Pitch and Putt Ireland has lost a true exemplar with the passing of Jean Cooney RIP.
A loyal servant of the Louth Inter-County sides, Jean inspired her colleagues to second place nationally at Seapoint in 1994.
Jean was runner-up to the great Margaret Hogan at Gaeil Colmcille in the 2014 National Over-55s Senior Grade Strokeplay championship
Leinster Strokeplay champion at Gowran in 1992, Jean finished second on three occasions, in 1986, 1988 and 1991.
Louth County champion on multiple occasions, Jean was National Strokeplay runner-up in 1991 and in 1999.
A mainstay of the Bissell and Cement clubs in Drogheda, Jean was the 1995 and 1997 National Matchplay runner-up and a semi-finalist on three other occasions.
Twice Leinster Matchplay champion, in 1986 at Bagenalstown and in 1992 at Seapoint, Jean also reached the provincial Matchplay final in 1988.
She and her husband Oliver won many prizes together on the course. Their record in the National Mixed Foursomes was hugely impressive, capturing Best Gross in successive years, at Irish Ropes in 1989 and at Ierne twelve months later. They were also runners-up at Royal Meath in 1991.
During a brief sojourn across the county bounds in Bellewstown, Jean played on the Meath team that won the Ladies Inter-County Division A championship at Rocklodge in 2001.
A bronze medal winner nationally with Meath in 2002, Jean helped the Royal County ladies to third place in the 2003 Leinster Inter-County.
Jean’s unbridled enthusiasm for the sport, her quiet dignity, and her innate sportsmanship marked her as one of the top lady players for upwards of three decades.
Jean’s husband Oliver is a player of high renown. Her son Paul, daughter-in-law Joanne and granddaughter Sarah have achieved much in the sport.
Sincere sympathy is extended to Jean’s family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.
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