Club News

Pierce Purcell Team Just Miss Out Again
It was a similar story to the last two years as Raymond Murphy’s Pierce Purcell team just missed out on qualifying by a one point margin. This was despite a joint lowest score of the day at Clones by the combination of John Murphy and Michael McBride.
Junior Cowdy Cup
There was better news for the Junior Cowdy Cup team as Michael Savages outfit secured a three – one home victory and were confident of securing the necessary points away to Rossmore. That fixture was played on Saturday but due to the very inclement weather conditions it had to be called of after a few holes and no date has been fixed for the completion of the tie.
Rossmore Cup
Collie Stuttard’s team were playing their away leg at Edenmore on Sunday but I have no news of their progress but with a strong team out I would expect them to follow the example of the Sam Rutherford team and make the next round.
The Electic compettiton continued this weekend and it was young Cathal Simpson who recorded the best score of the day as he returned an excellent 43 points.
Next weekend is the qualifying round of the Holmpatrick Cup and any pairing who want to double up with their Doubles match-play may do so.
The Doubles and Fred Daly should be well under well this week and I will give a comprehensive run through next week.

Gareth Proves That Lefties Have It
Gareth McLoughlin proved that his early season form was no flash in the pan as he secured the President’s Day Prize in what was an extremely competitive field. Gareth had set the pace over the first eighteen holes returning an impressive net 64 but there were 27 players within 6 shots as the third nine commenced in perfect weather conditions and in front of a large crowd at the 10th tee-Box. All 27 were sent ontheir way by Rodney Quinn who at least proved that he had some reason to be present on the day. Over the third nine it was the consistent Damian Rock who set the pace and for a long time it seemed as he might outdo his fellow Juvenile Convenor but Gareth maintained his steady form and came home by just one and half shots. Congratulations, not only to Gareth, but also to the entire field for making it such a competitive competition for Jim’s final year in this office.
The full results was
Over 55’s: Christy O’Brien, Division Two category: Noel Hughes, Division One Category: Cathal Simpson, Nines: Colm Rock, Martin Rooney, Niall Clarke, 1st Eighteen: John Murphy, Gross: Thomas Hughes, Second: Damian Rock, Winner: Gareth McLoughlin.
The Junior Juvenile prizes went to Tom Hamill and Sean Rock (in that order) while Jason Duffy edged out Cathal Simpson in the Senior Juvenile section.
The prizes were presented on Sunday evening at the side of the 18th Green and in his speech President Jim thanked all the members, the Committee, Management/Staff and his family for making his three years as President so enjoyable. It was an honour to serve in this role and he wished everyone all the best for the remainder of the season. Captain Con congratulated all the recipients and competitors and thanked Jim for organising such a wonderful day. There was then an excellent evenings entertainment in the club house and if you missed this I am told Pat Malone will be able to furnish you with the details!!
Sam Rutherford Team Secure Great Victory.
Congratulations to the Sam Rurherford team who headed to Mannan Castle with a slender two hole advantage from the hole leg but a great display by all four pairings ensured that Ashfield came through with a 4 hole lead. The team got off to a shaky start at Mannan but once Captain Michael Smith arrived his psychology was the driving force that turned the tie around( Michael told me this). Seriously, this was a super win against a very strong Mannan team and while it was a team win a special word of praise must go to the pairing of Paul McCann and Christy O’Brien who won by a massive 6 hole, which proved to be the conclusive score. So well done to Michael and his team and I will have news of the other teams next week, including how our Juveniles get on in the home return leg against Banbridge. Not sure of the exact score from the away tie but I am informed it is very close.
A reminder to all to ensure that the Fred Daly and Doubles match-plays are played within the set time frame and do check the notice-board to ascertain the rules for both.

