Molly B's Bar Golfing Society was formed 11 years ago in Molly B's public house in Lower Main Street, Rathkeale.

Brid Naughton, one of the driving forces behind the society and playing off an 11 handicap, the lowest in the society, told me that they have an equal split between men and woman.

"I suppose you could say that it is one of the few societies where the ladies have equal rights" said Brid, "and if there is no woman in the top three prizes at our golf outings then the fourth prize automatically goes to the top woman golfer of the day. If the top three prizes are won by the ladies, which often happens, we extend the same rules to the top man on the day."

The society members come from Newcastle West, Rathkeale, Charleville and Cappa.

Molly B's is the ideal venue for the regular meetings of the Society and they had six outings this year plus an away trip to Malaga and an Irish away trip to Athlone.

"The craic was mighty in Spain in October," said Brid, "and we have been going there for the past three years to the same place."

"We always have our tee off times early in the mornings as we have plenty of time later on to get back for the 'happy hour' in the hotel."

"We also encourage a number of local people to join us on the trip and we usually try and encourage a few singers to come. They can be non golfers too," she said.

Declan Mooney organizes the trips. "He does a great job," said Brid.

"Everything is all in, for a very reasonable price. We have a coach organized to take us to the hotel when we arrive and taxies waiting for us the next day to take us to the golf course. When we finish our round the taxies return and take us back to the hotel. Some of the non golfers go sight seeing and one or two of the golfers join them after a few days, if the heat on the golf course gets too much," she said with a laugh.

There are 35 members in the society and they are all looking forward to the Christmas outing, which will be held this Saturday at Ardagh Golf Club in Newcastle West.

"We will play a 14 hole competition followed by our Christmas meal," said Brid. "There is always a big turn out for the last outing of the year."

Martha Reidy is this year's Captain, with Connie Naughton the vice Captain. Phil Ruttle is the President and Declan Mooney the efficient treasurer.

Martina Scanlon was the lady golfer of the year while Declan Mooney was named the men's golfer of the year.

Mary Madigan has won a few prizes this year and new lady golfers Dolores Brandish and Kathleen Holland have already made an impression.

In the men's section Stephen Noonan is the one to watch for next season, as he has made rapid progress since getting a new King Cobra driver.

Plans are well in advance for the trip to Spain next year, and it has become the highlight of the Society's year.

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