Castle golf club Dublin

Members Achievements

Castle Golf Club reached the All-Ireland Quarter-Finals in the Irish Junior Cup on Friday 6th September 2024 at Athlone Golf Club when they lost out to Abbeyleix Golf Club by 4-matches to 1-match. They were led out by Stephen Finlan who lost his match by 6 and 5 against Cathal Phelan, he was followed by Sam Sheppard who lost his match against Enda Rowland by 5 and 4, next on the tee was Adam Mooney who lost his match by a similar score against Cian Purcell and the bottom two matches of Ross Kinsella against Eoghan Fennelly and Fergal Moran against James Deegan were halved.

Castle Golf Club won the Barton Cup when they beat Co. Meath Golf Club on their home course on Sunday 13th October 2024, this was Castle’s 3rd victory in this much sought-after pennant in existence since 1905. Some things to note about this team their age ranged from 15 to 70 and the handicaps spanned from + 2.3 to 16.4 who said that competitive golf isn’t for everybody!

Robert Moran was selected on the 19-man squad to represent G.B. & Ireland against the US in the 49th Walker Cup Matches at the Old Course St. Andrew’s on Saturday 2nd and 3rd September 2023.
The other Irish on the squad are Hugh Foley (the Royal Dublin Golf Club), Matthew McClean (Malone Golf Club), Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club), Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas Golf Club) and Mark Power (Kilkenny Golf Club) they were Captained by Stuart Wilson.

Castle Golf Club won the All-Ireland Final of the Irish Senior Cup at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club on Sunday 10th September 2023 when they beat Naas Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches.
They were led out by Ross McKeever who won his match by 1-up against Rob Brazill, he was followed by Rob Moran who had a 3 and 2 win against David Marshall, next on the tee was Alex Gleeson who beat Sam Gammell by 2 and 1, in the penultimate match Jack Walsh lost his match against Rob Fitzpatrick by 4 and 3 and in the bottom match Dan Holland went down by 5 and 4 against Calum Duane.
They played Co. Sligo Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final in the morning and recorded a 3½-matches to 1½-matches against a strong Rosses Point team.
Peter McKeever led them out but lost his match by 2-holes against Sean McLoughlin, he was followed by Rob Moran who went up the 19th before securing the point, next up was Ross McKeever who had a 5 and 4 win against T. J. Ford, in the penultimate match Jack Walsh had a very comfortable 6 and 5 win against Ruairi O'Connor the bottom match of Alex Gleeson against Barry Anderson was recorded as a halve when called-in.
The previous day they met Lee Valley Golf Club in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final and had a comfortable 4-matches to 1-match against the Cork Club.
First on he tee was Peter McKeever who had a 6 and 5 win against John O'Neill, next up was Ross McKeever who beat Ben Murray by 2 and 1, he was followed by Jack Walsh who drew his match against Keelan McCarthy as was the penultimate match of Alex Gleeson against Ian Bohane and in the bottom match Rob Moran demolished Jason Galway by 6 and 5.     

The Ladies of Castle Golf Club won the All-Ireland Final of the Irish Women’s Junior Cup at Westport Golf Club on Friday 22th September 2023 when they beat Castletroy Golf Club by 3½-matches to 1½-matches.
In the top match Yvonne Manahan lost her match against Aoife O’Neill by 2-holes, she was followed by Ellen Smyth who had a 3 and 2 win against Eavan Martin, next on the tee Zoe Dunne had a similar result against Eithna Leonard, in the penultimate match Katie Dunne had a comfortable 5 and 3 win against Mary Crowley and the bottom match Claire Brennan recorded a halve against Sarah Vaughan when called-in.
They met the Ladies from Castlebar Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final the previous day and recorded a 4-matches to 1-match against the Co. Mayo Club.
They were Led out by Yvonne Manahan who halved her match against Sarah Prendergast when called-in, next on the tee Ellen Smyth had a comfortable 6 and 5 win against Sheila Baynes, she was followed by Zoe Dunne who won her match by 4 and 3 against Leah Kerr, in the penultimate match Katie Dunne had a very comfortable 7 and 6 win against Carmel Moran and the bottom match of Claire Brennan was recorded as a halve against Eimear Minogue when called-in.

The Ladies of Castle Golf Club won the Quarter Finals of the Women’s Junior Cup on Sunday 3rd September 2023 at Blarney Golf Club when they beat Cork Golf Club by 4-matches to 1-match.
They were led out by Yvonne Monahan who halved her match against Nuala Lyden when called-in, she was followed by Ellen Smyth who had a 2 and 1 win against Michelle Tobin, next on the tee Zoe Dunne had a very comfortable 8 and 7 win against Irene Rafferty, in the penultimate match Katie Dunne won her match by 4 and 3 against  Carina McCarthy and the bottom match of Claire Brennan against Joan Dobson was halved when called-in.         
The Ladies of Castle Golf Club won the Final of Leinster South Women’s Junior Cup on Saturday 29th July 2023 when they beat Lucan Golf Club by 3½-matches to 1½-matchs.