Apologies for not having notes last week but had to go across the pond to attend christening of number one grandson.
Happy Birthday Gareth
Gareth McLoughlin had an early Birthday present when his net 65 was good enough to take this weekends Single Stroke competition. Gareth just edged out the 66’s of Niall Watters and Michael Smith with young Niall taking second spot on the count-back.
The Wednesday Cup is now up and running and attracting a very good turn out of members. Two weeks ago it was Gary Loughran who returned a winning score of 21 points, while last Wednesday it was Raymond Murphy who took the first prize with 22 points.
The draw took place on Sunday for the Fred Daly singles and the Double match-play competitions and as usual there are a number of interesting pairings. Two of the stand out matches are the heavyweight pairing of Michael Smith and Christy O’Brien and the lighter clash of John Murphy against Larry Crilly. Other ties include the Whitecross clash of Pat Malone with Curly Murphy, Jim McLoughlin against Sean Cooney, Gareth McLoughlin versus Padraig McBride and Kieran Simpson versus Terry Mulholland. The full draw will be posted on the notice-board and members are asked to adhere to the dates as listed.
In the Doubles match-play there is a local derby as Larry Crilly/Michael McCreesh take on Kevin O’Neill/Mickey McMahon. Lets hope for Larry’s sake that Michael does not get tired after nine holes. Other notable draws are the matches between Paul McCann/Rodney Quinn and Mattie Rice/Aidan Carragher and favourites Kieran Simpson/Gerry Fegan against Frank Sloan/Hugh Rooney. Again check the notice-board for the full list of fixtures.
The inter-club scene got underway on Friday night as Michael Smith’s Sam Rutherford team hosted neighbours Mannan Castle. This proved to be a very tight affair and Ashfield hold a very slender lead going into the return fixture. However Michael seems confident that a win can be secured.
Next weekend will see the final President Day competition for Jim McLoughlin. Jim has served the club extremely well during his three year tenure and there will be a big turnout out of members next weekend to show their appreciation for the way he has carried out his duties as Club President. The Juvenile competition will take place on the Saturday and a reminder to any boy or girl interested in taking up the game that there is excellent coaching available fro PGA Professional Gavin Byrne and weekly competitions under the auspices of Convenors Gareth and Damian.
President’s Day competition will be over 27 holes and the presentation of prizes will take place after the third nine.

Kevin blitzes all
Kevin Donnelly certainly made full use of the calmer Saturday weather as he returned an excellent 44 points to secure a first competition win. Malachy O’Rourke took second place with 39 points, just edging out Gerard Roe on a count-back.
Next weekends competition will be a Major Stableford which is a change from the original schedule.
The first week of the Wednesday Cup drew a great crowd with over fifty members participating. There were many 20 plus scores returned but all were eclipsed by the wonderful 24 points returned by young Cathal Simpson. Not sure what score Daddy returned but certainly was well short of 24 points.
Competition Convenor Mattie Rice asks all members to ensure that they have signed up for the Fred Daly singles and Doubles match-play by next weekend. Names should be on the sheet and fees clearly marked on the envelope and put into the competition box.
A reminder to all juvenile members and any young boy or girl interested in taking up the sport that coaching with Gavin Byrne is available on a Saturday morning. Gavin is also available for coaching sessions with seniors at a very reasonable rate.
The inter-club competitions are soon under way so if you are interested in representing the club in any of these keep your eye on the notice-board for information.
A final reminder to any member interested in taking out the personal protection insurance that the final date is Wednesday 24th April. Contact the Secretary or Treasurer.

Warmer weather encourages members out
With a rise in temperature, however small, members were quick to respond and there was a very good turnout for the weekends 4 Ball-Better Ball competition. The most favourite return of the day was 43 points but this was not enough as two teams returned 47 points. First in were Captain Con McParland and fellow Whitecross man Pat Malone but this score was soon equalled by the young and old pairing of Cathal Simpson and Christy O’Brien. After some hurried maths the first prize went to Con and Pat who now go forward to represent Ashfield at Ulster level.
Its that time again.
Yes, the Wednesday Cup competition commences this Wednesday and for most members this is the indication that the season is really up and running. Not sure what format Mattie has in place for the overall prize but make sure you get out on Wednesday and get your Wednesday Cup of to a good start.
A reminder to Committee members that the April meeting will take place at 8.30 on Wednesday.
Congratulations to Garry and Paddy O’Hare who had a great win away in Lisburn in the Daily Mail Doubles competition. Best wishes from all for the next round. Congratulations also to Pearse Maginnis who recorded a hole-in-one at the 16th last Monday. Speaking to Pearse he said his only regret was that Micheal McCreesh was not in the club house as he would loved to have bought him a brandy!!
Forgot to check to see what next weeks competition is but I think it is a Single Stableford, however do check the notice-board just to be on the safe side.
Member Eugene McCullagh is sidelined due to injury at the moment so best wishes to him for a speed y recovery from the Captain and members.
On behalf of the Captain and members sincere sympathy is expressed to popular member Joe Kindlon on his recent bereavement.

