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Monkstown Golf Club
Monkstown Academy Opens
Monkstown Golf Club range and front nine overlooking Cork Harbour. Pic: Niall O’Shea
Monkstown Golf Club recently unveiled their latest development, and new practice range and teaching academy. The golf club has invested in a number of capital projects over the past two years and the newly opened range compliments the short game area which was opened last year.
The covered range was built at the northern end of the existing practice area, maximising the potential of the 320 yard area. Monkstown General Manager Maurice O’Meara oversaw the project and while the opening date was a little bit later than planned, the finished product is a credit to the club and the team involved. “The academy has exceeded all expectations and has been Continue reading
Monkstown ProShop Team
Cian McNamara, Shane Irwin and Shane Livesey pictured at Monkstown GC Pro Shop.
Picture: Niall O’Shea
The short game area and the new academy has been a real boost for the team of PGA professionals who work in Monkstown. The club has a long history of great club professionals including Peter O’Hare who started in 1908 when the club was founded, Jack Higgins, David Brown, Jim Higgins and Finbar Condon. Batt Murphy will be known to many having served as club pro for several decades. Starting in 1974, the popular pro had almost 40 years service before his retirement. Morgan O’Donovan took over from Batt in 2010, and was an instant hit with members. Unfortunately Morgan passed away in 2012 after battling a long illness.
Monkstown PGA Professional Cian McNamara pictured in the teaching and fitting bay at the new academy and range. Pic: Niall O’Shea
The current pro shop team is comprised of three PGA Professionals. The team of thee is led by Limerick native Cian McNamara who has spent the last ten years in Monkstown. Cian was and Irish International and a South of Ireland champion as an amateur, as well as spending three years in East Tennessee with Seamus Power. Over the last decade Cian has built a great reputation as a Club pro. As well as operating the proshop, Cian is busy teaching members, guests, teams and Continue reading
Tom Egan remembered in Baltray
The Egan family at Co Louth. Picture: Golffile | Fran Caffrey
Monkstown’s Tom Egan was remembered in County Louth last week, his family visited County Louth Golf Club to commemorate their late father’s record East of Ireland win at Baltray in 1962.
Egan won the East of Ireland Championship at the famous links course and also set a world record at the time of eight birdies in a row in an official competition.
With an invitation from Bridgestone Ireland, Golf Ireland’s order of merit sponsor, some of Tom’s family returned to Baltray to play the course, and to make a commemorative presentation to the Co. Louth Golf Club.
Frank Egan, who works Continue reading
Walsh & Hegarty win Munster Womens Championhsips, No joy for Cork in Co Sligo
Doneraile’s Paula Walsh claimed her second Munster Women’s Senior Amateur Open Championship after a thrilling playoff win in Monkstown. Walsh shot a 69 in the 18 hole event to hold off the challenge of Lisa Cullen, Aideen Walsh and Lauren Kelly who all finished just one stroke behind.
The Corkonian, who also won this title in 2017, was level par for her front nine and despite birding the 11th she dropped back to level again before the crucial birdie on the last. This victory is also a huge early season boost for Walsh’s claims in the Bridgestone Order of Merit. After securing the silverware in Monkstown, Walsh is excited about what lies ahead for the rest of 2023. “I’m delighted to win. It’s a great win and my second time winning the Munster Championship,” said Walsh. “It’s good to get off started in the
Continue readingCope Alliance launch 46th season
One of Cork’s most impressive golfing groups have finalised plans for their 2023 season. The Cope Golf Alliance is now in it’s 46th year and the group plan to have another busy year where as well as plenty of golf, they’ll also continue to raise funds for Cope Foundation. Since the late 1970’s the alliance has raised over €1.7million and this year they expect to add over €40,000 to that total.
Mens Captain James Doolan is looking forward to the season, his 20th year as a member. “Everyone involved with the Cope Golf Alliance is looking forward to the 2023 season, which kicks off for the Ladies on April 3rd at Cork G.C., and on April 24th for the Men, at Monkstown. The Alliance members are drawn from Cork, Douglas, Monkstown and Muskerry Golf Clubs. Because the four clubs give their courses free of charge for Alliance competitions, the entire amount collected from members (€75 each), goes to the COPE Foundation. We also have generous, long-standing sponsors who take care of the prizes for each outing, and at our recent AGM, we presented a cheque for €43,500 to the Cope Foundation.” Continue reading
Desmond takes home win at Senior Cup Alliance
Sean Desmond made the most of home advantage in Monkstown on Saturday, he shot one under in testing conditions to win the second senior cup alliance event. Desmond produced a great display of golf to finish one under and one shot ahead of the field of over 30 golfers.