Robert Moran was selected on the Carey Cup team that played the Metropolitan Golf Association selection at Winged Foot, New York from 19th and 20th October 2023, others on the team were Marc Boucher (Carton House Golf Club), Jack Hearn (Tramore Golf Club), Darcy Hogg (Belvoir Park Golf Club), Quentin Carew (Castleknock Golf Club) and Jack McDonnell (Forrest Little Castle Golf Club).

Robert Moran was selected to play in the Brabazon Trophy on the New Course at Sunningdale Golf Club, Berkshire, from 25th to the 28th May 2023, the others on the squad were Robert Brazill (Naas Golf Club), Joshua Hill (Galgorm Castle Golf Club), Hugh Foley (The Royal Dublin Golf Club), Alex Maguire (Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club), Matt McClean (Malone Golf Club), Sean Keeling (Roganstown Golf Club) and Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club) they were captained by Niall MacSweeney from Athenry Golf Club.

Robert Moran was selected to play at the Home Internationals at Machynys, Wales between 9th to the11th August 2023, the others on the team were Marc Boucher (Carton House Golf Club), Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint Golf Club), Paul Conroy (Enniscorthy Golf Club), Max Kennedy (The Royal Dublin Golf Club), Alex Maguire (Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club), Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club), Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk Golf Club) and David Shiel (Enniscrone Golf Club) they were coached by Michael Collins and John McKinstry from Cairndhu Golf Club and captained by Niall Mac Sweeney from Athenry Golf Club.

Robert Moran was, selected on the 2023 Golf Ireland Men’s High Performance Squad.

Castle Golf Club won the All-Ireland Barton Shield on Saturday 3rd September 2022 and here is how they did it.

Castle Golf Club qualified for the All-Ireland Barton Shield deciders played at Tramore Golf Club on Thursday 1st September 2022.
They were drawn against Rosslare Golf Club in the All-Ireland Quarter-Finals and won their match by 3-holes.
First on the tee was Alex Gleeson with Ross McKeever who had a 4-hole win against Ian Lynch with Tony O’Leary they were followed by Jack Walsh with Peter McKeever who lost their match by 1-hole against Gary Collins with Mark Mullen.
They met Donaghadee Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on the Friday and won by 4-hole against the County Down Club.
First on the tee was Alex Gleeson with Ross McKeever who had a 3-hole win against Neill Boyd with Wayne McCully next up was Peter McKeever with Jack Walsh who had a 1-hole win against Garth J. Boyd with Andrew Cregg.
They met fellow Dublin Club Castleknock Golf Club in the decider and won by 4-holes.
First on the tee was Alex Gleeson with Ross McKeever who had a 1-hole win against Paul Coughlin with Quinten Carew the bottom match of Peter McKeever with Jack Walsh against Ruairi Kennedy with Ian O’Connell went 3-hole to the Rathfarnham club Oh!! if only Dick Walsh was still with us to see how Castle has progressed after all his hard work.

Castle Golf Club won the All-Ireland Final of the Irish Junior Cup at Knightsbrook Golf Club on Sunday 18th September 2022, when they beat Cork Golf Club by 4-matches to 1-match.
Jack Kinsella led them out and put the first point on the board with a 3 and 2 win against Leon Foley, he was followed by Fergal Moran who halved his match against Frankie Walsh, next on the tee was David Lawler who returned a convincing 5 and 4 win against Jack O’Flynn, the penultimate match of Rory O’Brian against David Hickey was also halved when called-in, and in the bottom match Ross Kinsella secured the Green Pennant with a 3 and 2 win against Thomas Healy.
They wet Mountrath Golf Club in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final of the Irish Junior Cup the Friday and recorded a 4-matches to 1-match win against the Laois Club.
Stephen Finlan led them out and had a 1-hole win against Paraic Hearns, next on the tee was David Lawley who beat Evan Maher by 4 and 3, he was followed by Jack Kinsella who had a 3 and 1 win against Gareth Keogh, in the penultimate match of Rory O’Brien against Martin Gaughan and the bottom match of Kenneth Sweeney against Patrick Carroll were both halved when called-in.   
They met Castletroy Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final the following morning and again returned a 4-matches to 1-match win against the Limerick Club.
Jack Kinsella led them out this time and had a 1-hole win against Brendan Reidy, he was followed by Gary O’Keeffe who cruised to a 5 and 4 win against Fergal Moran, the match between David Lawley and Ronan O’Connor was halved when called-in, the penultimate match of Rory O’Brien against James Scully went 1-hole to the Rathfarnham Club and a place in the All-Ireland Decider, the match of Ross Kinsella against Patrick Bermingham was halved when called-in.       