At Last!
I t was with some relief that Captain Con McParland handed over his Drive-In prizes on Sunday, just three weeks after his glorious Drive off the first Tee-box.
Despite the still artic cold conditions there was practically a full turn out of members to contest what turned out to be a keenly fought contest. It was one of the early brigade Gerard Roe who set the pace as he returned a net 63 and despite good returns from Niall Watters, Philip Hughes, Collie Stuttard and Michael Smith it seemed that Gerard’s would be a winning score. However, the penultimate group contained a certain Mattie Rice and he was able to return a net 62 to pip Gerard and take his first Major prize at Ashfield.
The full result was: 1ST Mattie Rice: 2nd Gerard Roe: Gross Micheal Smith: Category 1 Niall Watters: Category 2 Philip Hughes: Senior Prize John Murphy: Nines Collie Stuttard and Noel Nugent.
Con also presented the Senior Juvenile prize to Cathal Simpson. Cathal also picked up his prize for a Single Stableford won a couple of weeks ago in the Mens category. At least one good golfer in the Simpson family! Other prizes went to Joe Kindlon, Pearse Maginnis and the Three man Scramble team of Brendan and Padraig Murphy and Aidan McKeown.
On behalf of the members Con also made a presentation of 600 euro to Marie Rushe representing the local Lourdes Committee.
Next weekends competition is a Four-Ball Better-Ball format and the winners will go forward to represent Ashfield in a GUI Ulster competition. This might well be Micheal McCreesh (well it is the first April)

Anyone for Skiing?
The weather is certainly playing havoc to the start of the 2013 season and once again Con’s Drive-in competition had to be cancelled this weekend. The plan is to have another go at it on Sunday 31st March although looking at the long term forecast I would not be betting too much, even of someone else’s, money on it taking place.
However we will remain positive and although it is Easter Sunday lets hope all members will be able to participate. The presentation of prizes will take place immediately after the final group comes in so you will all be able to get home to make the dinner, or even better take the family up to the restaurant for lunch.
Presuming the weather does improve there will also be an Easter competition over Saturday and Monday.
A reminder to members to register their names for the Fred Daly and Doubles match-play competitions.
As the clock goes forward next weekend I believe the plan is to get the Wednesday Cup competition up and running on the 10th April.
I have not been talking to Damien or Gareth recently but I presume Juvenile coaching will continue next Saturday.
I apologies for the lack of notes recently but as you know there has been very little golf and I am so reluctant to make anything up!!

Snow causes early end to Con’s Drive-In
As is the tradition Captain Con McParland got his Drive-In of to an excellent start as using the Micheal Rock Driver he found the centre of the first Fairway. Unfortunately this was the highlight of the day as three holes later the competition had to be abandoned for the day as a heavy fall of snow soon covered both fairways and greens. This was very disappointing as there was an excellent turn out of members eagerly awaiting the first Major of the 2013 season.
Later on the snow did clear and as to be expected the hardier members were out to try and improve the swing for the 24th March when hopefully the weather will allow the Drive-In to be completed.
Next Sunday there will be a Three-Man-Scramble for anyone who is not parading or attending some other celebratory function.
There was an excellent turn out on Saturday for the Juvenile competition and the winners of the two categories were Cathal Simpson and Eoin Reel. I will supply the full result next week. A reminder that juvenile coaching will take place next Saturday morning and any newcomers will be very welcome.
Members should take note that the entry forms for thee Fred Daly and Doubles Match-play are on the notice-board so make sure your name is on—don’t rely on anyone else putting your name down—remember Thomas!!
See you all on the 24th. Maths question, whats the difference between 50 and 6. If your not sure check with Darren McCann!!

