21/11/2020 – Timesheet for 5th December

Good afternoon ladies,
I hope this email finds you well and looking forward to both lifting of level 5 restrictions and the Christmas season.
I am being positive and assuming that whatever level of restrictions we end up in after level 5, that we will be able to play golf on the 5th December.  The timesheet for this will open up next Thursday, 26th November at 19.00 hrs.  Leopardstown have allocated us new start and finish times due to the earlier onset of darkness.  Our timesheet will open at 11.20 a.m. and close at 13.40 p.m. giving us a reduced number of slots i.e. 64.
I am running a Christmas Special Competition on the 5th with a prize for the most festive head piece worn on the day.   There will be three prizes in each category.   The format on the day will be single stableford.
Hopefully I will see you on the 3rd December at the AGM which will be held via Zoom at 7.30 p.m.   I will circulate details for this nearer to the time.
Until then, I hope you and your families stay safe and well.
Best wishes,
Paula,
Lady Captain

22/10/2020 – Golf Update, AGM & Society Guidelines

Good morning ladies,
I’m sure that by now you have all heard the very disappointing news that under level 5 restrictions golf is not permitted for the next six weeks and therefore, the golf course at Leopardstown will be closed until at least 1st December.   Leopardstown will keep us apprised of any further communications that may come from the governing bodies.
It is very disappointing for us given that golf was one important thing that helped us get out and about and to socially interact with each other, in a very safe way.   However, if missing golf for six weeks means that the spread of Covid retreats, then it will be worth it.   If it all opens back up on the 1st December we will have 2 to 3 Saturdays left to complete our golfing year.   It has been a very unusual and unexpected year but I think we have made the most of it.
I have updated the Calendar of Events for 2020 and attach same.  Golfer of the Year is now your best 4 out of 6 games.  Unfortunately, there is no time left for us to run the annual Turkey Competition!  It is highly unlikely that we will be able to hold our Christmas Party which I know will be missed by many.   Instead, I am running a Christmas Special Competition on the 5th December with a prize for the most festive head piece worn on the day.   There will be three lovely prizes ‘up for grabs’ in each category.   The format on the day will be single stableford.
The AGM will take place on the 3rd December at 7.30 p.m. via Zoom.   I will circulate the access password and format details prior to the 3rd.  On behalf of Honorary Secretary Karen Clinton, please see attached the official Notice comprising the nominations for Vice-Captain Margaret’s proposed new Committee members.
During the course of the year I was asked to provide an up to date copy of the Membership Guidelines to the Society’s bankers.   On investigation it transpired that the most recent Guidelines we had were dated 2005.   A sub-group of the Committee comprising myself, Vice-Captain Margaret and Honorary Secretary Karen reviewed the Guidelines and updated them, as attached.   There were no substantive changes made that would require member consultation.   Rather, we updated them to reflect the current practices and administration processes that have evolved over the years.  I attach a copy for your information.  As is good governance, these will be added to the AGM agenda for formal adoption.  Going forward they should be reviewed annually by the Committee and updated as necessary prior to adoption at the AGM.
President Joyce has asked me to let the winners of prizes on Presidents day know that she would like anyone who has not collected their prize to contact her to make arrangements for collection.
It will be a few weeks before we meet up again and, in the meantime, I hope that you and your families stay safe and well.
With best wishes,
Paula
Lady Captain

6/10/2020 – 24th October Away Day Charlesland CANCELLED / AGM 3rd December 2020 via Zoom

Hi everyone,
As you know the whole country will move to level 3 Covid-19 restrictions from midnight tonight, for three weeks.   Unfortunately, this means that we cannot travel to Charlesland Golf Club in Co. Wicklow on the 24th October and so the outing has been cancelled.
There is racing in Leopardstown on Saturday the 17th and 24th October, therefore there will be no golf on either of those dates.  I’m not sure if racing gets cancelled as well but, if anything changes in relation to this, I will let you know.
The revised calendar I circulated for this year has indicated that the AGM will take place on the 19th November in the Green room in Leopardstown.  Even if we are out of level 3 restrictions we cannot have an indoor event.   To allow us more time to prepare for nominations etc. we will hold the AGM on Thursday, 3rd December and will circulate the Notice for it on 22nd October, giving the required six weeks advance notice.   The AGM will take place over Zoom and I will issue the details for this nearer to the 3rd December.
Anyone who is on the timesheet for the President’s Day golf competition, and who cannot make it, please let me know as soon as possible.
Stay safe everyone.
Best regards,
Paula
Lady Captain