The Ladies of Castle Golf Club qualified for the Quarter-Finals of the All-Ireland series of the Minor Cup at Slieve Russell Golf Club on Wednesday 7th September 2022.
They were drawn against the Ladies from Cill Dara Golf Club but lost out by 3½-matches to 1½-matches.
First on the tee was Jennifer Wilson who went up the 19th before securing the point against Lori Solan, she was followed by Kathryn Wilson who lost her match by 2 and 1 against Maiella Howard, next on the tee was Marie O’Brien who halved her match against Esther Loakman, in the penultimate match Mary Whooley lost her match by the minimum against Maria Scully and in the bottom match Sarah Mahon lost her match against Tracey Gallagher by 4 and 3.   

Robert Moran was selected on the Irish Team for the first time to compete in the European Nations Championship at Real Club de Golf Sotogrande for the 30th March to 2nd April 2022, the other members of the squad were Hugh Foley (The Royal Dublin Golf Club), Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club) and Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas Golf Club) they were coached by Michael Collins and captained by Niall MacSweeney from Athenry Golf Club.

Rob Moran was selected on the Irish Team to play in the European Team Championships at Royal St. George’s, England from 5th to 9th July 2022, the others on the squad were Matt McClean (Malone Golf Club), Hugh Foley (The Royal Dublin Golf Club), Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club), Mark Power (Kilkenny Golf Club) and Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk Golf Club) they coached by Michael Collins, managed by John McKinstry from Cairndhu Golf Club and captained by Niall Mac Sweeney from Athenry Golf Club.

Rob Moran was selected on the Irish Team for the Home Internationals to be played at Ballyliffin Golf Club on 3rd to 5th August 2022, the other members on the squad were Robert Brazill (Naas Golf Club), Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint Golf Club), Matt McClean (Malone Golf Club), Hugh Foley (The Royal Dulin Golf Club), Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club), Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas Golf Club), Mark Power (Kilkenny Golf Club) and Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk Golf Club) they were coached by Michael Collins, managed by John McKinstry from Cairndhu Golf Club and captained by Niall Mac Sweeney from Athenry Golf Club.

Robert Moran was selected to represent Ireland in the Octagonal Matches at Costa Ballena, Spain from 26th to 29th January 2022, the others on the team were Hugh Foley (The Royal Dublin Golf Club), T. J. Ford (Co. Sligo Golf Club), Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club), Jack McDonnell (Forrest Little Golf Club) and David Kitt (Athenry Golf Club).

Robert Moran was selected on the Golf Ireland Men’s High Performance Squad for 2022.

Castle Golf Club won their regional Final in the Irish Mixed Foursomes and qualify for the All-Ireland Series at Strandhill Golf Club, Co. Sligo from Thursday 30th September to Saturday 2ND October 2021.
They met Rockmount Golf Club in the All-Ireland Quarter-Finals on Thursday 30th September and lost their match by 3-matches to 2-matches.They were led out by Ronan Burke with Joanne O’Connor who won their match against Ryan Wilson with Patricia McDonnell by 3 and 2, they were followed by Harry Scott with Lisa McDonnell who lost their match against Colin McClenaghan with Rosemary McCrea by 2 and 1, next on the tee was Jack Walsh with Fiona McDonagh who lost out to Martin and Frances Lawther by 2-holes, in the penultimate match Ross Kinsella with Marese Kelly lost their match against Adam Douds with Leonie Power by 3 and 2 and in the bottom match my old friend Jim Mulready with Loraine Cunningham had a 5 and 3 win against Jonathan Patterson with Barbara Fleet.     

Robert Moran was selected to represent Ireland in the European Amateur Team Championships at PGA Catalunya, Spain from 6th to 10th July 2021 the other members of the squad were Marc Boucher (Carton House Golf Club), Matt McClean (Malone Golf Club), Hugh Foley (The Royal Dublin Golf Club), Mark Power (Kilkenny Golf Club) and Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk Golf Club) they were managed by John McKinstry from Cairndhu Golf Club and captained by John Carroll from Bandon Golf Club.

Robert Moran was selected to represent Ireland in the Home Internationals at Hankley Common Golf Club, England from 15th to 17th September 2021, the others on the squad were Marc Boucher (Carton House Golf Club), Alan Fahy (Dun Laoghaire Golf Club), T. J. Ford (Co. Sligo Golf Club), Alex Maguire (Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club), Matt McClean (Malone Golf Club), Hugh Foley (The Royal Dublin Golf Club), Jack McDonnell (Forrest Little Golf Club), Liam Nolan (Galway Golf Club), Peter O’Keeffe (Douglas Golf Club) and Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk Golf Club) they were managed by Niall MacSweeney from Athenry Golf Club and captained by John Carroll from Bandon Golf Club.

Robert Moran were selected to represent Leinster in the Men’s Interprovincial Matches at Shannon Golf Club from 25th to 27th August 2021, the others on the squad were Keith Egan and Marc Boucher (Carton House Golf Club), Alan Fahy (Dun Laoghaire Golf Club), Paul Coughlan (Castleknock Golf Club), Hugh Foley (The Royal Dublin Golf Club), Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk Golf Club) and Jake Whelan (Grange Golf Club) they were managed by Michael Delany from Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club and Captained by Kevin McIntyre from Ardee Golf Club.

