An Ace in Galway Bay
Published on: 18th September, 2009
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An Ace in Galway Bay
There are many incidents in the recent past that members of the Football and Cricket clubs might point to as the pivotal moment in sealing the current d’etente. The fire always springs to mind, the Rugby team’s rise to prominence in the AIB League, World Cup cricket at Castle Avenue, or a mixture of these and even others? Well those in the know point to a far more significant sporting moment. In the late morning off February 12th 1999 on the shores of Galway Bay, with mist still in the air, Norman McCully strode onto the 7th tee. A daunting Par 3 across a lake, water from the Tee box to the edge of the green. “7 Iron” he barked to his trusted old caddy, Jim Reynolds, but the canny bagman handed Norman the 3 wood. The smooth easy swing and crisp click of the contact and the ball was on its way. All eyes watched the ball bounce safely on the green, roll to the hole and drop in. Jaws dropped momentarily before whoops of joy broke the hush of that morning. In the confusion, Jim Reynolds slipped the spare balls that he had ready for Norman’s 3rd and 5th shots back into the bag. As luck would have it, the match in front had a camera and the event was captured for posterity. What has all this to do with anything back at Castle Avenue? Well that shot of Norman’s turned a simple expedition to a rugby match with a game of golf on the way into a great day, a great trip and a great weekend. It was a motley crew that made that first golf/rugby trip to Galway, a good mixture of “Cricket” and “Rugby” men. What might well have been a once-off event, turned out to be such a success that it spawned a golf society. Under the wise guidance of Shay McMonagle, Norman, Bobby Duane and Christy O’Connor among others, the Society would be for Rugby and Cricket members alike and it would be known as “The Tarf Bulls Golfing Society”.
On the road
Since then the society has grown considerably. Many new friendships have been made and plenty of golf has been played. We now play five outings each year, usually with one the day before an away rugby match. This plan was thwarted by the IRFU fixtures committee for a few seasons, but 2009 saw us back on the road. If the proposed AIB League fixtures for 2010 are confirmed, an outing on March 26th on the way to Shanning looks on the cards. The away trip/AGM is always one of the highlights of our year. We have received great hospitality in The Galway Bay Golf Resort, The Carrickdale Hotel and The Glasson Golf Hotel. But I think everyone will agree that the wonderful welcome we enjoy in The Shannon Oaks and Portumna GC are way beyond our expectations. I will never forget a sweltering spring afternoon among the trees in Portumna Golf Club, when John Pardy drove around the course to every golfer on a buggy loaded with cold bottles of beer and cider. That is customer service! The crack on these trips has always been top class, with many incidents that have to remain cloaked in the “what goes on tour, stays on tour” rule. However a former Honorary Secretary did wish that one minor faux pas be included in this article. After an arduous day at Greenore, followed by some light refreshments in PJ O’Hares, this particular athlete, who shall remain nameless, ran a little behind time. Not sure if suitably dressed for the evening, he stopped by reception to ask if his clothes were okay for the disco. The rather baffled receptionist replied to the effect “Yes, but will you still be wearing them tomorrow?”
Past Captains of
The Tarf Bulls Golfing Society
2000 Norman McCully
2001 Shay McMonagle
2002 Bobby Duane
2003 Christopher O’Connor
2004 Robin Brophy
2005 Robert Ellis
2006 JR Forrest
2007 John Nolan
2008 Frank Rossi
2009 Sean Andrews
Closer to Home
In the ten years since Normans Ace, the society has enjoyed golf on lots of local clubs too. I’m sure I’ll miss one or two, but I know we have played at, Seapoint, Forrest Little Royal Dublin, Donabate, Christy O’Connor GC, Beaverstown, Corrstown, Malahide and St. Annes. Support for outings is fanastic, 40 golfers usually and getting above 50 on occasion. The society is open to members of the Football and/or Cricket Clubs with an annual subscription of €25 euros. If you are interested in playing, contact Enda Doody or look out for signs on the notice boards during the year. New members are always welcome! I would also like to take this opportunity once again to thank all our kind sponsors. I won’t mention names here to avoid begging letters, but you know who you are and thank you.
Finally, on behalf of the Society I would like to wish Simon, Bernard and all in Clontarf FC every success on and off the Rugby pitch for the 09/10 season.
JR Forrest
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