Pitch & Putt
BIG DAY OUT FOR BENEVOLENT FUND
Traditionally, on the last Saturday before christmas, our annual Pitch
and Putt outing in aid of the Benevolent Fund is held on the 'Old
Course' at Glencullen only a long downhill par five from Johnny Foxes
pub. ( Reputed to be the highest in the country and steeped in
folklore. It is said that Daniel O' Connell was a regular there. )
While no St Andrews, this well-kept course has engaging quirks and
charms all of its own. It helps,of course, that it is located in God's
own country. Homely and familiar hills and fields undulate gracefully
and unhurriedly down to the Sugar Loaf and the Irish Sea beyond.
Although on some wintry days, like last year, the bitter wind and
driving rain have made it difficult to appreciate the mountainy vista
around us, there is always the prospect of the inner sanctum of the
ancient hostelry a few fields below to console. But, sure a little
hardship for a worthy cause never did anyone any harm!
The competition has has been running since 1974 with the main prize
being the Donal O'Donoghue Perpetual Cup. Donal served Kilmacud Crokes
very well indeed mainly in hurling matters but he also managed
juvenile football teams. The first name engraved on the trophy is
Richie Leonard. In 1975 there appears the name of P.Hogan. Paddy's
contribution to Kilmacud Crokes would be too wide-ranging to go into
here. He played for Laois in the All Ireland Senior Hurling Final of
1949 and like so many hurlers was very nifty at the Royal and Ancient
game as well. John Sheridan triumphed in 1976. Apart altogether from
founding the Golf Society which still flourishes, John also started
this Pitch and Putt outing away back in what seems like the mists of
time now.
Hugh Finlay was the only one to record back-to-back victories -- in
1980 and 1981-- Hugh is still chasing that elusive hatrick of
victories - surely there is a Tom Watson performance left in him yet?
The names of Tony Kelly and Michael Russell also appear twice on the
cup - great achievments given the strong entries every year. This year
there will be eighty players teeing off. All-Ireland Club
Championship medal winners from 1995, Mark Duncan, Paul Walsh and John
O'Callaghan have entered the winner's enclosure. P. Duggan, D. Twomey
and John Costelloe also feature. Mick Greene's long overdue win came
in 2007. A long list of names are on this worthy cup - not quite the
Claret Jug but nevertheless a much sought after prize.
While the event is a fun christmas outing at the end of another busy
calendar of GAA business, the primary purpose is charitable with the
club's Benevolent Fund being the beneficiary. It is not known when
exactly Gerry Greene took over from John Sheridan as organiser of all
things from prizes to hiring of the bus to assessment of handicaps but
it is more years ago than he cares to remember. Thanks to a lot of
work and commitment the event has evolved over the years into a
streamlined and most enjoyable occasion.Gerry's hard-working committee
comprises Mick Greene, Richie Stakelum, Gerry McGrath, Billy Noctor
and Jim Walsh.
Starting with breakfeast at Glenalbyn a bus ferries the participants
to the Dublin mountains for a 'Shot-gun' start around 12.45. After
playing the long nineteenth hole you are bussed back down the mountain
to the club in the evening for the prize-giving ceremony- and all for
a very reasonable €25. This year's renewal is on the 19th of December
and the apres-golf starts in the Blue Light - a pub almost as old as
the hills themselves and another jewel of the Dublin mountains with
magnificent views of Dublin bay and city below to gaze upon. X Factor
and ALL Ireland Talent Show hopefuls can get in some useful singing
practice at the Karaoke later on. Roll on the 19th!
Article by Matt Cahill;
PS Addition by Publisher: The author above (Matt) omitted to mention the 2008 event was won by non other than Matt himself. Hot of the press Adrian Crean triumphed in 2009 on what was once again an outstanding club day out thoroughly enjoyed by one & all.