Castle Golf Club won the All-Ireland Final of the Irish Mixed Foursomes at Castletroy Golf club on 7th September 2019 when they beat Ulster Champions Ardglass Golf Club in the decider.
They were led out by Alan Lowry with Lisa McDonnell lost to Gareth Donnelly with Claire Rourke by 2 and 1, they were followed by Peter McKeever with Loraine Cunningham beat William Blackwood with Linda Coughlan by 4 and 3, next on the tee was Daniel Holland with Vivienne Cosgrave had a convincing 6 and 5 win against Martin Rourke with Pauline Murnin, in the penultimate match Jack Walsh with Justine Agnew clinched their match on 18th with a one hole win over Raymond Madine with Dorothy McMullan and in the bottom match Ross McKeever with Blanaid Nally had a 2 an d 1 win against Johnny Feenan with Orla O’Neill.
They beat Ashbourne Golf Club by 4-matches to 1-match in the Leinster Final and Mullingar Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches in the Leinster Semi-Final at Delgany Golf Club on 4th August.

Castle Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Barton Shield in 2017 when they beat Kilkenny Golf Club by 1-hole in Kilkenny on Saturday 22nd July, haven beaten Dundalk Golf Club by a similar margin in the Semi-Final.
They made their way to Carton House Golf Club in Co. Kildare where the met Ulster Champions Warrenpoint Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final. In the top match Alan Lowry with Jack Walsh had a 2-holes win over Stephen Coulter with Paul Reavey and in the 2nd match Alex Gleeson with Robert Moran lost out by 4-holes against Colm Campbell Jnr. with Ryan Gribben. Warrenpoint went on and won the Barton Shield for the second year in a row when they beat Galway Golf Club again.

Castle Golf Club made Club history when they won the All-Ireland Irish Junior Cup for the first time, at Carton House on 15th September 2016.
They beat Kilkenny Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches at Tullamore Golf Club on Sunday 24th July and went up the road to compete in the All-Ireland deciders on Wednesday 14th September where they were drawn against Munster Champions Tralee Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.
They were led out by Kevin Moran who lost out to Gareth O’Donnell by 1-hole, he was followed by Harry Gleeson who beat Kevin Lucey by a similar margin, next up was Paul Whelan who went all the way to the 19th againat Verner Tess before claiming the point for the Rathfarnham Club, the penultimate match saw of Fergal Moran go down by 2 and 1 to Danny Leen, the bottom match of Tommy Smyth clinched their place in the All-Ireland decider when he recorded a 3 and 2 win over T. Leahy.

They came up against Ulster Champions Lurgan Golf Club who had convincing 4-matches to 1-match against Connacht Champions Athenry Golf Club the following day and were led out again by Kevin Moran who lost his match against Keith Percy by 1-hole He was followed by Harry Gleeson who recorded a 4 and 3 win over James Horan next on the tee was Paul Whelan who went down by 5 and 4 to Gareth Hanna, in the penultimate match Fergal Moran clinched the second point for Castle when he beat Jim McKee by 2 and 1, so it was all down to the bottom match of young Jimmy Smith who sank a 30 footer on the 17th to clinch the Green Pennant for Castle who seem to have been runners-up in the Irish Junior Cup for ever over the past decade ever since my old fried Dick Walsh (R.I.P.) started to builds a youths section at Castle back in the mid 90’s. Well done lads it makes on proud to say you are from Rathfarnham a parish I often claim is the Home of Golf with Padraig and Paul being from Rathfarnham when it was a small village.      

Castle Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Irish Senior Cup in 2016 when they beat Newlands Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches in their Semi-Final and went on to have a very convincing 4-matches to 1-match against Portmarnock Golf Club in the Final on 28th August at Laytown & Bettystown.

They made the short journey to Carton House to compete in the All-Ireland Deciders where they drew Ulster Champions Shandon Park Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final. They were led out by Peter McKeever who lost his match against Jonathan Taylor by 3 and 2, he was followed by Alex Gleeson who had a 1-hole win over Stuart Bleakley, next on the tee was Jimmy Mulready who had a convincing 3 and 2 over Nicky Grant, in the penultimate match Robert Moran lost out to Philip Purdy by the minimum 1-hole, in the bottom match Daniel Holland clinched their place in the All-Ireland Final with a 1-hole win over Jonathan Gourley.

With the Junior team already having clinched the green pennant they set out to make history with the double having already won the Irish Senior Cup at Kinsale Golf Club in 2012. The met a very strong Co. Sligo Golf Club who had accounted for the Munster Champions Monkstown Golf Club by 3½ matches to 1½ matches in their Semi-Final in the All-Ireland Final on Saturday 17th September.

