May Newsletter

Bridie Ronayne Memorial Trophy – 2nd to 7th June

One of the highlights of the golfing calendar at Swinford Golf Club, the Bridie Ronayne Memorial Trophy will take place from Monday 2nd June to Saturday 7th June (inclusive). The format is 18-hole Stableford, with placing on the fairway only. Entry is €10, and players are encouraged to make an additional donation in support of this year’s nominated charity, the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, a cause close to many hearts.

Tee times can be booked through BRS. Members are encouraged to play earlier in the week where possible, as we expect a large number of visitors on Saturday. This is always a popular week at the club, we hope to see a strong turnout once again.

 

Scoil Muire Agus Padraig Visit

On Tuesday 14th May, the club was delighted to welcome 25 students from Scoil Muire Agus Padraig who made the short trip from the school to the fairways, lured no doubt by the fine spell of weather and the novelty of missing a class or two.

Among the group were none other than our last two Golfers of the Year, Tom Horkan and Daniel Irwin, both well accustomed to the course and no doubt showing the value of practice with a few well-struck drives. Their presence gave the visiting students a glimpse of what’s possible with a bit of commitment and perhaps sparked a bit of inspiration along the way.

For many of the students, it was their first proper go at the game. There were a few nervy swings, the odd air shot, and more than a few laughs but all part of the craic. With a bit of luck, we might see some of these young faces back again during the summer months.

A big thank you to the staff of Scoil Muire Agus Padraig for facilitating the visit and to our volunteers on the day who gave the students a warm welcome and a fine first impression of the club.

 

Extended Competition Weekends

To make it easier for members to take part in weekend competitions, the committee has agreed to expand the competition days to include Friday, Saturday and Sunday. On Fridays, tee times will be available up until 12 noon and again after 6pm, as Junior Golf takes place from 4:00pm to 5:30pm.

We hope this change gives more members the flexibility to play and submit a card at a time that suits. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or just trying to dodge the rain, there’s now a bit more room to plan your round. Tee times should be booked as usual through BRS.

Also, we’re delighted to announce the return of the 2’s Club. For an optional €2 entry, any player who scores a 2 on a hole will earn themselves some golf balls.

Divot Repair

As the course gets busier with the better weather, it’s a good time to remind ourselves, new and long-standing members alike, of the small things that help keep it in great shape for everyone. Repairing your pitchmarks on the green and replacing or filling divots on the fairways might only take a few seconds, but it makes a big difference to how the course plays and looks.

It’s part of the unwritten spirit of the game: leave the course as you’d hope to find it. So let’s all do our bit to keep the fairways tidy and the greens smooth.

If you’re unsure what to do or just need a refresher, here’s a quick guide on repairing pitchmarks properly.

Hoe To Repair A Pitch Mark Correctly

Junior Golf

Junior Golf is back in full swing every Friday from 4 to 5:30pm. It’s open to kids aged 7 and up, whether they’re picking up a club for the first time or already know their way around the course.

It’s all about having fun, learning the game, and meeting new friends. New faces always welcome!

To sign up, just drop a WhatsApp to Ray (086 306 6494) or Enda (086 042 4395).

 

 

 

 

Golfer Of The Year

With four competitions played, the 2025 Men’s Golfer of the Year race is just beginning to take shape. While it’s early days, a few names have already made a strong impression. Leading the way is Niall McHugh, setting the pace with consistent scoring across the opening events. Hot on his heels are Jim O’ Donnell and Liam Healy, both sitting tied in second place.

Here are the current standings:

Current RankPlayerNumber of TournamentsNumber of WinsTotal Points
1Niall McHugh4119
T2Jim O' Donnell2112
T2Liam Healy3012
4Gearoid Brady2011
T5Michael Carroll3110
T5Steve Hall2110
T7Andy Murphy309
T7Ron Howko309
T7Declan Munnelly209
T7Mark Fulham209
T11Rob Thornburgh408
T11Philip Irwin408
T11Brian Turbitt408
T11Padraig O'Toole208
T15Sean Comer407
T15Gerard Ronayne307
T15Gary McNeela407
T15Thomas Regan107
T19Barry Durkan406
T19Philip Irwin Jnr106
T19Keith J McHugh206
T19Marty Munnelly406
T23James Irwin405
T23James Kilroy305
T23Tom Horkan205
T26Matt Duggan203
T26Vincent Murtagh403
T26Keith McHugh103
29Michael Dee202

Plenty of golf remains, and with every event carrying points, there’s all to play for. We’ll continue to share updates throughout the season.

Competition Results

Weekend April 26/27
Womens 18 Hole Stableford
🥇 Breege Spain 35 points
🥈 Lorena McNicholas 35 points
🥉 Ann Moore 34 points

Mens 18 Hole Stableford
🥇 Liam Healy 42 points
🥈 Keith McHugh 38 points
🥉 Padraig Lyndon 38 points

Weekend May 3/4
Women’s O’Connor Cup 18 Hole Stableford
🥇 Lorena McNicholas 44 points
🥈 Ann Mooore 35 points
🥉 Breege Spain 34 points

Men’s Morrisroe Cup 18 Hole Stroke
🥇 Jim O’Donnell 68
🥈 Declan Munnelly 70
🥉 Liam Healy 70

Weekend May 10/11
Ladies 18 Hole Stableford
🥇 Lorena McNicholas : 44 pts
🥈 Ann Moore : 35 pts
🥉 Breege Spain : 34 pts

Gents 18 Hole Stableford
🥇 Michael Carroll : 45 pts
🥈 Ron Howko : 39 pts
🥉 Philip Irwin : 38 pts

Weeekend May 17/18
Ladies 9 Hole Stableford
🥇 Dympna O’Donnell : 21 pts
🥈 Bernie Walsh : 20 pts
🥉 Margaret Mulligan : 20 pts

Gents 18 Hole Stableford – Canon Higgins Cup
🥇 Steve Hall : 40 pts
🥈 Andy Murphy : 40 pts
🥉 Padraig O’Toole : 40 pts

Weeekend May 24/25
Ladies 18 Hole Stableford
🥇 Marian Maloney : 40 pts
🥈 Mary Horkan : 37 pts
🥉 Lorena McNicholas : 35 pts
Full Results

Gents 18 Hole Stableford
🥇 Niall McHugh : 42 pts
🥈 Mark Fulham : 40 pts
🥉 Brian Turbitt : 39 pts
Full Results