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Barefoot caddies and coastal
erosion...
21.10.11
A BOOK chronicling the
history of Buncrana's North West Golf Club will be
launched at the clubhouse next week.
‘The Story of the North West Golf Club 1891 – 2011’
is the first book to trace the 120-years of the
popular links course from its tentative origins to
becoming the fine 18-hole course it is today.
This unique contribution to local golfing and social
history was compiled and edited by lady
vice-captain, Claire Cully, a native of Co Offaly,
who has lived in Fahan for the past 30 years. She
was assisted in the project by lady captain, Mary
McGeogh.
Claire’s love of local history led her to undertake
the daunting task over the past 12 months. The
response to her appeals for memorabilia and
photographs was so successful, the club is also in a
position to stage a photographic exhibition which is
open to the public on Sunday and Monday, October 30
and 31. |
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A rare photo depicting young barefoot
caddies at North West Golf
Club |
The North West Golf
Club at Lisfannon was one of Ireland’s first golf
clubs and one of an elite group of nine clubs which
founded the governing body of golf in Ireland - the
Golfing Union of Ireland (GUI) in 1891.
The 120-page hardback book depicts in words,
photographs and memorabilia the stories of the
professionals, the greenkeepers, the caddies and
members as well as its defining golfing and social
events.
One amusing anecdote recalls how two young caddies
got their first glimpse of Royal Portrush from the
boot of the car while the dog and the clubs of the
owner travelled in the back seat. |
A fire in 1964 and the
course's battle with coastal erosion are also
chronicled along with the club's notable players
including the Munn brothers, Brian McElhinney, who
won the British Amateur Open and Oliver Doherty who
won Special Olympics Gold.
Claire Cully said she was grateful to everyone who
contributed to the new book.
“Some things have not changed in 120 years. The
panoramic setting of the club still enthrals
members, as was noted by Mr Young of Royal Portrush
at the inaugural dinner in the old Lough Swilly
Hotel in 1891 when he said ‘the scenery was too good
to admit proper playing’. |
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Coastal erosion at North West Golf
Club. |
“I hope this book will
bring happy memories to some while informing others
of our eminent past,” she said.
The book will be on sale at the club's shop and
photographic exhibition at €20 and at Mac’s
Newsagents, Main Street, Buncrana at €25. Copies can
be ordered by email from
nwgchistory@hotmail.com Joe Mahon of 'Lesser
Spotted Ulster' will undertake next Friday's launch
at 7.30pm. |
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