They were led out again by Peter McKeever who lost out to David Brady by 4 and 3, he was followed by Alex Gleeson who had a 2-hole win over Declan Reidy, next up was Robert Moran who ended up being the pivotal match against Ruaírí O’Connor they ended up going up the 19th when O’Connor sank his putt for a birdie to clinch the green pennant, in the penultimate match my old pal Jimmy Mulready lost out to T. J. Ford by 3 and 2 and in the bottom match Daniel Holland recorded a 2 and 1 win over Mark Morrissey. So close but yet so-far but I’m sure we haven’t seen the end of this star studded team.   

The Ladies of Castle Golf Club were runners-up in the Junior Cup at Dundalk Golf Club on Saturday 24th September 2016 when they lost out to Munster Champions Castletroy Golf Club by 4-matches to 1-match.

They were led out by Aly Doyle who lost her match against Fiona Corbett by 2 and 2 she was followed by Amy Jones who halved her match against Leonie Campbell next on the tee was Deirdre Hoey who went down to Ethna Leonard by 5 and 4 in the penultimate match Ger Moran had a similar result against Sarah Vaughan the bottom match of Martha Jones against Eimear Costello was recorded as a halve.

They were drawn against Connaught Champions Roscommon Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final the previous day and had a resounding 4-matches to 1-match against the Ladies from Roscommon. They were lead Aly Doyle who beat Paula Keane by 4 and 2, next on the tee was Amy Jones who had a very comfortable 7 and 5 win over Mary Lalor she was followed by Deirdre Hoey who recorded a halve against Joan O'Gara when called-in the penultimate match of Ger Moran was another comfortable 6 and 4 win against Marie McManus and in the bottom match Martha Jones also recorded a halve against Paula Connaughton when called-in.

The men from Castle had just won the Irish Junior Cup the week before for the first time what a magnificent achievement it would have been had the Ladies done the same to the best of my knowledge no other club has ever done the double, if anybody knows different please let us know.       

GoGolfing.ie would like to congratulate Alex Gleeson on wining the Ireland Close Amateur Open Championship at Ballyliffin Golf Club on 20th August 2016 when he beat John-Ross Galbraith from Whitehead Golf Club by 2 and 1 to win his first National Amateur Championship.

Castle Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Irish Junior Cup at Lisheen Springs Golf Club on Sunday 27th July 2014.
They had a 4-matches to 1-match against Ardee Golf Club in the Quarter-Final, followed by a 3½-matches to 1½-matches win over Elm Park Golf Club in the Semi-Final and recorded a similar result against Rathcore Golf Club in the decider.
They made their way to Carton House to compete in the All-Ireland deciders on the O’Meara Course where they were drawn against Ulster Champions Warrenpoint Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Wednesday 17th September.
They were led out by Harry Gleeson who beat Paddy Magee by 2 and 1, he was followed by Ben Murray who had a 2 and 1 win over Jack Campbell, next up was Fergal Walsh who had a very comfortable 5 and 4 win over Shane McMahon, the bottom two matches of Kevin Moran against Michael McGurk and Gerry Moran against Stanley Weir were halved when called-in.
They met Munster Champions Castletroy in the All-Ireland Final and were led again by Harry Gleeson who lost out to Jonathan McDonnell by 1-hole, next up was Ben Murray who won his match by 2 and 1 against Colm Geary, he was followed by Fergal Walsh who halved his match against Keith Bermingham, in the penultimate match Kevin Moran lost out to Brendan Reidy by 4 and 2 as did Gerry Moran against Michael Murphy. So the Junior Team were not to repeat the victory of their Senior Cup team at Kinsale in 2012.

Castle Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Irish Senior Cup at Hermitage Golf Club on Sunday 19th August 2012. They beat Greystones in the Quarter-Finals by 4-matches to 1-match on the Saturday and met Malahide in the Semi-Finals and had a similar result against the north-side team.
They met Portmarnock Golf Club in the decider and recorded a 3-matchs to 2-matches victory over the 2011 All-Ireland Champions. The team on the day was Alex Gleeson, Daniel Holland, James Hanby, Jack Walsh, Peter McKeever, Conor Deegan, Ronan Burke and Jimmy Mulready, they were managed by Jim Pender and Harry Gleeson.
They made the long journey to Kinsale Golf Club to compete in the All-Ireland deciders on Friday 21st September when they were drawn against Connaught champions Co. Sligo Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Finals.
First on the tee was James Hanby who lost out to Michael Durcan by the minimum 1-hole, next up was Conor Deegan who had a 2 and 1 win over G. Finnegan, he was followed by Alex Gleeson who lost to Garry Gleeson by 2-holes. In the penultimate match Jack Walsh beat S. Flanagan by the minimum to secure their place in the All-Ireland decider; the bottom match of Daniel Holland was halved with Steffan O’Hara
They met a star studded Ulster Champions Warrenpoint in the All-Ireland Final the following morning and were lead by James Hanby against Colm Campbell Jnr. who lost out by the minimum 1-hole he was followed by Conor Deegan who beat David Barron by 2 and 1, next up was Alex Gleeson who lost his match against Walker Cup star Paddy Gribben by 2-holes. In the penultimate match Jack Walsh beat Stephen Coulter by 2 and 1, it was all down to Daniel Holland who recorded a magnificent 2-hole victory against Ryan Gribben and with it history for the club with their first green pennant in this the most prestigious event in Irish Golf.

