Date posted: 22nd May 2017
Dear Fellow Members,
On behalf of the Radisson Blu – St. Helen’s Hotel sponsored Invitation Mixed Matchplay committee I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to all members for their support of the various competitions during the week. I would also like to thank those who worked during the week manning the scoreboard, collecting results etc. namely: Hugh Keegan master of the draw, the Three Brendan’s (Barrett, McAndrew and Conway) keepers of the scores, Melanie Allen, Marianne Doran and Ann Sedgwick on managing the consolation timesheet and collecting results. Emer Kirwan, Deirdre McDonagh, Saundra Waldron and Orla Fitzgerald on check-in over the week. Our Referees - Pauline Martin and John Waldron. A special thank you goes out to my able assistant Rosemary Sayers.
Our thanks also to our very supportive Captains, Michael and Aisling who in addition to a very demanding playing schedule were on hand to meet, greet and encourage all competitors each day.
As usual the event attracts pairings from nearly all of our neighbouring clubs and indeed some of the newer clubs in our hinterland. 60 Teams (we had a few cry offs) competed on Sunday, reducing by half each day. Killiney club members qualify via an internal qualifying competition with a list of ‘Reservists’ drawn from the non-qualifiers. As with ourselves this is a particularly busy time in all clubs with Inter Club Matches so my particular thanks go to the ‘Reservists’ who when called upon were gracious and willing to step into the breach caused by late withdrawals etc. A particular thanks to Palmer Carter who filled in at the last minute on Friday to act as marker in the Consolation Plate.
Our visitors are always impressed with our course and the friendliness that surrounds this event and this year was no exception. Indeed we have many ‘regular’ visitors and it is always nice to welcome them back to Killiney - it is a time for renewing old and in creating new friendships.
Our thanks to Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel team of Luighsighe, Tim and Paul who manned ‘Palmers Cabin’ on the Sunday and again on Friday providing all the golfers with some delicious ‘goodies’.
Thanks also to Niall Keyes and his team in the office, particularly Mags for her efficiency and organisational skills in producing timesheets, results etc. out each evening under pressure. Michael Browne and his team for the beautifully presented course, John Byrne and the bar team who were ‘full on’ with bar food and drink service – real pressure days particularly on Shot Gun Start days when everyone comes in together. Mark Clarke and his team in the kitchen catering for the hungry golfers each evening, while also catering for members and regular diners, and Gerry and the dining room team for looking after our members and guests in their own inimitable style.
Thankfully the weather was good this year – with one exception – Thursday. Well done to all who participated I hope you enjoyed the ‘KiIliney Experience!’
Congratulations to our winners for 2017 from Powerscourt Golf Club;
Dave Coleman & Eileen Downey
We are delighted that Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel have agreed to sponsor again next year and we look forward with anticipation to another week of good golf, good weather and meeting old and new friends during this our ‘showcase’ week.
Brenda Sheehan
Radisson Blu St. Helen’s Hotel Committee.