Desmond eagled the par four fourth hole and followed that with a birdie on the fifth which was playing really hard in the cold wet conditions. He did give tow shots back to the course on 6th and 8th, but he played very steady golf on the way back to finish as the only player under par.
Muskerry’s Stephen Riordan finished in second place on level par, he’s just back from the Faldo Series Grand Final in Dubai and the warm weather practice is still paying dividends for him. Jack Murphy from Douglas took third place with a two over par 60 and Conor McDowell and Robbie Walsh were next best on 61.
This was the second event in the series, James Walsh was the winner on Muskerry last month. The competition for members of Cork, Douglas, Monkstown and Muskerry was created to keep a competitive aspect for inter-club players through the winter months. The next event is scheduled for Cork Golf Club on Saturday 3rd December.
Cork Senior Cup Alliance (Monkstown)
1 Sean Desmond (Monkstown) 57
2 Stephen Riordan (Muskerry) 58
3 Jack Murphy (Douglas) 60
4 Conor McDowell (Monkstown) 61
5 Robbie Walsh (Douglas) 61
William Dwyer Inter-Society Trophy Winners
| Year | Winners | Venue |
| 1943 | MUNSTER & LEINSTER BANK | |
| 1944 | COMBINED BANKS | |
| 1945 | COLLEGE STUDENTS | |
| 1946 | CORK UNIVERSITY | |
| 1947 | CORK UNIVERSITY | |
| 1948 | INSURANCE INSTITUTE | |
| 1949 | THREE TOWNS | |
| 1950 | CORK UNIVERSITY | |
| 1951 | CIVIL SERVICE | |
| 1952 | MUNSTER & LEINSTER BANK | |
| 1953 | CHRISTIAN COLLEGE P.P.U. | |
| 1954 | CORK UNIVERSITY | |
| 1955 | MUNSTER & LEINSTER BANK | |
| 1956 | OLD CHRISTIANS | |
| 1957 | CORK CIVIL SERVICE | |
| 1958 | SOUTHERN COMMAND | |
| 1959 | CORK CIVIL SERVICE | |
| 1960 | WOOLEN TRADERS | |
| 1961 | CORK UNIVERSITY | |
| 1962 | WOOLEN TRADERS | |
| 1963 | CHRISTIAN COLLEGE | |
| 1964 | TRAVELLERS | |
| 1965 | SOUTHERN COMMAND | |
| 1966 | CORK CIVIL SERVICE &L.G | |
| 1967 | MUNSTER & LEINSTER BANK | |
| 1968 | MUNSTER & LEINSTER BANK | |
| 1969 | INSURANCE INSTITUTE | |
| 1970 | IRISH DUNLOP | |
| 1971 | COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS | |
| 1972 | MEDICALS | |
| 1973 | VEROLME DOCKYARD | |
| 1974 | PRESENTATION COLLEGE | |
| 1975 | VEROLME DOCKYARD | |
| 1976 | IRISH DUNLOP | |
| 1977 | CORK GARDA | |
| 1978 | FORDS | |
| 1979 | PRESENTATION COLLEGE | |
| 1980 | LITTLE ISLAND | |
| 1981 | CORK GARDA | |
| 1982 | CORK COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS | |
| 1983 | CORK GARDA | |
| 1984 | MARLBOROUGH | |
| 1985 | CORK GARDA | |
| 1986 | LITTLE ISLAND | |
| 1987 | MARLBOROUGH | |
| 1988 | BYRNE BUTCHERS | |
| 1989 | MARLBOROUGH | |
| 1990 | OUR LADYS HOSPITAL | |
| 1991 | ESB | |
| 1992 | ESB MARINA | |
| 1993 | ESB | |
| 1994 | SMITHKLINE BEECHAM | |
| 1995 | ESB MARINA | Douglas |
| 1996 | CORK CORPORATION | Monkstown |
| 1997 | IFI | Cork |
| 1998 | FAS | Muskerry |
| 1999 | ELI LILLY | Monkstown |
| 2000 | SIFCO | Douglas |
| 2001 | GLAXO SMITHKLINE | Cork |
| 2002 | MIDLETON C.B.S | Mahon |
| 2003 | ESB MARINA | Monkstown |
| 2004 | MILLSTREET G.S. | East Cork |
| 2005 | BOWEN GROUP | Cork |
| 2006 | MIDLETON C.B.S | Douglas |
| 2007 | GLAXO SMITHKLINE | Monkstown |
| 2008 | DE PUI | Harbour Point |
| 2009 | LADA | Cork |
| 2010 | WILTON TRADERS | Douglas |
| 2011 | ESB WILTON | Monkstown |
| 2012 | MACTOUMS | Cork |
| 2013 | ESB WILTON | Douglas |
| 2014 | ESB WILTON | Monkstown |
| 2015 | Senior Circle | Cork |
| 2016 | Senior Circle | Douglas |
| 2017 | MIDLETON C.B.S | Cork |
| 2018 | MIDLETON C.B.S | Monkstown |
| 2019 | Senior Circle | Douglas |
| 2022 | Mollies | Cork |
Irwin looking forward to 2022
Monkstown PGA Professional Shane Irwin.