I couldn’t help but think of my old friend Dick Walsh (R.I.P.) who would have been so proud of these young men most if not all of them would have been guided and encouraged by him when they were boys, Dick worked tirelessly as Juvenile mentor at the club. Well done lads Dick would have been proud of you.   

Castle Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Fred Daly at Luttrellstown Golf Club on Monday the 30th July 2012. They beat Bray Golf Club by 4½-matches to 2½-matches in the Quarter Finals, followed by The Island in the Semi-Finals with a 4-matches to 3-matches result.

They met European and All-Ireland Champions Rosslare Golf Club in the decider. First on the tee was Alex Gleeson who lost his match to Marc Boucher by 1-hole. He was followed by Peter McKeever who went down to David Carey by 5 and 4. Jack Walsh recorded Castles first points when he beat Sean Walsh by 4 and 3. Next up was Robert Browne who went to the 20th-hole before dismissing Conor Gorevan, he was followed by Ross McKeever who beat Darragh Flynn by 4 and 3, in the penultimate match Ross Murray recorded a similar result against Matthew McPartlin, the bottom match of Conor Harte was halve against Ronan Dunne. The other members of the team were James Pender and Barry Fitzpatrick.

Castle Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Irish Junior Cup in 2009 and it was on to Tullamore Golf Club for the All-Ireland Semi-Finals where they were drawn against Connaught Champions Oughterard on Wednesday 16th September.

First on the tee was Fergal Walsh who lost his match to Frank Forde by the solitary 1-hole. He was followed by Alex Gleeson who won his match against Aidan Grimes by 2 and 1. Next up was Scott Williams against Cathair Conneely, Scott went down by 4 and 3. The penultimate match of Harry Scott against Martin O'Ceara went to the men from west Galway and with it any hope of bringing the green-pennant back to Rathfarnham (the home of golf!) The bottom match of Fergal Costelloe against Niall Faherty was a very convincing 6 and 5 win for the Leinster Champions by a little too late.

The Ladies of Castle Golf Club won the Menolly Homes All-Ireland Fourball at Mount Juliet on 7th September 2007. They beat Northern District Champions Ballybofey & Stranorlar Golf Club by 3 matches to 1 match in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.

They won Southern Champions Waterford Golf Club in the All-Ireland Final. First up on the tee was Maria Beaton with Niamh Leonard who lost to Brenda Corcoran with Nellie Dunphy by 2 and 1. They were followed by Yvonne Managhan with Ann Vella who beat Bettina Jeffers with Bri Monaghan by one-hole.

Next up were Sally Lenehan with Martina Jones who had a comfortable 4 and 3 win over Susan Murphy with Carmel Walsh. The bottom match saw Sinead Heraty with Anne Tynan halved their match against Fiodna Cosgrove with Treasa Ryan, to deliver the vital halve-point and the Championship for the ladies from Rathfarnham.

Peggy Blehein with Ursula Hernon won the All-Ireland Australian Spoons at Coollattin Golf Club on Monday 4th September 2006 with an excellent 43-points. Donna McLoughlin with Elaine Smith from Ballina were three points further back to take 2nd place on a count-back from Carrick-on-Suir’s pair of Mary Fleming with Deirdre Battye.

Castle made a brave effort to win the Irish Junior Cup in 2006, when they comfortably retained the Leinster Championship by beating Dun Laoghaire Golf Club by 4 and 1 at Enniscorthy Golf Club on Sunday 2nd July.

It was on to Enniscrone Golf Club for the National Finals, where they where drawn against Connaught Champions Westport Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Wednesday 13thSeptember.

First on the tee was Simon Lynch against Colm Walsh who recorded a 5 band 4 victory against the man from the West. He was followed by Ronan Burke against Anto Browne who had a 2 and 1 win. Next up was Omar Bhamjee who beat Michael McGreal by 3 and 2. Ross Kinsella and Marc Dillon both halved their matches against Ronan Mahon and Tony Bree, giving Castle a 4 and 1 victory.

They met Ulster Champions Banbridge in the National Final the following day. Simon Lynch had “one of those days” loosing out to Neil Clydesdale by 7 and 6. Ronan Burke went all the way to the 19th against Trevor Woods before conceding the vital point. Omar Bhamjee lost out to Jonathan Burns by 6 and 5. Ross Kinsella and Marc Dillon both beat Ross McCandless and Rory Madeley by 2 and 1. So near to achieving what they failed to do at Rosslare Golf Club in 2005.

