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The Short Game

Written by Mal Keaveney

Tuesday, 25 November 2008

RYDER Cup performers and major winners will be part of a star-studded field that tee-up for the 5th JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am at Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort in early July of 2010.
The pro-am carries a prize fund of €1 million and is comprised of 56 teams. To date, the previous events have raised over €55 million for local charities and deserving causes, with the 2005 edition at the same venue accumulated a whopping €31 million. Around 50,0000 fans were in Adare to watch the happenings back in ’05, and a similar attendance in likely next time around, especially with the likes of World Number One Tiger Woods and Major winner Pádraig Harrington committed to the event.
Harrington also won the event back in ’05, and returned to Adare to claim the Irish Open top prize two years later.
“When Tiger was asked to play, there was no looking in his diary. He said ‘if you need me, I’ll be there.’ When I spoke with him the most of a year ago, he committed to play. We’re very lucky he gives his time because he has his own tournament in Washington finishing on the Sunday before our event (July 5-6) and it’s a challenge to get him from there to Adare with the five hours time difference working against you,” McManus said.
McManus was non-committal as to what amount of monies would be raised in 2010 but accepted it would be a greater challenge in these recession times.
The gratitude of previous beneficiaries was sincere. Sr Agnes Fitzgerald of Cuan Mhuire wrote: “Without the encouragement we got through the classic and the pro-am funding, we could not possibly have contemplated ever starting this project. What a loss that would have been especially for our young people suffering from addictions who are in such of education and skills training.”
“On behalf of everybody here at Milford, I would like to express our sincere gratitude. This funding will be utilised to further enhance the range of Specialist Palliative Care Services available to the people of the mid-west,” stated Pat Quinlivan of Milford Care Centre.
Reported Laura Kenae of Rehab Care: “This funding will go towards the development of the Resource Centre and housing at Sexton Street and the Community Rehabilitation Centre. It will make a significant impact on the provision of services for people with disabilities in Limerick.”
Tickets, in the form of baseball caps, will go on sale next Spring. More details on the tournament are available from www.jpmcmanuspro.com.

LARRY Tuohy and Patys O’Sullivan made light of the nasty weather conditions to win the weekly fourball with a commendable 40 points at Adare Manor GC.
The pair performed steadily throughout the 15 hole competition, and emerged one point victory over Tim King and Tom Hickey, with Norman Alfred and five-handicapper Donal O’Shaughnessy on the same mark back in third position. O’Shaughnessy was an incredible two-under par for the 15 holes.
In a similar competition for the seniors, Phonsie Franklin, who was winning for the second outing on the trot, partnered Mike Philips to record the top score of 41 points. Con Walsh and Ger Meehan filled second spot with 40 points, followed next by Paddy Quinlivan and Mike Hogan,, with the aforementioned O’Sullivan and former muliple All-Ireland Hurling Final referee Terence Murray in fourth position.
A reminder that annual mass for deceased members will be held in the clubhouse tomorrow (Thursday), 8pm.

LEGENDARY pairing Eamon Grimes (15) and ten-handicapper Walter Shanahan emerged as comfortable winners of the Tiernan Sheahan & Associates sponsored Scotch Foursomes at Limerick GC.
The former hurling stars of South Liberties enjoyed a two shot victory over Mike and Joe Kemmy, with Sean Fitzgerald and Liam O’Donoghue in third on the same score. Fourth position was filled by low handicappers Dermot Gallagher (2) and Ritchie Cummins (5).
On the seniors front, the trio of Joe and Jim Quane and Jim Meehan defied a three shot penalty reduction (on account of previous wins) to still hold on for victory, with a commendable return of 41 points. Ambrose Garvey, Ger Fitzmaurice and Steven Carroll were forced to settle for the runners-up spot, also with 41 points.

LIMERICK County GC will host its Captains’ Dinner Dance in the clubhouse on Saturday, December 6th, it has been confirmed.
Those wishing to secure tickets for this annual social highlight are requested to contact the office as quickly as possible. The dance comes two days ahead of the men’s club AGM, which also take place in the club pavilion.
On the course, John O’Regan and John Malone won on a countback from Eamon Cregan and Flan O’Neill junior a 12 hole fourball competition on the Winter League course.

A REMINDER Open Singles continue on Wednesdays at Rathbane GC.

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