Enniscrone golf club Sligo

Members Achievements

Enniscrone Golf Club were Runners-Up in the Connacht Final of the Pierce Purcell Shield on Sunday 30th July 2023 when they lost to Ballinrobe Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches at Westport Golf Club.
First on the tee was John Rush with Paddy Dunleavy who lost to Ray Darcy with Seamus McHugh by 2 and 1, they were followed by Mark McMahon with Eamon Mongan who had a very comfortable 7 and 5 win against John Staunton with James O'Gorman, next on the tee was Eugene O'Doherty with Pat Ruane who went up the 21st before relinquishing the point against Pat McDonald & Kevin Tolmie, in the penultimate match John Helly with Jim Kent lost their match by 2 and 1 against Pat McTigue with Niall Sheridan and in the bottom match Anthony McShane with Thomas Burke had a 1-hole win against Rory Bane with Kevin Staunton.

Vicki Conlon was selected on the Connacht Women’s Interprovincial Championship team at Moyvalley Golf Club from Tuesday 29th August to Thursday 31st August 2023.
Other members of the team were Ellen Lonergan (Westport Golf Club), Suzanne Corcoran (Portumna Golf Club), Shannon Burke (Ballinrobe Golf Club), Annabel Greham (Ballina Golf Club), Meabh McLoughlin (Co. Sligo Golf Club) and Emma Morrow (Galway Bay Golf Club).
They Captained by Anne Fahy (Portumna Golf Club) and Managed by Clodagh Hopkins (Woodbrook Golf Club).

David Shiel was selected on the Connacht Interprovincial Championship team at Moyvalley Golf Club from Tuesday 29th August to Thursday 31st August 2023.
Other members of the team were Aodhagan Brady & Ruairi O’Connor (Co. Sligo Golf Club), Tom Cafferky & Charlie Mooney (Ballinasloe Golf Club), Harry Gillivan (Portmarnock Golf Club), David Kitt (Athenry Golf Club) and Simon Walker (Roscommon Golf Club).
They were Captained by Damien Coyne (Tuam Golf Club) and Managed by Cathal McConn (Roscommon Golf Club) 

Enniscrone Golf Club qualified for the Men’s Fourball All-Ireland Finals at Strandhill Golf Club, Sligo played on 1st and 2nd October 2021.

They met Newbridge Golf Club in the Semi-Final and recorded a 3½-matches to 1½-matches win against the Kildare team.

They were led out by Frankie Gordon with Michael Concannon who had one of those days when loosing-out to Kieran and Billy O’Neill by 6 and 5, they were followed by Paddy Dunleavy with Thomas Burke who had a 2-hole win against Thomas Behan with Dave Fox, next on the tee was William Lalor with John Meakin who halved their match against Ken Halpin with Paddy Kelly, in the penultimate match John Rush with Jim Bowe had a 3 and 2 win against Jim Russell with Jim Fitzpatrick and in the bottom match Eugene O’Doherty with Ray Basquill had a very comfortable 7 and 6 win against Robbie Brennan with Ciaran McManus. 
Having accounted for Newbridge Golf Club by 3½-matches to 1½-matches on the Friday they met Elmgreen Golf Club on the Saturday and recorded a 3½-matches to 1½-matches win on their way to collecting the Green Pennant.

First on the tee was Michael Concannon with Padraig Tighe who won their match against Michael Telford with Robin French, next up was Paddy Dunleavy with Thomas Burke who lost their match by 2-holes against Alan Kean with P. J. O’Brien, they were followed by William Lalor with John Meakin who lost out to Joe Murphy with Ross Brady by 3 and 1, in the penultimate match John Rush with Jim Bowe had a 2 and 1 win against Sam Mehigan with Gary Whyte and the bottom match of Eugene O’Doherty with   Ray Basquill went down to the wire against Steffen Mortensen with Peter Lawlor with Enniscrone winning by the minimum and with it the Green Pennant.    