30/9/2020 – President’s Day – 10th October 2020

Hi ladies,
I hope you are having a good week so far.
President Joyce’s Day is taking place on Saturday, 10th October 2020.   The timesheet for this will open up tomorrow evening at 19:00 hrs and will close on Sunday, 4th October at 18:00 hrs.   Each player can put up to 4 people on the timesheet.   This should ease up on the number of people trying to login at the same time.   There will be enough spaces for everyone as we have our full capacity of 93 slots.
If you want to play 9 holes please email me to confirm this.  If I don’t hear from you I will take it that you are doing 18 holes.
I am attaching the guidelines for filling out your score cards.  Could I ask you to please review this before playing so that you know exactly how to complete the score card.  It can be very difficult at times for the Committee to interpret between the marker and the player.  On President’s Day if there are any issues with your card it may be disqualified.
The odd score card is still being put into the wrong Society’s box.  Maire has put a big red sign with our name on it at the back of our box, so please look out for this.
Enjoy the rest of your week and I look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
Best wishes,
Paula,
Lady Captain

24/9/2020 – Various Updates & Charity Day

Hi everyone,
I hope this email finds you well and not too inconvenienced by the additional restrictions placed upon us here in Dublin.
This coming Saturday, 26th of September, in order to facilitate the Signets Captain’s Day we are playing the Back 9.  At the time of writing, there are 9 people on the Waiting List.  Could I ask that anyone who is unable to play on Saturday to take your name off the timesheet as soon as you can.  If it is after 18.00 hrs tomorrow and the timesheet is closed, could you please text me and I will let the next person on the list know.
Saturday, 3rd October is the Swifts Vice-Captain’s Day and we are swopping with them for the earlier slot.  We will be playing the Front 9 with tee times from 7.50 a.m. to 11.20 a.m.  The timesheet for this opens up this evening at the usual time of 19:00 hrs.
Charity Day was a terrific success and I want to thank you all very much for your very generous donations.  I am thrilled and delighted to confirm that between the per head membership donation, BBQ and donation box money we have raised a very significant €4,000 for Merchants Quay Ireland.
MQI are in dire straights at the moment.   The nursing team are seeing an increasing number of homeless people with worsening health issues.  The strain on the team coupled with the difficulty in running fund raising events is extreme.   Currently, one of the three nursing team positions is in jeopardy.  Supplies are also a constant concern with the additional requirements to supply masks, goggles and face shields.   I contacted MQI to let them know of our significant donation.  They were so excited and over the moon that it brought a tear to my eye!   Well done to all of us!   The raffle was great fun and I attach a list of the prizes’ and prize winners.  I still have a few to give out and will bring them with me on Saturday.
The Committee, as always, put their heart and sole into organising the day and I am so lucky and grateful to have such a wonderful team of hardworking ladies supporting me.
For those of you who may not know our Match Play winners this year are (1st) Mary McNulty, (2nd) Niamh Quinn and (3rd) Lindsay Sharpe.    Congratulations ladies EmojiEmoji
Keep safe everyone.
Best wishes,
Paula
Lady Captain

14/9/2020 – Charity Day 19th September Merchants Quay Ireland

Good evening ladies,
You may recall at last year’s AGM I mentioned that my Charity Day this year would be in aid of Merchants Quay Ireland.  MQI are a very worthy charity who maintain services for men and women who are homeless, suffering from mental illness and struggling with addiction.   They provide meals, showers, health care and a listening ear and practical support to people in crisis.
This year we are unable to run our charity day the way we have done in previous years.  With social distancing in mind and with the aim of not exchanging money or raffle tickets, the Committee and I have made the following arrangements:
–    golf in the day will be the normal single stableford competition;
–    a donation of €20 per member will be contributed from member funds;
–    the Committee will co-ordinate a raffle and every member will be nominated a raffle ticket;
–    the draw will take place on Saturday morning in Leopardstown and prize winners can take their prize home with them.
A Committee member will be based in the reception area and will have a donation box available should anyone wish to make a donation, separate to the one mentioned above.  It is probably best to put cash into an envelope and then into the box.    Some members have kindly asked me to donate the €30 they had pre-paid for the BBQ, so that is another option if you so wish.  Please confirm by email if you are happy for us to do that.
It was unfortunate that we had to give up some of our tee tines this Saturday to facilitate the Fairway’s Captain’s Day.   However, both playing and non-playing members will have the same chance of winning the prizes as there will be one ticket per member entered into the draw.   I have some very nice prizes which have been kindly donated for the raffle.
 
