Preview from Paul O'Gorman
The
penultimate PPUI Adult Competition approaches this weekend, and the Officers
make a welcome return to Leeside, as the National Seniors Weekend is hosted by
the Collins Club in
If
Claycastle and Inniscara are part of the clutch of new PPUI venues, then
appropriately for the National Senior’s Weekend, we are being hosted by one of
the Grandparents of the PPUI in Collins.
It’s
a little overwhelming to think that Collins Pitch and Putt Club is older than
many of the players that will play this weekend, and to have a championship
accredited course approaching 70 years old smack bang in the middle of one of
the most vibrant cities in Europe is a fine achievement in itself.
The
Ladies have the honour of teeing off this fine addition to the PPUI Calendar.
Just shy of ten years on the calendar, this competition is an excellent
advertisement of what the Pitch and Putt Union of Ireland can offer to the
older member of society, when other sports exclude the elder, we cherish and
embrace them. That said, many of the participants this week are fitter and far
healthier than a lot of people, this correspondent included, so this weekend
while played in a good spirit will be keenly contested.
The
Senior Ladies begin first on Saturday morning, and while it is the smallest of
the 6 fields, the quality is apparent throughout. Nearly every player on the
drawsheet will be a contender, but Vera McCarthy, Sheelagh Elmes and Phil
Condron are likely to be neck and neck at the finish line. There is a
significant entry in the Intermediate and Junior grades, and above all else
this should ensure that the weekend is a success from a social aspect, as many
travel in groups, and have a significant distance to travel, all of which adds to the appeal of making a
weekend of the event.
In
the Intermediate grade there are a few players one would expect to see in the
hunt for honours; naturally enough there are 3 or 4 home players who will be in
the shake-up, while challenges from further afield will come from the likes of
Alice Sargent, Bernie Dunne and Betty Cody. The Junior field is more complex,
and thus harder to predict; Cunnigar are traditionally strong in the Junior
grade and Cait Mulcahy could be one to watch.
The
Gents assume the spotlight on Sunday, with the template reversed, with the
Juniors starting first. Nicky Byrne is the threat from the Home club, while
there are plenty of competitors that will challenge; these include the likes of
Christy Sweeney, Jim Kennedy, Mick Kenny, Anthony Maher and Paddy Noonan.
The
Intermediate men follow on next. There are a few standout candidates: recent
Hall of Fame inductee, ex-President, International Supremo, and all-round
legend, Mervyn Cooney; Anthony Grendon; Richard Harkin and perhaps Weeshie from
Pfizers.
The
Seniors are the last group out and this is a quality field. Some of the names
are as relevant now as they were in their heyday. Skinner Malone and Liam
O’Brien continue to be competitive in their counties, as does the evergreen
Marty Fawl. Mick
One
thing we’ll be assured of is that the weekend will be enjoyable, and the two
days should be played in the best of spirit. The Collins club are delighted to
be welcoming this event to the real capital, and will afford all visitors the
best of hospitality. Captains Phil Downey and Trevor Ahern are true Pitch and
Putt ambassadors and both have put in a lot of work to ensure this event runs
well. In a touch of coincidence, Phil happened to be Lady Captain when the
historic Gents Strokeplay of 1995 was hosted in Collins.
Food
will be available throughout the weekend in the clubhouse and there is
significant car parking on the premises also.
From
speaking to Morty Ahern, who maintains the course alongside the club captain,
they are delighted with the condition of the course and are happy it is going
to be presented in a fashion suitable for a National Competition.
The entire weekend is sure to be an enjoyable
one and Collins have organised a social evening on Saturday in one of the local
pubs aptly named The Local. So make your way to Collins for the weekend, watch
the players of yesteryear and just as important enjoy the social side of Pitch
& Putt just as in years gone by.
On
a personal note, this is likely to be the final preview of the year for me, and
it would be remiss of me not to thank a few people. Firstly to all the club and
county personnel who assisted in the little (and large) queries no matter the
time of day. Secondly, to the National PRO Padraig O’Shea for allowing the
poetic license of his correspondents to flourish. In addition to this, respect
should be afforded to the other correspondents Paul O’Brien and Linda Thomson
for the top-class efforts they have made throughout the year to highlight the
events they have covered, and for the time they have spared to promote the game
we all love. Paul we all know is an exceptional reporter of Pitch and Putt and
his emotion seeps through his articles. Linda is new to this service, and I
wholeheartedly commend her for taking on the reins. It is vital that women get
involved in these endeavours and I would encourage Linda to continue in this
role, as she has a good eye and a passion to compliment it. To you the readers
for all the wonderful feedback and kind comments you have passed to us all.
Finally to the Office staff Michael, Pauric and Anne, for their assistance with
draws and history – this has been vital to me and really complimented the
extensive back catalogue of information that John Manning lent to me throughout
the year. I can safely say I wouldn’t have been as in-depth without their
assistance. If anyone has been left out, it is totally unintentional.
Best
of luck to everyone this weekend!
Paul.