Lee Valley commenced their 25^th anniversary celebrations last weekend when the 2018 Officers drove in to mark the start of the new golfing year.  A special celebration also took place to launch a new book detailing the Lee Valley story which has been evolving over the past quarter of a century.  Lee Valley Captain led the festivities and he was delighted to detail what Lee Valley meant to him.  The Skibbereen native, who won an All Ireland Club title with O’Donovan Rossa the same year that the couse opened, has been a proud member in Lee Valley for over 15 years.  “What a tremendous golf course we have here.  Back in 1993 you could stand on the balcony and see as far down as the 14^th fairway” said the Captain.  “Today you won’t see past the first fairway with the trees and how it has developed and matured.  It’s a hidden jewel and we’re delighted to have it.  It doesn’t just happen and it doesn’t come naturally, the work that has been done by Jerry, James Mulcahy and all of the ground staff.  It’s more than just a golf course, it’s a great club and life-long friendships have been made.  We’re fortunate too when we come off the course, we’re very lucky to have the bar and lounge, and what a wonderful club and atmosphere we have. The standard of food and the value is also great and thanks must go to Dolly and Lisa and all of the staff.”

Gallery: Lee Valley 25th Anniversary Celebrations

The main business of the day was the launch of a book detailing the history of the club and Brian was keen to thank those who were behind it: “Great credit it due to the four men, Tadhg Nash, Tim Ellard, Brendan Lyons and Declan Farrell.  To go through all of the information and photographs putting the book together and it’s a great achievement.”  Lord Mayor Tony Fitzgerald was on hand to officially launch the book, along with Munster Golf Chairman Jim Long.  Over 70 former Captains and Presidents from the Ladies and Mens clubs attended in addition to a large number of members who packed into the large function room in Lee Valley.

Christy’s Legacy in Lee Valley

Speaking at the lunch of the book last weekend, Lee Valley owner Jerry Keohane took the opportunity to acknowledge his family members and staff who have been a key part of the success of the course and clubhouse.  “I have to thank the staff that have been with me since 1999.  I also have to thank my wife Peg, she’s been the backbone of Lee Valley and of me as well.  I want to thank my sons Paul and David who have taken over from me, and their families.  I hope and I know that they will continue what we have done here in the past 17 years and I know that the club will get bigger and better.  We have a lot of work to do, we have lots of plans and there’s a lot of finishing to be done on the course.”   While the next generation of Keohane’s may have the key to the business, you may be sure that Jerry still has a key to the machinery shed, and he’ll remain a regular on the fairways in Lee Valley for some time to come.