Two of the main events of the Donegal ETB Golf Society season were played out in the past few weeks with the running of the annual Team Event in Greencastle Golf Club followed by Captain, Mr. Cathal McGee’s Captain’s Prize in Ballybofey & Stranorlar Golf Club.
Head Office duo win the Donegal ETB Team competition for a second time
The annual team competition of the Donegal ETB Golf Society, an Chorn Sheáin Uí Longáin Comórtas Foirne, was played out in Greencastle Golf Club. The old adage of ‘Horses for Courses’ rang true as Jim McGlynn and Marcel McCafferty, representing the ETB Head Offices in Ard O’ Donnell, came out on top on the same course that they won previously on a couple of years ago. The popular winners noted that this time felt much sweeter than before as COVID regulations stilted much of the celebrations from their 2021 victory. Their winning score of 51pts saw them two clear ahead of Tommy Greally and Breid Kelly in second and the Finn Valley College team of Paddy McDaid and Rory White a further point back in third place. The prizes for Nearest the Pin went to Kevin McDevitt and the Longest Drives went to Tommy Greally and Breid Kelly.
We were delighted to be joined by Seán and Eileen Ó Longáin for the meal and presentations.
Winners of the Donegal ETB Team Competition 2023 Marcel McCafferty and Jim McGlynn being presented with their trophy by Mr Seán Ó Longáin and Captain Mr Cathal McGee
Alex Harkin wins Captain’s Prize in Ballybofey & Stranorlar GC
Last week saw the holding of Mr. Cathal McGee’s Captain’s Prize on his home course of Ballybofey & Stranorlar Golf Club. Apart from a stiff breeze at times, conditions were excellent, both with the weather and on the impressive parkland layout. Among those playing as guests of the Captain were Cathal’s wife, Clodagh and son, Aaron as well as his sister Moira.
Captain Cathal McGee pictured with his family members who were guest players on the day
Winner on the day was a man who is no stranger to the winner’s podium over many years of good golf, and still playing off a handicap that is the envy of many a younger player, Alex Harkin. Alex scooped the biggest prize of the Society season with a fine score of 33pts (over 16 holes). Commenting on his win afterwards, Alex spoke of his delight to win the auspicious prize at this stage of his golfing career. He paid eloquent tribute to the late Brian McDermott, who is sorely missed by everyone in the Society. He also highlighted the welcome fact of Cathal McGee being the first member from the former FÁS organisation (now Donegal ETB FET Centre) in Ballyraine, Letterkenny to Captain the Society since FÁS amalgamated with Donegal ETB in 2014, and how this has served to strengthen the Society.
Runner-up was this year’s Vice-Captain, and incoming Captain for 2024, Elaine Russell with a fine score of 30pts on a b.o.t. from Seamus Clerkin in third place on the same score. Ryan Monagle was in fourth place with 29pts and the Captain himself picked up fifth place with 28pts. Mr Society himself, Jim McGlynn won the Retired Staff category, Gareth Doherty won the Past Captain’s prize and Ms. Moira McGee won the Captain’s Guest prize. Sally Ann McFadden won the best Front 9 prize and Patrick McDevitt picked up the best Back 7. Longest Drive was won by John Bosco Gallagher and Mary Harkin joined her husband in the winner’s circle by winning Nearest the Pin.
Captain Cathal McGee pictured with winner Alex Harkin
Captain Cathal McGee pictured with runner-up Elaine Russell
Captain Cathal McGee pictured with 3rd place Seamus Clerkin
Golfer of the Year standings (with two outings remaining)
- Éanna Ó Mainín 80pts
- Tommy Greally 79pts
- Leo Gallagher 74pts
- Deirdre O’Toole 72pts
- Ryan Monagle 66pts
MaryAnn Kane Magnificent 7 Memorial Trophy standings
- Leo Gallagher 15pts
- Deirdre O’Toole 14pts
- Tommy Greally 12pts
- Paddy McDaid 12pts
- Four members tied 11pts