Castle Golf Club won the All-Ireland Fred Daly Trophy at Dungarvan Golf Club on 24thAugust 2005. Having won the Leinster Championship they were drawn against Ulster Champions Lurgan in the Semi-Final.

First up was S. Webster against G. Douglas who lost his match by 3 and 2. He was followed by D. Lernihan who beat A. Shaw by 3 and 2. Next on the tee was G. Lenehan who had a convincing 4 and 3 win over J. Horan. The penultimate match was between T. O’Connor and A. Gallery with the Castle player recording a 5 and 4 win. The final match was between A. Slaughter and A. McReynolds which ended in a half. With a 3 ½ matches to 1 ½ matches over the Ulster Champions they met the Munster Champions Killarney in the National Final.

S. Webster was first out against S. Gallivan who recorded a halve between them. D. Lernihan had a 2 and 1 win over S. O’Neill, he was followed by G. Lenehan who halved with P. O’Connor. Next on the tee was T. O’Connor who had a convincing 4 and 3 win over C. Healy. The last match saw K. Swaine pitted against L. Dunle, when the Castle player had a 3 and 1 win and recorded a 4 matches to 1 match to win their first All-Ireland Fred Daly Trophy.

Castle Golf Club won the Leinster Final of the Irish Junior Cup and were drawn against Ulster Champions Fortwilliam Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final at Rosslare Golf Club on 14thSeptember 2005.

James Hanby lead the Castle team and recorded a convincing 3 and 2 win over the Fortwilliam No. 1 Gary Brown. He was followed Karl Swaine who lost out to Conrad McLarnon by 3 and 1. Next on the tee was Stephen Webster who had a resounding 7 and 6 win over Paul Maguire. The penultimate match saw Omar Bhamjee (son of the ex Labour T. D. for Clare Dr. M. Bhamjee) loose his match on the 18th against Gary O’Hara. The bottom match saw Harry Gleeson loose out to Michael Tierney by 5 and 4.

Castle won the All-Ireland Final of the Jimmy Bruen Shield at Lisburn Golf Club on 12th September 2003, when they beat Portumna in the Semi-Final by 4 1/2 matches to 1/2 match. They faced Ulster Champions Greenisland in the final and had another comfortable win by 4 matches to 1. The team on the day was Ross Kinsella with Karl Swaine, Brian Gleeson with Gary Moran, John Whooley with Brian Kane, Martin Wilson with Anthony Slaughter and John Bourke with Tadgh O'Connor.

The Girls' of Castle Golf Club won the Smurfit Girls Inter Club All-Ireland Final at Lucan Golf Club on Monday 18th August in 2003, they met Ulster Champions Bangor Golf Club in the semi-final, they were led by Sally Anne Lenehan who beat Victoria Bradshaw by 4 and 3, she was followed by Aisling O'Shea who had a 2-hole win over Katie Coll, in the bottom match Jennifer White went down by 1-hole to Sara Owens.

They met Munster Champions Killarney Golf Club in the decider and were led again by Sally Anne Lenehan who suffered a 3 and 2 defeat against Joanne Cronin, next up was Aisling O'Shea who beat Holli Snelling by 3 and 2, in the bottom match Jennifer White had a 2 and 1 win over Eimear O'Donnell, to secure the green pennant.

 The team was Sally Anne Lenehan, Aisling O'Shea, Jennie White, they were managed by Mary Walsh.

Kyung Hae Lee was selected on the Leinster Girls' team for the Smurfit Interprovincial Championship at Enniscrone Golf Club from April the 18th to 20th 2001.

Prior to 2001:

The Millennium Captains Declan Lenihan and Eileen Doyle won the Gilbey's Captains' Invitation Mixed Matchplay at Rathfarnham Golf Club, on 18th August, 2000. They beat their fellow club members Jim Bradley and Miriam Brien in the final 5 and 4.

Jimmy Mulready was on the Leinster Youths team that won the Interprovincial Championship at Waterford G. C., in April, 1999. and he finished 3rd in the Irish Youths Amateur Championship at Cork G. C., in 1999 shooting rounds of 77, 69, 73 and 72., Jimmy won the Gold Medal in the Sir John Lumsden Cup with rounds of 66, 69 and 71 off 2. He and Mark Campbell competed in the Canon European Under 21 Championship in Spain, in October, 1999.

Kyung-Hae Lee was selected on the ILGU Junior squad in November 2000, when she was a 12-year old, she won the Under 19 category in the finals of the Chequita Longest Drive Challenge at Milltown G. C. in 1999, when she drove 191 yd‘s. 

Caoimhin Mangan won the over 50 section with a drive of 268 yd‘s. 

Maria Beaton went from 16 to 12 in the space of 2 weeks in August, 1999, when she hit a purple patch winning everything she entered.