Excellent Turn Out For Captain’s Drive-In Test Run
This weekend saw a Single Stroke competition and the big turn out of members was an indication that all are keen to get the 2013 season off to a flying start next Sunday.
With ideal weather conditions there were some excellent scores returned including ones from Gary Loughran, Kieran Simpson, Micky McShane, Gerry Fegan, and Captain Con McParland. However it seemed that the excellent return of net 62 would ensure that Aidan Carragher would triumph until the last group returned and it was young Cathal Simpson who just edged out Aidan finishing on the same score but with a superior back nine. The quality of golf this weekend should ensure a fantastic Captains-Drive-In next Sunday. A reminder that Con, Paul and Seamus will commence the day at 7.30 and hopefully the weather will remain kind. I suggest that it will be a good bet that the winner will appear from the list of names above but if not then Malachy O’Rourke or Gareth Mcloughlin could take the first prize of the season.
There have been very positive reports of the recent Spanish trip and I believe the overall winner was Thomas Hughes who just edged out Eugene McCooey by a couple of points. Drive of the week went to Michael Savage who managed to hit a 200 yarder but still played his second from the same tee box. Don’t ask me haw-must have been the Spanish sun!
There will be a Committee meeting this Wednesday commencing at 9.00pm sharp and all outstanding monies for the Nite @ the Races should be returned for this meeting.
A reminder to members that Club member-ship fees must be paid on or before next Sunday to allow entry into the Drive –In.
Congratulations to St Paul’s Bessbrook on reaching the McRory Cup final and they will have all our support on Finals Day.

Kenny secures “Ryder” Cup Victory
Kenny Murphy ensured that his Sourthern half of the club won the inaugural “Ryder” Cup as last weekends singles came down to the last match and although the “Northern” Captain Michael McCreesh did his best by beating opposing Captain Kenny it was the victory of Michael Smith over fellow Camlough man Eugene McCullagh that swung the tie in the favour of Kenny’s team. Yes even I can not work out how two Camlough men were on opposing teams. Anyhow it was a great competition and ensured that over £500.00 will be going to a very worthy charity. The presentation will be made during the Captains Drive-In presentation.
Next weekends competition will be a Singles Stroke-Play and this should ensure that members will be in tune for Con’s Drive in the following week. As is traditional Con will drive off with Secretary Paul McCann and Vice- Captain Seamus McNulty although I am not sure that Con is happy with the driving of Seamus after what happened a few weeks ago. No more to be said in-case the Insurance company gets involved (lets see if the Reporter prints this).
Next Saturday night will see the annual Nite@ the races commencing around 9.30 and I would ask all members and friends to turn up and support this event.
This weekends competition was a Singles Stable-ford and Crossmaglen man Joe Kindlon and and Camlough’s Pearse Magiinis tied with 42 points each. I really think Joe should give it to the old man who may never be in this position again. What do you think Mattie?
A reminder to all members that Club Membership must be paid before competing in the Captain’s Drive In. I will be available next Sunday and also on the morning of the Drive- In to collect same.
The annual trip to Spain has been going on this week and early reports suggest that Thomas Hughes and “ Curly” Murphy have been the stars of the trip but I will give you more details next week. Kieran Simpson has promised to give me all the details!! Yes not even Caroline would believe that!!

Apologies for the brief notes this week but need to have them sent early.
Committee meeting takes place in the Club House this Wednesday night and it would be appreciated if the horses/sponsorship for The Nite@ The Races are available for this meeting.
The weather for the Singles of Jim’s Cup was not very kind but still the hardy got out there to support the Captains. I will give a complete breakdown next time but some of the early results in proved rather interesting.
Kieran Simpson suffered a shock 7-6 defeat to Pearse Maginnis and by the same score-line Michael Smith defeated Gerry Fegan. Mattie Rice had a somewhat easy 5 and 4 victory over Gareth McLoughlin while the biggest shock of the early morning was the 6 and 5 victory of Rodney Quinn over Thomas Hughes. In the clash of the Captains I heard that Michael McCreesh was five up on Kenny Murphy after seven holes. Must go now as I see two moons in the sky and a flock of pigs flying overhead,
A reminder to all members from Handicap Convenor Malachy that the updated handicaps are now posted on the notice-board. All members need to check this as there have been changes resulting from the annual review audit.

