St. Eunan’s Alumni Golf Day great success
The 1st shot by former Donegal goalkeeper Tony Blake was down the middle and the sun was shinning brightly as the Alumni got off to a great start at 7 am.
Many students traveled from afar, Seamus Mc Geever (on holidays from Australia), Germany and many parts of Ireland; Dublin, Carlow and Shannon to mention a few. On Thursday night at 2 am Greg Cullen left his home in Germany and made the four-hour journey to Frankfurt en route to Dublin and arriving in Letterkenny at 6 pm. He went straight out on to the course to practice.
Greg was the main sponsor and his generosity was to the delight of Past pupils and visitors. On Saturday he was in great praise of the course, which was carefully manicured and set up for the day and in his speech he said that he would be delighted to take visitors to play the course.
All day many memories were recalled and no more interesting than those recalled by Ted Mc Laughlin, Hugh Hegarty, Brian Cannon, Barney Cunningham and Eunan Murray of their days in the 1950’s and the Mc Rory Cup.
Michael Foley originally of Wolfe Tone place left Shannon airport at 7 am to arrive for tee off at 3.30 pm. Enda O’ Donnell, Charlie Mc Ginley, Seamus Patton and Sean Reilly were treated to video clips of the All Irelands Soccer titles 1985 and 86 on arrival to loud applause.
John Breslin from Ghaoth Dobhair entered the College in 1945 and on the day competed off 17 handicap with a solid 36 pts. to take the 1940’s decade prize. Other in the 40’s were Seamus Kernan, Seamus Crumlish and Leonard Roarty and all played well.
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The young guns were out too as David Mc Cormick as Captain of the Golf team last year taking the gross and Derek Ruxton in 4th place overall and the overall winner Emmet Burke.
In the evening Barnhill was treated to melodies from the past as members Capitol showband Eamon Monaghan (piano) and Paul Sweeney (trumpet) rendered many of the great moments and songs. Both entered the College in 1952 and 1953 respectively and on leaving the College they enjoyed fame with the Capitol showband. From classical, country to Jazz and songs such as Bill Bailey, Won’t You Come Home to Folsom Prison Blues.
Later Paddy Tunney and Gerard Mc Brearty on violin and banjo provided great entertainment with traditional Irish music with many entertaining tunes from their large repertoire.
On the course young Emmet Burke produced the score of the day on 45 pts. chipping in at the 18th to secure victory. Martin Devine left no stone unturned with a great 26 pts. on the back nine but was just pipped at the post on 44 pts. Ian Mc Geever also a great score of 42 pts. early in the morning and Derek Ruxton off 8 handicap put in a strong challenge on 41pts. as did Eamon Stevenson 41pts.
1st Emmet Burke (23) 45 pts.
2nd Martin Devine (12) 44 pts.
3rd Ian Mc Geever (11) 42 pts.
4th Derek Ruxton (8) 41 pts.
5th Eamonn Stevenson (22) 41 pts.
Decade winners
(determined by date of entry)
1940 -- 1950 John Breslin (17) 36 pts
1950 -- 1960 Ted Mc Laughlin (24) 38 pts.
1960 -- 1970 Edward Harvey (15) 40 pts.
1970 -- 1980 Jim Mc Glynn (25) 41 pts.
1990 -- Pauric Dunleavy (13) 40 pts.
2000 -- Karl Harvey (15) 35 pts.
2010 -- Niall Megarry (6) and Pauric Mc Granaghan (14) both 35 pts.
Gross: David Mc Cormick (4) 33 pts.
Best Past Teacher: Jim O’ Sullivan 36 pts.
Best Lady: Catherine Cooke Harkin 38 pts.
Best Clergy: Fr. Kieran Mc Ateer 32 pts.
Longest Drive on the 11th hole Martin A. Gallagher
Nearest to the pin: Kevin Keily
Visitors:
1st Eamon Mc Glinchey (10) 42 pts.,
2nd Brian O’ Reilly (19) 42 pts.
3rd Seamus Mc Hugh (14) 40 pts.
The Committee, composed of Edward Harvey, Cathal Roarty, Niall O’ Donnell, Mick Mc Ginley and Fr. Paddy Dunne, were delighted with the success. Edward Harvey thanked Pauric O’Donnell for all his work on the website. He also thanked the teachers, students and the parents committee who gave of their valuable time throughout the day. The Committee also paid great tribute to Letterkenny Golf club for hosting the first Alumni, the excellent condition of the course, the hospitality provided by Captain Brian O’ Reilly and the many members who helped out on the day. Harry Gilloway and his staff of the Swing restaurant provided an excellent meal, which was enjoyed by all. Gareth Condon and Sean Boyle in the Golf shop for all their help during the week. The entertainment was provided by Eamonn Monaghan, Paul Sweeney, Paddy Tunney and Gerard Mc Brearty.
Finally, he paid tribute to Greg Cullen who came all the way from Germany to sponsor the 1st Alumni event to the delight of all past pupils and teachers. It was a great day and a memorable one to meet so many from the 1940’s to the present day.