After two difficult seasons the students of 2022 had a very full, successful season guided by their captains Grace Lynch and Michael McShane.
The student club competitions began in May and we ran 31 competitions throughout the season. These competitions were well attended and it was great to see some of the new younger students coming through and winning prizes in the competitions. Our student girls also competed in these competitions, dropping an impressive amount of shots in the process. Our five girls are now playing off handicaps ranging from 11 to 0.1.
In early Spring Terenure College won the schools All Ireland golf final and 5 of the 6 players on the team were from Edmondstown. They have subsequently qualified for the next series to be held in Spring 2023. In the female section of this competition Gillian Ryan was on the girls Beaufort team that won the Leinster Final.
In July the Fred Daly team reached the Leinster South Final. They were narrowly beaten, in extra holes by Carton House who were the eventual All Ireland winners. Well done to the team members –Thomas Abom, Patrick Curran, Fionnan O’Connor, Ben Edwards and Michael McShane.
We played in the Dick Walsh U19 Trophy. Our team won the final against Elm Park. Congratulations to the team – Michael Foley, Charlie White, Harry McShane, David Colclough, Grace Lynch and Gillian Ryan.
Throughout the season we participated in the Elm Park Trophy. Well done to all who represented Edmondstown on teams in this trophy.
During the season many of our male and female students represented the club at their respective Inter Club level contributing to great results on the way.
Student boys were on the men’s inter club panel for the Senior Cup, Barton Shield, Junior Cup, Barton Cup and the Jimmy Bruen. Well done to Thomas Abom, Liam Abom, Patrick Curran, Ben Edwards, Michael McShane, Fionnan O’Connor, Dan Coogan, Aaron Foley, Theo Rouiller and Charlie White for contributing to the success of these teams.
Thomas Abom came 1st in the Leinster, 2nd in the Munster and 3rd in the Ulster U18 Boys Open Championships. He was one of 16 Irish amateurs who qualified for the final qualifying round of the Open at St Anne’s Old Links.
Congratulations to Liam Abom on receiving a scholarship to Maynooth University. All our best wishes to Liam in his future career.
Louise O’Hara and Gillian Ryan played on the Ladies Revive All Ireland Fourball team that reached the All Ireland Finals. Huge congratulations to both girls on this achievement.
For the first time ever, the Ladies section of Edmondstown had teams in the Ladies Senior Cup and Senior Foursomes competitions. Our students Anna Abom, Louise O’Hara, Evelyn Park, Gillian Ryan and Grace Lynch were an important part of both teams. Well done girls.
During the season the club was well represented nationally by Anna Abom. Early in the season she finished in the top 20 in both Munster and Connaught Women’s and Girl’s Open Championships. She qualified for the matchplay AIG Close and was just narrowly beaten in the semi-finals on the 18th hole. She was chosen for both the Women’s and Girl’s Leinster Interprovincial teams. She won the Leinster Stroke play U18 qualifier at Carlow Golf Club but sadly was knocked out in the Quarter Final. She represented Ireland in the U16 Home Nations Tournament. She is placed within the top 10 Bridgestone Women’s Order of Merit tour for 2022
The club was also well represented by Evelyn Park. She was the leading qualifier in the Ulster Girls Championship. She was placed 4th in the Ulster Women’s Championship. She came 4th in the Leinster Stroke Play U18 qualifier at Carlow Golf Club. She has been awarded a golf scholarship to Grand Valley State University in Michigan. Best of Luck Evelyn in your golfing career.
At the Gala Day, prizes were presented for the top performing students throughout the season. Congratulations to student golfers of the year Tyler Neill O’Toole and Gillian Ryan.
Congratulations to Aaron Foley who set an Edmondstown Course record of Net 65 while playing in the Jackson Cup strokes competition on 17 July. He also won the gross in the ‘Tylestyle’ competition in Stackstown Golf Club with a net 62. Well done Aaron!
Two of our students have been awarded places in the Golf Ireland Area Development Plan, South East section. There are just 300 places nationwide.
They are, at U12 Tyler Neill O’Toole and, at U14 Alexandru Tabusca. Well done boys and Good Luck with this programme.
The Cadet programme managed by Mary O’Sullivan, began with coaching in the February midterm break. This year we participated in a Golf Ireland Initiative to encourage young girls to play golf. The assistant professional, Sean Marks, with student committee members had 5 one hour “taster” sessions in Scoil Naomh Padraig with some 3rd and 4th class students. The students and their parents were invited to an afternoon on the practice area and in the clubhouse. As a result we have 10 new female cadet members. Then, all cadets including these new members, were offered coaching and on course play for the remainder of the season. As a result the cadets enjoyed participating in a ‘3 hole’ scramble on Gala Day. Hopefully next season we can continue to encourage our young female members to build on the golf skills they have developed this year.
Thanks to our Professional team for providing the coaching we offered to all our students. This year, Denis Rice organised special student 7 hole competitions with relevant targets set by Gareth. It eventually became very popular culminating in a very enjoyable adult/student scramble.
Many thanks to Gerry Keenan who works tirelessly week in and week out with the students during their competitions throughout the season. Thanks also to our volunteers Libby Delap and Caitriona Devilly and especially to Denis Rice for all his work organising coaching in the student section this year.
Many thanks to our President Tony, Captain Ron and Joyce for their continued support of the students, especially at student and inter club matches, it is hugely appreciated.
Last but not least, thanks to the Junior Convenors Frank Ryan and Grace O’Neill for their commitment and enthusiasm and their overall support of our very successful student section.
Winnie Neary
Student Coordinator