribute to its maintenance.
A total of 12 golfers took part in the Single Stapleford competition, including 2 lady visitors.
Confined to serving and retired members of the Artillery Corps, the Captain Jack Jones (Retd) Perpetual Trophy was won by Commandant Ger Gibson (Retd) with a score of 37 points.
The 2019 winner Captain Barry Carey (Retd) was second with 32 points (no competition in 2020) and Comdt Jack Burke was third with 31 points
Mrs Shiela O’Connor won the Ladies’ Visitors 9-hole Competition with 21 points.
Following an enjoyable dinner in Dooleys’ Hotel, the Club’s President, Brigadier-General Paul Pakenham presented the prizes.
The Committee acknowledges the organisers of this very successful event namely Commandant Chris O’Flanagan (Retd) and Commandant Michael Flood (Retd), assisted by Commandant Derek Coulter (Retd), and the renowned hospitality and excellent support provided by Dooley’s Hotel and Birr Golf Club.
We look forward to next year’s outing which will be eighteenth year of competition for the Captain Jack Jones (Retd) Perpetual Trophy.
To view slide show, please click on the first photograph. Photographs kindly taken by Captain Barry Carey (Retd)
