GOLF: The extremely successful Pro-Am
played at Fintona last Saturday brought
back memories of the eighties when thirty
teams vied against each other in the Pro-Am
sponsored by local solicitor Andrew
Montague and Irvinestown car dealer
Claude Maguire. The day was overseen by
the PGA but a lot of work had gone into the
domestic planning of it. It was a dream come
through for Captain John Kelly and all of his
hardworking assistants when the day was
such a success. When I spoke to John
earlier he recounted the Pro-Ams which had
taken place in the eighties and on reflection
said that for a Club a Pro-Am was not for a
day but would implant memories that would
last for a lifetime – really a day to remember.
It was indeed fitting that the whole set-up had praise bestowed on it by Bobby
Browne, Captain of the PGA. He was full of superlatives regarding the course,
the organisation of the event and indeed all who took part and the social
ambience which he experienced on the day. I think that no one would
disagree with paying particular praise to Kevin and Paddy McConnell for the
manner in which they look after the course, not just for the Pro-Am but all the
year round. In the run up to this tournament they were ably assisted by
Michael Colgan.
The competition was keen at both pro and amateur level and it was Leslie
Walker from Dundalk who had the honour of setting a new course record of 66
to finish in top spot. Walker had eight birdies in total and finished just one
stroke ahead of Allen Park pro Stephen Hamill who had the advantage of a
caddy who knows Fintona very well, namely Jim Fulton. Local man Ryan Hunt
had an off day but he has a long career in front of him and the best wishes of
the Club obviously go with him.
The winning team score was an unbelievable 98 points in which the pro Gerry
Loughrey had a round of five under. He was accompanied by Hugh Corry,
sponsor Claude Maguire and Willie Neary. Some four shots adrift in second
place were Vincent Jennings, Jimmy McSorley and Seamus McNabb. Jim
Montague, Michael Montague and Michael Montague jnr were third with 92,
tying with Michael McMullan, Ciaran McMullan and David Abraham in third
and Marius Monaghan, Aiden McCrystal and Seamus McGillion taking fourth
also on 92. Ryan Cunningham was the best amateur with a one under par
gross score of 71.
The Captain John Kelly introduced the PGA administrator Peadar McDonnell
who carried out the presentation in front of a large crowd in the clubhouse on
Saturday evening. An enjoyable evening ensued and brought down the
curtain on what was indeed a day to remember for Fintona Golf Club. A great
deal of credit goes to all involved in organising the event, the very generous
sponsorship of the two main sponsors and indeed all those members and
visitors who participated so enthusiastically on the day – a great day for
Fintona.
GOLF: The extremely successful Pro-Am
played at Fintona last Saturday brought
back memories of the eighties when thirty
teams vied against each other in the Pro-Am
sponsored by local solicitor Andrew
Montague and Irvinestown car dealer
Claude Maguire. The day was overseen by
the PGA but a lot of work had gone into the
domestic planning of it. It was a dream come
through for Captain John Kelly and all of his
hardworking assistants when the day was
such a success. When I spoke to John
earlier he recounted the Pro-Ams which had
taken place in the eighties and on reflection
said that for a Club a Pro-Am was not for a
day but would implant memories that would
last for a lifetime – really a day to remember.