Three birdies on the front nine helped Niall Bracken win the Captain’s Prize at Clogher Valley on Saturday on countback from Stephen McClelland.

Birdie spree

Niall carded birdies on the third, fifth and sixth where he hit within six inches of the hole as he accumulated a superb 45 points, the same as Stephen McClelland who had four birdies on his card. In third place was last year’s Captain Eugene Rooney on 42 points.

The gross prize was won by Alan Forsythe with a 78 with Nigel Carson winning the front nine and Kevin King the back nine, both on 24 points. Mervyn Farrell secured the Visitor’s Prize and Charlie Keys the Committee Members’ Prize. Maurice Coulter picked up the Past Captain’s Prize with 39 points. Niall Bracken also won the Nearest to the Pin.

In the ladies section, Carmel Rooney won first prize with 36 points from Bernie Mohan in second with 34 points. Barbara Kingston was third with 33. Henrietta Willis won Nearest to the Pin.

Unfortunately Captain Ian was unable to attend the evening’s festivities due to a positive Covid test. His brother and ex Captain Raymond filled in for him admirably.

After a beautiful meal in Rusk’s Restaurant more than 60 people danced the night away to music from The Young Guns. Captain Ian conveyed his thanks, through Raymond, to all the committee members and his own family for their help and support throughout his term as Captain. He also thanked the greenkeepers and the team of volunteers who helped get the course into such magnificent condition for his Captain’s Day.

RESULTS

1. Niall Bracken; 2. Stephen McClelland; 3. Eugene Rooney; Gross: Alan Forsythe; front nine: Nigel Carson; back nine: Kevin King; Visitor’s prize: Mervyn Farrell; Committee Members prize: Charlie Keys; Past Captain’s prize: Maurice Coulter; Nearest to the Pin: Niall Bracken.

Ladies Section: 1. Carmel Rooney; 2. Bernie Mohan; 3. Barbara Kingston; Nearest to the Pin: Henrietta Willis