The Four Elms Golf Society has more past Presidents and Captains than the White House… Secretary of the society, Dave Fitzgerald senior, has recently retired as proprietor of the well-known public house in Drombanna.

Dave has left the running of the bar to his sons, and he is now concentrating solely on getting his handicap down…

The Four Elms Golf Society was formed in 1989 and Pat McCormack, one of the founding members, has done such a good job as treasurer that he has remained in office ever since.

Dave is a member of Limerick County Golf club and also turns up at the Vintners Golf outings, where he never fails to tell Jed O'Dwyer and the other publicans about the distinguished players he has in the Four Elms.

"We have so many top officials playing with us," said Dave, "and I hope I don't leave out anyone." "The President is Seamus 'Bat' Walsh, a former Captain of Limerick County. Todd Ahern, one of our founding members, was a former Captain of Castletroy Golf club.

Dalach Carney was also a former Captain of Limerick while Noel Godfrey was a former President of Limerick County as was Jimmy Shaughnessy. Jimmy in fact was also Captain of Limerick Golf Club. Well known sports man Walter Shanahan was also a former President of Limerick County Golf Club as were staunch members Mike Garry, Tony Carroll and John Keogh," Dave said.

He continued: "With all this array of talent in the society it gets a little bit embarrassing from time to time when someone shouts "Mr President!" and seven of the lads stand up," said Dave with a chuckle.

Liam Dooley is this year's captain. Liam's father Willie was also a renowned sportsman in his day. He is the proud holder of two County Hurling Championship medals with Cork is the early 1950s. Willie was a big hitter in his youth but he has now drifted out to a 20 handicap, which suits his game very well.

Another well-known hurling hero Eamon Grimes is also a member and Eamon is often in the prizes, along with big hitting Mark Fitzgerald.

The society plays eight outings a year, mostly on local courses.

The first outing of 2008 for the Four Elms golfers will be an 'away' trip to the Heritage Golf Club on May 10.

Liam Dooley will hold his Captains Prize Day in Ballybunion in September. Paul O'Connell lives just down the road from the Four Elms and the secretary said Paul would be more than welcome to play with the society if he gets a spare moment from his busy rugby schedule.

"We would put him out with Willie Dooley and I'm sure he would enjoy that!" Dave concluded.

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