2015 President Mr John Fleming received a "Services to Connacht Golf" Award from the GUI
Sarah Helly won the Irish Ladies Close 2015 which was played in Rosapenna Golf Club
Junior member: Sophie Dodd won the Connacht Ladies Junior Champion

Enniscrone Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Pierce Purcell Shield when they beat Castlebar Golf Club in the decider on Sunday 9th August 2015.
They were led out by Eugene O’Doherty with Kenny McGrath who beat Shane Rice with Declan Prendergast by 1-hole, they were followed by John Griffin with Jim Bowe who went to the 19th before disposing of Noel O’Malley with Padraig McManamon, next up was John Rush with Jim Rikard who won their match by 3 and 2 against Jim McGovern with Jnr Prendergast, the penultimate match of Ray Basquill with Richie Cloonan was halved against David Molloy with Martin Newcombe, in the bottom match Pat Ruane with Padraig Tighe lost out to Ray Prendergast with Paul Fitzgerald by 4 and 3.
They made the long journey to Carton House to compete in the All-Ireland deciders and were drawn against Munster Champions and defending Champions Spanish Point Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.
They were led out this time by John Rush with Jim Rickard who had a disappointing start by going down to Kevin Hayes with Damian Sexton by 7 and 6, indeed things didn’t get much better for the Sligo men when Kenny McGrath with Eugene O'Doherty lost out to Evan Talty with Mervin Hehir by 6 and 5, next up was John Griffin with Jim Bowe who halved their match against Aiden Sexton with Stephen Guilfoyle, in the penultimate match Richie Cloonan with Jack Ruane lost out to Fergal Hehir with Martin Glenny by 5 and 3, in the bottom match Pat Ruane with Padraig Tighe recorded a halve against Eric Murphy & Niall Heeney. So it was not to be from the team from this wonderful course in Co. Sligo.

The Ladies of Enniscrone Golf Club won the Connaught Final of the AA Insurance Senior Foursomes and played in National deciders at Royal Tara Golf Club in 2009. They met East-Leinster Champions in the All-Ireland quarter-final, first on the tee was Sarah Helly (4) with Joan Ruane (14) who beat Gertie McMullen (5) with Eileen Lowe (5) by 4 and 3, they were followed by Frances Bourke (9) with Dolores Tuohy (12) who had a comfortable 4 and 3 win over Geraldine Ryan (7) & Miriam Garland (7).

They met Ulster Champions Ballycastle Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi- Final, first on the tee was Sarah Helly (4) with Joan Ruane (14) who beat Fiona Glass (12) with Paula Rooney (12) by 5 and 4, they were followed by Frances Bourke (9) with Dolores Tuohy (12) lost their match to Brenda McNeill (12) with Rita McCormick (13) by 1-hole, the bottom match of Rita McGoldrick (9) with Alice Higgins (13) was also a close thing when they lost by 1-hole to Mary Teresa McKiernan (12) & Susan Crawford (14).

Enniscrone Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the BMW Irish Mixed Foursomes and were drawn against Leinster Champions Moate at Monkstown Golf Club on 1 st September 2005.

B. Casey & L. Loftus were first out against L. Galvin & C. Connolly, but it wasn't to be their day as the Moate duo recorded a 7 and 6 victory. They were followed by S. Wade & M. Byrne against O. Grogan & E. White who had a 3 and 1 defeat. Next on the tee were D. Basquill & M. Forde who halved their match with M. Power & V. Coughlan. The penultimate pair was R. Cloonan & M. Carroll who lost by 2 and 1 to B. Burke & M. Galvin. The anchor team was T. Donovan & M. McDaid who halved their match with E. & G. Coughlan.

It was not to be Enniscrone's year but it should be noted that Moate went on to win the All-Ireland green pennant with a very convincing 3 ½ matches to 1 ½ matches over Munster Champions Newcastle West in the final.

Enniscrone Golf Club won the All-Ireland BMW Irish Mixed Foursomes in 2004, when the team was, Mary McGoldrick, Jimmy Culkin, Louise Loftus, Brendan Browne, Derek Basquill, Brian Casey, Richie Cloonan Snr., Marian Forde, Declan Kyne, Cindy Hughes, Arthur McMahon Jnr. Marie Carroll and Pamela Healy they were captained by Joe Cawley.

The Girls' of Enniscrone Golf Club won the All-Ireland Smurfit Junior Girls' Championship in 1998, when the team was, Michelle Tighe, Marina Gilhawley, Michelle Holms and Pamela Healy.

Enniscrone Golf Club won the Connacht Section of the BMW Irish Mixed Foursomes at Claremorris Golf Club in July 2002. They beat Portumna in the Semi-Final by 4 matches to 1 match and met Tuam in the final, whom they beat by three and a half matches to one and a half matches. The team was R. Cloonan and L. Holmes, P. Ruane and J. Ruane, J. Bowe and P. Healy, R. Cloonan Jnr. and N. Bowe and J. Rickard and C. Gerety. 

