Over the years, O’Brien has won many a top prize and already in 2008 he appears in true form.

For the record, Lahinch GC triumphed 16.5 to 14.5 matches over neighbours Ennistymon GC in the Annual Latymon Trophy.

The likeable John O’Gorman has taken over the Men’s Club Captaincy at his beloved Adare Manor GC.

He was second-in-command to the ever-improving John McMeal (just home from some sun-kissed resort or other) last season, but still found plenty of time to squeeze in a few rounds a week in these his retirement days.

On the playing front, Stephen O’Callaghan and Gerry Meehan hit a sizzling 43 points in near-freezing conditions to barely squeeze home in the first club fourball competition of 2008 – the pair won only on a countback from Martin and Robert Costello, with Eamon Ryan and Maurice Danagher in third place, also on a magnificent 43 points.

Chris and Ber Murphy emerged winners of the Captains’ Drive-In at Castletroy Golf Club.

The pair posted a lovely 21 points for the nine-hole mixed foursomes competition to mark the entry into top positions for John Gilmartin and Anne Cullen.

Tom and Brieda Doheny were next best with 20 points, while the next six positions – Mossie & Aine Lenihan, John & Margaret Cohalan,, Brian & Deirdre McMahon, Corrie & Anne Ward, Brendan & Irene McNamara and Declan & Mara Devenney – were all filled by returns of 19 points.

It’s understood the card surveyors afterwards were exempted from similar duty for the remainder of the season.