Saturday August 6 in Enniskillen Golf Club was a big day for our Lady Captain Helena Tisdall. Proceedings kicked off early in an effort to accommodate all those who wished to play. Players were greeted with Helena’s beguiling smile which she did not let slip once during her busy and entertaining day.

In keeping with Helena’s sunny nature the sun shone down on a course that was immaculate. The volunteers and green’s staff have been working tirelessly to ensure the course was in pristine condition. The new attractive signage for the ladies tees got it’s first full airing with each new sign featuring the name of the lady sponsor. The old adage of ‘measure twice and cut once’ was thrown out the window with the greens staff making the greens slick, by I believe, cutting and ironing at least twice. Helena’s charity was ‘Bright Starz’ which is a theatre company for local people with a learning disability. Helena’s niece Rhiannon is a member.

The traffic into the kitchen with plates and dishes laden with food was non stop. The members’ generosity and willingness to support is boundless. Refreshments were served all day to hungry golfers and guests. Helen’s family and friends were ever at the ready with tea, coffee and tasty bites.

A keen golfer herself, Helena recognised that thirst that arises when climbing up to the tenth few and had a selection of ice cool drinks at the ready. Catering post golf was by Alan Moutrey from Lisbellaw. Alan and his staff seamlessly catered for the diners with the function room full to capacity with Helena’s guests, family and friends. Helena’s sisters in particular, were in awe at the charismatic way this little lady went about her big day.

Following the meal Helena delivered her speech little a true professional. She thanked everyone who had helped her in making her day a huge success. Following her speech Helena displayed a hidden talent none of us knew she had. To thank her committee for their help and support during the year, she had composed a poem. She referred to each committee member in turn and gave them all a light hearted touch about goings on during the year. It was hilarious and unsurprisingly everyone rose to their feet and gave Helena a rapturous applause.

Prize giving followed after the meal and until that time the winners had not been revealed. Our ladies match Secretary Patricia Durnien, and Match Secretary Dermot Love were ably assisted by Lady Vice Captain Jill Hamilton.

The men’s competition was won by Gordon McKenna with 43 points. Michael Keys finished second with 42 points on countback from John Slowey also with 42 points.

There were multiple other prizes starting with the 2s. Patricia Durnien and Orla Foster had 2s on the 11th. Josie Boyle had a 2 on the sixth. Geraldine McNamara from Blacklion got nearest the pin on the 14th and finished it off with a birdie. Other nearest the pins were, Patricia Durnien on the third Irene Bownes on the sixth and Sharon Miles on the 11th. The non handicap novice prize went to Nadine McCarney. Leanne Whaley from Castle Hume took the ladies visitor’s prize with 33 points. Linda McDowell won the 9 hole prize with 19 points.

There was some confusion over the ‘nearest the line’ prize. This is a novelty prize to give everyone a chance. Unfortunately for the men, Helena had limited this to females only. The name of one unknowing gentleman appeared on the sheet, stating 5 and a half inches from the line. A very close thing. The prize actually went to Kate O’Kane. Read the instructions next time Olly.

Committee prize: Jill Hamilton 80 nett. Granny prize: Sandra McElroy 74 nett

Front 9: Anne Reihill 33 nett. Back 9: Catherine Cordell 33 nett

Gross prize :Josie Boyle 74 nett 91 gross. 4th prize: Deirdre McSorley nett 73 CB

3rd prize: Barbara Thompson nett 73 CB. Runner Up: Rita McKechnie nett 72

Presenting the winners prize caused a little consternation. There had to be a reshuffle of personalities on the platform. There was a drum roll from the crowd as we waited for the changeover as the winner was the ‘announcer’ herself Patricia Durnien with a nett 71.

Well done to all the prizewinners. Thank you Helena for a wonderful day. Well done.