Following the previous weeks qualifying sessions the top 30 players lined up to contest Niall O’Connor‘s Captain’s Prize at Blessington Lakes which is the 15th edition of the Captain’s Prize at the club. Having had three weeks of rain the previous evening we were worried that play would be delayed but thankfully the course was well able to handle the down pours and the course was presented in magnificent condition as always. The sun came out and the day was set for some magnificent golf.
Joe Donohue and Paul McGee got proceedings under way as the early starters and were followed by 9 more 3 balls. The final group and the leaders teed off at 10 past 1
As the afternoon went on the breeze got up and scoring was difficult however the leader from day 1, Luke Messitt (14 h/c), played the first 9 in 40 strokes which was the best of day and extended his 2 shot lead to lead by 4 from Paul O’Farrell (12 h/c) who also had a solid front 9 of 41 strokes. David Costigan (21 h/c), joint leader from the 1st day was also now 4 shots behind at the turn. It wasn’t long however before Luke allowed the chasing pack play themselves back into contention after taking an untimely 8 on the index 2 11th hole. It was now all to play for and by the time the final group got to the 18th hole Luke had dropped out of contention and it was now down to the final two as David Costigan (-5) took a 1 shot lead over Paul O’Farrell (-4). While this was happening Pat Brady shot a second day 71 to hold the club house lead on 142 (-2).
Luke and Dave pushed their tee shots on 18 and found the rough down the right hand side so Paul, having stalked the lead from day 1 took this window of opportunity and smashed a drive down the fairway, Paul knew he would need a birdie or a par 5 to have any chance of winning the title. Dave’s ball was blocked out but he did manage to progress the ball down the fairway to within 200 yards of the green but a poor 3rd shot towards the hedge on the right hand side would mean it took him a couple of extra shots to get to the green. Paul played his approach to the middle of the green and the stage was set. After sizing up the birdie putt Paul rolled it up to the edge of the hole and made par winning the Captain’s Prize by 2 shots with a final total of 140, a very respectable total.
After the golf the members celebrated with the traditional Captain’s Dinner and presentation in the club house. The meal was provided by The West Wicklow House and was enjoyed by everyone. Following the dinner it was time for the presentation of prizes and speeches. Tony McGinley (President) introduced the Captains and their guests and during the opening address Tony and the rest of the committee had a little light hearted moment which set the tone for the evening…
[VIDEO “The Committee using their initiative”]
Follow the introductions Tony called on Lady Captain Irene Downey to to say a few words. Irene thanked the members for coming and her committee for their support and encouragement during the year. Irene also especially thanked Nick McHardy for his work with the juniors and stated how important it was to have a thriving juvenile section and it’s importance for the future of the club. Irene spoke of the great times she has had ever since joining the club in 2001 and especially remembered the All Ireland Cup winning team of 2005, a team on which Irene played on. Irene wished the Cullen Cup team, the Provincial Towns team and the Leinster Fourball team the best of luck as all of these teams are doing very well this year in interclub competition. Irene completed her speech by raising a toast to the future of the club and gave her best wished to everyone.
Moving on it was time to present the prizes in reverse order of the results. In introducing the winner Tony McGinley called on Paul O’Farrell to collect his prize saying Paul was no doubt the form player having won Player of The Year in 2011 and that his victory was well deserved. After being presented with his prize Paul took to the microphone to say a few words. After a light hearted dig at his playing partner and good friend David Costigan Paul thanked Donie McEvoy and Tom Kavanagh for the condition of the course and the committee for the work in running the club.
[VIDEO “Paul O’Farrell’s acceptance speech”]
Following Paul’s acceptance speech Niall O’Connor addressed the floor by welcoming everyone to the event. Niall spoke of what an unbelievable honour it was to be named as Captain of Blessington Lakes and went on to speak of what the club meant to him as he reminisced on some of the memories and moments he had experienced over the years. Niall went on to say that he had formed a unique connection with the club having grown up with the club and how proud he was to be the first captain to have come through the juvenile ranks. Niall went on to thank Tom Kavanagh for the condition of the course and Donie and Betty McEvoy for everything they have done and highlighted the importance of the great relationship experienced between the club and the owners of the course. Niall also thanked the committee individually for the part they play in keeping the club running so smoothly and especially thanked his family for being their on the night and their support over the years.
[VIDEO Captain’s Speech]
Once the formalities were complete the members and the guests celebrated and danced late into the night, the time sheet for the following morning was therefore fairly empty for obvious reasons. All in all a smashing time was had by all.