Enniscrone were Runners-Up in the Pierce Purcell Shield Connaught Championship when they went down to Loughrea by 3 matches to 2 at Galway Golf Club. The team was Michael Kelly, Emmet Loftus, Peader Flynn, Billy Varley, Noel O'Dowd, Paul Maye, Brendan Foley, Pat Sweeney, Paul McStay, Ray Basquill and Aidan Gallagher. They were captained by Pat Ruane and managed by Arthur McMahon.

Michelle Holmes and Rita McGolderick were selected on the Connacht Ladies team for the AIB Interprovincial Championships at Mount Wolseley Golf Club from August 7-9 2002.

Ian Hall was selected on the Connacht Boys' team for the Interprovincial Championships at Headfort Golf Club from August 28-30 2002. 

Prior to 2001:

Enniscrone Golf Club won the All-Ireland Irish Junior Foursomes in 1990, when the team was, David McMahon, Aidan Grimes, Eamon Flynn and Conor McGrath.

Enniscrone Golf Club were Connaught Senior Cup Champions in 1980, when the team was Joe Corcoran, Edmund Quiery, John Healy, Michael Lynott, John Fleming and Vincent Freyne. 

Enniscrone Golf Club won the Connaught section of the Irish Mixed Foursomes in 2002, 2000 and 1996.

They won the Connaught Section of the Senior Inter Club Championship in 1999. 

They won the Jack O'Sullivan in 1995.

The Cecil Ewing in 1987.

Michelle Holms was selected on the Connacht Ladies team for the AIB Interprovincial's at the Island on the 8th to the 10th of August 2001. Michelle and Laura Homes won the May Fitzgibbon Trophy when beating Munster's Aileen O'Callaghan and Joanne Cronin on the 19th at Greystones Golf Club on the 31st July 2001.

Michelle Tighe was selected for the Connacht Girls' team in the Smurfit Interprovincial Championship on her home course from 18th to the 20th of April 2001.

Enniscrone Ladies' team got to the Senior Cup quarter-finals at Douglas Golf Club on the 7th of September 2001. Where they played the Curragh and beaten by 3 matches to 2 matches. The team was Christine Armanasco, Rita McGoldrick, Marina Gilhawley, Miriam McCormack and Alice Higgins.

Enniscrone Lady Captain Rita McGolderick and her Captain's prize winner Anne-Marie Hughes were runners-up in the Volkswagen-Irish Independent Lady Captains Golf Classic at Co. Sligo Golf Club in August 2001. They were beaten in a count back by Cruit Island but they still did well enough to qualify for the National Finals. Rita off 16 and Anne-Marie off 6 shot 38 points and booked their place in the finals at Druid's Glen.

The Enniscrone Mixed Foursomes won the Connacht finals when they beat Ballyhaunis in Carne Links in August 2000.

Michelle Holmes was selector to play for Ireland in the Girls' Home Internationals team which played in Downfield G. C., Dundee from the 15th to the 17th August, 2000.
Marina Gilawley was Leinster Girls and Midland Girls Champion in 1998 and was selected on the Irish Team the same year.

The Millennium Captain Niall Kilroy (7) together with the PRO Gerry Ring, made a piece of history when they won the first competition over the new course, in a two-man scramble, with a score of 64.25 in 2000.

Members who played representative golf for Country or Province;

D. Basquill represented Ireland at international Youths level in 1981 playing 2-matches, won 1-match and lost 1-match accumulating 2-points. He represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 1991 to 1993 playing 9-times won 2-matches halved one and lost 6-matches accumulating 5-points. He represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial from 1989 to 1992  playing 22-times won 4-matches halved one and lost 17-matches accumulating 9-points;

Derek Basquill represented Ireland at international Youths level in 2003 playing 4-matches, won 4-matches accumulating 8-points;

D. O’Flynn represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 1990 to 1997 playing 21-times won 6-matches halved one and lost 14-matches accumulating 13-points;

E. Flynn represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial in 1995  playing 6-times won 2-matches halved two and lost 2-matches accumulating 6-points;

S. Ward represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial in 2007  playing 4-times won 0-matches and lost 4-matches accumulating 0-points;

Padraig Fleming represented Connacht at the Boys Interprovincial from 1995 to 1996  playing 12-times won 5-matches halved one and lost 6-matches accumulating 11-points;

Ian Hall represented Connacht at the Boys Interprovincial in 2002 playing 6-times won 3-matches and lost 3-matches accumulating 5-points;

Roddy O’Connor represented Connacht at the Boys Interprovincial in 2001  playing 3-times won 0-matches halved two and lost 1-match accumulating 2-points;

Marina Gilawley was selected to play for Ireland in the Girls' Home Internationals, at Mullingar G. C. in 1998, and was a reserve for The Irish Girls International Team, in 1997.

