A number of years ago the proprietor at the time, Austin Gibbons, decided to take up golf, and he got to talking to the many golfers who would call in for a drink or two.

The society is 21 years old this year, and to mark the occasion they have decided to hold their Life President’s (Austin Gibbons) Prize Day over a two-day period.

Founding member Paul Buckley told me they are really pushing out the boat for the outing, and buying new ‘Woodie’ polo shirts.

Paul, who is the society’s travel agent, said they normally go on an away outing to Spain every other year but this time they are staying at home.

“We are going to Esker Hills golf course, staying overnight, and then playing Glasson the next day,” said Paul, “but we are going to stay the second night in Athlone.”

Johnny Irwin, affectionately known as the ‘elder lemon’ of the society, wanted to go on another away trip to Spain but he was outvoted.

“I don’t know why he is called the elder lemon,” continued Paul, “because he is fitter than most of us and he runs up to the Woodfield on committee nights and occasionally runs home as well.”

The Woodies captain this year is former Mayor of Limerick Michael Hourigan. “We still call him Your Worship on the golf course,” said Paul.

Peter Dolan is the hard-working secretary, while former Bank of Ireland manager Dan Kiely leaves nothing to chance as the treasurer.

Paul Buckley is the handicap secretary and the first thing he did when he took on the job was to contact the GUI and get himself a 20 handicap.

Bucks, as he is known to his friends, is a fine singer. His party piece is ‘Some Enchanted Evening’ and on a memorable trip to Toulouse a few years ago he got a standing ovation at the famous Capol Square from the Munster rugby fans who were in France to see their team play.

Paul’s good friend Denis Traynor was also on that trip and was going to pass around the hat after Paul’s song but the handicap secretary said that was pushing things a bit too far, so Denis just called for an encore.

The Woodies play eight outings a year and they start their season on Good Friday at East Clare Golf club.

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