Leopardstown have asked me to convey the following to all members:
Bunkers:  while there are no rakes in operation a player may place a ball in the bunker within 6 inches no nearer to the hole.   The ball must remain in the bunker.   After the shot has been played smooth over the area with your foot or club as best you can.
Café:  the café is a different experience than before and they would appreciate everyone’s understanding with the changes that are necessary for the time being.   Going forward they would ask that you sit with the group that you played golf with as much as possible and there will be a maximum of 4 people permitted to sit together.   Please do not put additional chairs at tables or rearrange the furniture in the café.
Face coverings:  these must be worn when entering the golf centre but can be removed once you are seated in the café or if you are going to the driving range, when you reach your bay. As positive cases continue to rise across Dublin please continue to sanitise your hands upon entry and keep a good social distance from each other.
Presentations:  Traditional presentations, speeches, shotgun starts and social events are not permitted at the moment in line with GUI/ILGU guidelines.  Prizes may be left on a table for display purposes only.
 
Timesheets:  timesheets look like they will remain as they currently are on Saturdays, i.e. 4 balls every 10 minutes.
As always, I look forward to seeing you on Saturday next.
Best wishes,
Paula
Lady Captain

9/9/2020 – Prize Giving BBQ 18th September 2020 – CANCELLED

Hi ladies,
I hope you are all keeping safe and well.
In light of the recent escalation of confirmed Covid-19 cases in Dublin, and heeding all the renewed warnings and requests to double down on our efforts to prevent the spread, I have decided to cancel the BBQ on the 18th September 2020.   The Committee is fully supportive of this decision.   The Radisson Hotel have been notified and, as previously agreed, will refund us 100%.
Regardless of whether the Government recommendations on the 13th September advise a relaxation in current restrictions for holding events, it is not worth putting our health at risk.   After all, we are a very special bunch of people who still have great strides to make on the golf course Emoji!
I think it will be a while before we can consider having any of our social events and all we can do is hope that before year-end we may be in a better position to allow one big celebration to mark this most unusual year.
Our Charity Day is Saturday, 19th September.  This will go ahead but will be a different format from previous years.   Golf will be our usual single stableford competition and, to facilitate the Fairways Captain’s Day, our tee times are 10.40 a.m. to 1.30 p.m.   The timesheet opens tomorrow evening at the usual time of 19:00 hrs.  I will be in touch again with more information on our Charity Day.
We are so lucky to have our golf and I look forward to seeing everyone travelling to Glen Mill this coming Saturday.
Keep safe everyone.
Best wishes,
Paula,
Lady Captain

Presidents Day Prizes – Oct 10th 2020

Presidents Prize                Linda Galligan              32 points c/b

Runner Up                           Mary McNulty                32 points c/b

Best Gross                           Dympna McCabe          15 points

 

Category A

1st   Prize                               Kay Kennedy                  31 points

2nd Prize                               Marie Kelly                       30 points

3rd  Prize                               Sarah Halpenny             28 points

Category B

1st   Prize                               Karina McGrane               30 points

2nd  Prize                              Aoife NiNuallain               27 points

3rd  Prize                               Aileen O’Suilleabhain    25 points

Category C

1st   Prize                             Deirdre McGinley                22 points

2nd Prize                             Karen Sheils                          20 points

3rd  Prize                             Paula Gray                             17 points c/b

 

Committee Prize              Karin Ryan                              23 points

Past Captains Prize         Dolores Brennan                 26 points

Longest Drive                    Niamh Quinn

Nearest the Pin                 Dorothy Gray

Front Nine                            Lilian McDermott                 17 points c/b

Back Nine                             Anne O’Connell                     14 points c/b

9-hole competition

1st    Prize                             Breeda Carthy                           18 points

2nd  Prize                             Therese Cahill                           16 points

3rd  Prize                              Linda Corrigan                          15 points

4th  Prize                              Rose Leonard                            14 points

Results for 3rd October 2020

Congratulations to Rosaleen Clancy, who got a Birdie on Saturday 3rd October!

Category A                                    Points           New Handicap

1st    Kay Kennedy                         15  c/b               17.5

2nd  Therese Brosnan                 15 c/b                28.2

Category B                                    Points           New Handicap

1st   Rosaleen Clancy                   17 c/b                34.7

2nd  Anne O’Hanlon                     17 c/b                32.7

Category C                                    Points           New Handicap

1st   Paula Gray                               16                       35.6

2nd  Mary T Murphy                      12  c/b                36

Results for September 26th 2020

Congratulations – Player of the Month Category C – Pauline McCarthy.

Category A                                  Points              New Handicap

1st      Catherine Cathcart           16 c/b                  23.6

2nd    Marie Maher                        16 c/b                   18.1

Category B                                 Points              New Handicap

1st     Anne Marie Ryan                 18                         31.3

2nd   Judy Hayes                           15 c/b                  34.8

Category C                                  Points              New Handicap

1st    Deirdre Howard                   12                          36

2nd   Deirdre McGinley                10                          35.7