Michelle Holmes was capped for the Irish Girls in 1999.

Ann Fitzgerald and her Captain's prize winner Ellie Madden were 3rd in the Volkswagen-Irish Independent Lady Captain's Golf Classic at The K Club with a score of 37 pts. in 1999.

History of Enniscrone

Instituted 1922 affiliated 1931

It is unclear when golf was first played at Enniscrone, local tradition records 1918 as the year in which the game was first played here.
The Western People, of the 19th August, 1922, carries the following "Enniscrone Golf Club-Medal competitions. Competitions will be held over the above links on Thursday, 24th August, and Sunday 27th, inst. All wishing to compete will please notify the Secretary, and send club Handicaps before 20th . Further particulars on application to the Secretary.

In 1930, the club found a permanent home at Bartra, and affiliated to the GUI in 1931. An additional, fine, new six-holes, incorporated into the Championship Links course in 2000 and a further three new holes were added to give 27 holes in total.

What the Club tells us:

A meeting in 1918 marked the formal beginning of golf in Enniscrone. The first recorded mention of the club appeared in the Western People, August 19th,1922 when it was announced that “medal competitions” were being held at “Enniscrone Golf Links”. Golf was then played at three locations in Enniscrone, at Bartra, Kilcullens field (behind the chapel) and at Scurmore Hotel on either side of the entrance avenue. The number of golf holes varied from nine to four to six respectively. It was not until 1930 however, that nine holes were laid out on flat land at Bartra and the course was formally opened with a membership of forty-eight on St. Patricks Day 1931. The membership fee for the year was £1.

The club employed a greenkeeper in 1933. His fairway mower was horse drawn and a lawnmower cut the greens. In 1947, a clubhouse was built at a cost of £400.  However war, emigration and economic depression throughout these difficult times combined to produce a declining membership and by 1959 there were just 14 club members. The building of a power station at Bellacorick and the Moy drainage scheme in the sixties brought a revival and with it came prosperity and new golfers to the area. In 1963 the club entered a team in the Connacht Shield competition – the first time the club became involved in interclub competitions. By 1969 membership had grown to just over a hundred. The course was in good condition but livestock on the course presented problems necessitating wire fencing of greens.Revival encouraged ambition. Members began to look longingly at the dunes and dream of an 18-hole links course. By March, 1970 the great course designer, Eddie Hackett was at work in Enniscrone. Working alongside a dedicated and hard working committee, he shaped and blended holes through the dunes that interfered very little with the natural terrain. It was here that  Hackett built some of the best golf holes of his long and distinguished career. In 1972, the aquisition of a new lease agreement was very important for the club and allowed wire fencing of the course (12 miles of it !) to exclude livestock. With just two permanent employees along with the generous voluntary labour of members, a pioneering spirit and a will to succeed saw the course and a new simple clubhouse opened in August, 1974 with Eddie Hackett driving the first ball. This was followed by an exhibition match featuring golf professionals Christy O'Connor Sr. and John O'Leary.

Throughout the eighties club development continued with a new clubhouse being added in 1989. In 1990, Peter Dobereiner, the London Observer’s great golf writer reported that he had stumbled across “an undiscovered gem of a links in the far north west, a course with some amazing holes”. By 1999, Enniscrone Golf Club was evolving once again with the skilled links designer, Donald Steel, commissioned to reroute the golf course directly into the dunes. Steel added 6 new magical holes through the dunes and added three new holes on the flat land to six of the old Hackett holes to produce the Scurmore 9-hole golf course. The  clubhouse also received a new extension and the new renovated course opened in 2001. The result is that Enniscrone has one of the finest pure links courses in Ireland, plus a splendid 9-hole course for the slightly less adventurous.  Today, they stand as a fitting monument to the dedicated members of the Club who so unselfishly and willingly gave their time and expertise throughout the decades to see this dream fulfilled.