The eagerly awaited President Jim’s Ryder Cup format competition got under way last weekend with a Four-ball- Better-Ball format. After the first Sunday it was Michael McCreesh’s Northern side of the County who held a very slender lead. This weekend the format changed to a Foursomes style and this time it was the Southern boys under Kenny Murphy who managed to turn things around. There was an excellent turn out for this competition and some of the results that I have to hand are:
Tom Rushe/Kieran Watters had a 4-2 win over Michael McMahon/Kevin O’Neill
Kevin Donnelly/Joe Kindlon were victorious over Paul McCann/Rodney Quinn by 4-3
Jim McLoughlin/Raymond Murphy triumphed by 3-2 over Gareth McLoughlin/Con McParland
Christy O’Brien/Larry Crilly had a one hole victory over Kieran Bellew and Ruarai Murchen
Gary Loughran/Cathal Simpson had a 5-4 win over the unlucky pairing of Paul Kelly/Michael McShane
Aidan Carragher/Mattie Rice proved to strong for the gerry Fegan/Thomas Hughes pairing
Father and son partnership of Kieran and Francis Simpson had to settle for a half match against Michael Smith/Pearse Maginnis (yes I’m back)
Darren McCann/Wayne McClenaghan proved too strong for Kevin McCauley/Philip Hughes, winning 5-4
In the Captains tie Michael McCreesh and partner Eugene McCullagh had a two hole advantage over Kenny Murphy/Jim Malone.
Delighted to see that Eugene McCullagh won his game as he currently is feeling very hard done by as it would seem that the only competition he thought he won last year had been cancelled. Not to worry Eugene good times are ahead.
Ruairi Murchen claimed that he finished his round with the ball he started with. From reports of the number of shots hit by Ruarai and Kieran of the 15^th Tee-Box I think he must have nipped down the road and retrieved it from somewhere well of the course!!
There had been some discussion about extending the competition from three to five weeks but the majority of those participating agreed that the original three week format should be adhered to and therefore it will finish next week with the singles format (weather permitting). Mattie wants all participants to be in the club house for an 8.15 draw.
There will be a Time-sheet up next weekend for the Captains Drive-In so make sure you get your name on to ensure participation.
It would seem that the Nite@ the Races will take place on the first Friday of March so all names and horse to be in for the Committee meeting of Wednesday 13^th February.
A reminder that the Four-Person Scramble in aid of the Crossmaglen team’s training fund will take place on Friday 8^th February (any time) and Saturday 9^th with a shotgun start at 9.15. Members are asked to give their support to this event.

(S)No(w) Golf
For the first time all season 2012 inclement weather resulted in no golf this past weekend, although I do believe some members managed to find a playable course within Co Armagh.
Last weekends competition was won by Eugene McCullagh who returned an excellent 38 points.
Weather permitting we will be able to get the Ryder Cup format competition up and running next Sunday, I for one (perhaps the only one) believe that President Jim knows the format!!
Don’t forget the Nite @ the Races and any Tee-box sponsorship details should be forwarded to any Committee member, preferably for the February meeting. I know times are difficult but all members are asked to play their part.
With Crossmaglen Rangers well on the way to retaining the All-Ireland title Donal Murtagh has arranged a Fund raiser at Ashfield on the 8th/9th of February. The format will be a Four Person Scramble, £100 (e120) per team. Teams may play at any time on the Friday(8th) but there will be a shotgun start on Saturday 9th at 9.30. Crossmaglen Rangers are excellent sporting ambassadors for the South Armagh area so I would ask all members and friends to support this event. To enter a team or get further information contact Donal Murtagh or the Club-House.

Happy New year To All
Despite all the rain this past few months course conditions have remained very good and members have had an uninterrupted golfing winter. The winners over the past couple of weeks have been a combination of the old and the new with Adrian McEntaggart and John Murphy coming out on top. Garry O’Hare and Gerry Fegan took second place to reinforce the belief that they will once again bethe ones to watch during 2013.
Competition Convenor Mattie Rice is currently drawing up the programme of competitions for the season so members are asked to seek out anyone who is prepared to sponsor a Tee-Box/Competition for the forthcoming season—open to newspapers as well!!
A reminder to all members that President Jim McLoughlin’s Ryder Cup format competition will commence on the weekend of 27th January, fee is £10 and all funds will go to the Red Bus Charity Crossmaglen. This is a very worthy cause so members are asked to join in this fun competition—a great chance for the fair weather golfers to get their swing back in action. Also a great opportunity for new members to get involved in competitive golf.
Finance Convenor Micheal Savage is currently drawing up plans for a Nite @ The Races fund raiser, hopefully early in march so again members are asked to purchase a horse for this event as this is always an important early season fund raiser. As soon as a date is set I will let you know and hopefully we will have full support as we are once again getting a coach to work with our juveniles through 2013. These youngsters are the future of our club so lets all support the fund raising events.
Good to see many new members, including some ex members rejoining and this should ensure a very competitive season on the course. Will give my list of ones to watch for in 2013 next week, so if you want to avoid getting the curse of the PRO you know what you must do—buy a horse of me!!