Members who played representative golf for Country or Province;

Darragh Lernihan represented Leinster at Senior Interprovincial level from 2006 to 2010 playing 23-times won 13-matches halved two and lost 8-matches accumulating 28-points. He represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial from 2006 to 2007 playing 9-times won 5-matches halved two and lost 2-matches accumulating 12-points. He represented Leinster at Boys  Interprovincial level in 2005 playing 4-times won 4-matches and lost 0-matches accumulating 8-points. He represented Ireland as a Senior International from 2008 to 2010 playing 23-times won 13-matches halved one and lost 9-matches accumulating 27-points. He represented Ireland at international Youths level from 2007 to 2008 playing 8-matches, won 2-matches halved two and lost 4-matches accumulating 6-points;

T. Lenihan represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 1964 playing 2-times;

Jimmy Mulready represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 1999 playing 2-times won 0-matches halved one and lost 1-match accumulating 1-point;

J. Pender represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 1981 playing 3-times won 2-matches and lost 1-match accumulating 4-points;

Maurice Wallace represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 1996 playing 6-times won 2-matches halved one and lost 3-matches accumulating 5-points. He represented Leinster at Boys  Interprovincial level in 1993 playing 6-times won 3-matches halved one and lost 2-matches accumulating 7-points. He represented Ireland at Irish Boys level in 1994 playing 4-times won 2-matches halved one and lost 1-match accumulating 5-points;

S. Webster represented Leinster as a Youth Interprovincial in 2008 playing 5-times won 3-matches halved one and lost 1-match accumulating 7-points;

Jack Walsh represented Leinster in the inaugural Boys under-15 Interprovincial Championships in 2010 playing 3-times won 2-matches halved one and lost 0-matches accumulating 5-points;

A. Gleeson represented Ireland at Irish Boys' level in 2010 playing 6-times won 4-matches and lost 2-matches accumulating 8-points;

B. Meaney represented Ireland at Irish Boys' level in 1988 playing 4-times won 1-match halved two and lost 1-match accumulating 4-points;

Mary Kenny played for the Irish Girls in 1979. Simone Kenny for the Irish Girls in 1979. 

Jane Leavy played for the Irish Girls in 1980, now the coach for the Irish team.

History of Castle

The initial meeting of the Castle Golf Club took place on 21^st February, 1913, in the Ivanhoe Hotel, Harcourt Street. The first committee was composed of five elected members and five nominated by Bailey and Gibson. The well-known building firm purchased the land at Rathfarnham Castle in 1912, with the intention of building a garden city, with a golf course in the centre of it.
The land was sold to the members in December, 1917, and on 1^st January, 1918, the Castle Golf Club Limited was formed.

What the Club tells us:

With just a few years to go to our centenary (2013), Castle Golf Club is one of the oldest clubs in the greater Dublin area.

Nestled at the foot of the Dublin Mountains, the club was originally established in part of the estate of Rathfarnham Castle. A firm of builders, Bailey & Gibson acquired the Castle and lands in 1912 with a view to developing a housing scheme with the golf club at its centre. The Castle was sold to the Jesuit Order, and the Club was established on 7th February 1913. Although Bailey & Gibson never fully developed their housing plans, and sold the club to the members in 1918, the Club is now completely surrounded by houses! Cecil Barcroft, W.C. Pickeman and Tom Hood (Professional at Royal Dublin Golf Club) designed the original layout of the Golf Course. In 1918/1919, Harry S. Colt, one of the foremost golf course designers of the time, updated the original design. His brief was to reconstruct the course ‘on the best modern lines’. Apart from minor changes over the years, the layout of the course remained largely unchanged until the latest programme to upgrade and redesign all our greens to USGA standard, commenced in 2000. The Course was originally a Par 74 layout, with a length (after Colt’s work) of 6,300 yards. Over the years, some of our Par 5’s became Par 4’s and the 10th hole was reduced from a Par 4 to a Par 3 in the mid ‘60s, reducing the course to its current Par of 70. The length of the course is largely unchanged to this day.

The course was used by some of the most notable names in golf throughout its existence. Henry Cotton and Jack Smith played a match against Willy Holley (Club Professional 1921-1965) and Willy Nolan in 1928. The Club hosted the Irish Close Championship in 1938, an event won by one James Bruen. How appropriate, then, that the first senior GUI All Ireland pennant won by the Club (in 2003) was the ‘Jimmy Bruen’. In 1954 the North v South professional match was played in the Castle, a highlight being the drawn match between Fred Daly and Harry Bradshaw. Joe Carr played in an amateur Tournament here in 1956.

In 1999 a major upgrade to the facilities at the Club, both on and off the course, was begun. Working with Jeff Howes, the Course Development committee oversaw reconstruction of all eighteen greens to USGA sand-based standard. The project included a major upgrade to the practice putting area and realignment of some fairways to fit in with the new greens. The clubhouse was extended and completely refurbished in 2001/2002, raising the standard of the facilities to match those on the golf course. We hope you enjoy your visit to Castle Golf Club.