Picture: Niall O’Shea
For the first time since qualifying as a PGA Professional, Monkstown’s Shane Irwin is looking forward to a normal season. The Limerick native traded in his hurley for a golf clubs a few years back and started his PGA training. Irwin completed his PGA studies in 2020 but the past two years were interrupted with several lockdowns. Like plenty of others in golf, he thinks 2022 will be a bumper year for the sport and he has already seen a big increase in the numbers out golfing.
PGA Professional Shane Irwin pictured at the Trackman fitting studio at Monkstown Golf Club.
Picture: Niall O’Shea
“The winter was much busier than previous years due to not having any sort of lockdowns compared to previous years” explained Irwin. “In the first few months we had fantastic weather which got a lot of golfers out onto the course. It really was our first proper winter using the Trackman studio with lessons and custom fitting. The main areas I think golfers are working on this for this part of the year in particularis the short game and putting. Indoor facilities like this, especially in the cold winter months, gives a golfer important putting and swing analysis along with video technology. After each lesson we can also send a video summary to each golfers which includes some drills to work on.”
Irwin has been based in Monkstown for just over five years. In that time he has completed his PGA studies, qualifying in 2020. Monkstown is now home to three PGA Professionals with Cian McNamara leading the team. While Cian and Shane are from Limerick, there was a Corkman added to the team recently. Shane Livesey joined from Douglas last month, and just last week he completed his PGA studies to become a fully qualified PGA Professional. With three teaching pro’s, access to facilities is key and Irwin is delighted with facilities available to members and guests.
PGA Professional Shane Irwin practicing his putting at the Trackman fitting studio at Monkstown Golf Club. Pic: Niall O’Shea
“We’re looking forward to the club opening the new short game facility. It will be a great addition to the already fantastic work been done by the club and it will benefit the club teams, Juniors and Members short games massively. Once the short game area opens in May we will be providing a service with short game demo days featuring the leading brands to test and compare wedges and putters for players.”
While Shane is part of the pro shop team, he’s delighted to be part of the wider team that Continue reading
Ryan wins PGA Southern Championship
Monkstown Captain Donal Delaney presenting the PGA Southern Championship trophy to David Ryan (East Cork GC) after his win last week.
David Ryan picked up the first bit of silverware in the PGA season last week. The East Cork Club Pro won the Irish PGA Southern Championship in Monkstown, beating an impressive field. Ryan went around in 66 strokes and took the title by a single stroke. “It was great to win last week said David, “it just goes to show there’s life in the old dog yet and it was nice to have East Cork GC after the name up in lights.” Ryan is well used to winning on the Irish PGA circuit and he has racked up a number of wins in Monkstown, as well as previously winning the Southern Championship.
“I won the same event in Powerscourt in 2012 shooting the same score. As for Monkstown golf club I love playing up there always have. It’s the type of course that suits my game. It’s not the longest but you have to think your away around. I’ve had a bit of success in Monkstown. I’ve won the pro-am and also the Morgan O’Donovan event which was a nice one to win as Morgan was one Continue reading
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