A BRIEF HISTORY OF KILMAINE GOLF SOCIETY

How It Began

With the growth of people playing golf over the last number of years, Kilmaine was no different to any other community when people took to the game. They in turn encouraged other people, friends etc. to play.
  It was over a pint in Harry Walsh’s pub one evening that the Kilmaine game was mooted. Harry and Mike Burke talked about the idea of getting all the local golfers together for an outing. Harry took on the job to find a course that would countenance our get together, and so he came up with a nine-hole course called Connnemara Isles in Beal Daingin near Lettermore Connemara. Mike Burke had the job of recruiting players to travel and it was all going to happen on Saturday October 19th 2002.
  Saturday October 19th 2002 was one of the most beautiful autumn days that one could only dream off. The setting of Connemara Isles was one of the most striking settings ever. The unspoilt rugged ground, surrounded by calm tranquil waters with the sun reflecting of the water on to the player’s faces -something to bestowed and cherished. Over 20 golfers from Kilmaine whose names include the following Harry Walsh, Mike Burke, John C Burke, Liam Rattigan, Brendan Heneghan, John Heneghan, Bill Loughlin, Oliver Walsh, Brendan Walsh, Kevin Walsh, Austin Walsh, Paddy Joe Murphy, Paddy Murphy, Padraig Mc Hale, Martin Mc Hale, Jim Ryan, Kevin Naughton, Malachy Flanagan, Padraig Mullin, Tom Connolly, Mike Cawley, and John G Burke from Ballinrobe played on the day. 
  When the day turned into evening and everybody in jovial mood after tasting good stake and liquid that helped to digest, it was decided there and then to start the Kilmaine Golf Society. The following officers were appointed to kick-start the society Captain Mike Burke, Vice Captain John C Burke, Secretary Brendan Heneghan, and Treasurer Liam Rattigan.
  The wheels quickly started to turn with meetings in Kilmaine and Headford to draw up rules, book venues and recruit members. It was imperative to collect membership immediately as deposits were needed for booking the various courses. Membership was agreed at €30. Woodstock Golf Course in Co. Clare was the society first official outing in April 2003.

SO FAR SO GOOD

The membership exceeded all expectations in the first year with 42 male members and 18 female members, the number now exceeds 60 for men, with the ladies holding their own at 20. Our members include John and Helen Walsh Dublin, Gerry and Anne O Malley Cork, (both John and Gerry past Presidents) John and Myra Glynn from Maynooth, Donal Walsh London, John Molloy from Newcastle North East England, Declan O Malley Birmingham, all natives of the Kilmaine area, who enjoy the comraderie and social side of the society as well as the playing aspect. . One important factor why the society grew and got so popular was the enormous contribution of the society sponsors. By their generosity it was and still is able to keep competition fees to a reasonable rate and give value for money. We play on average 8 outings per year plus a weekend away. The weekend away has a social theme to it as well as golf

OUTSIDE CONTRIBUTION

The society is indebted to people outside the Kilmaine area that have become members and now make a valuable contribution to its success, by attending its outings and helping out with the running of each event. It’s the spirit of these people who makes it all worthwhile. . People who read this web page and who play golf be it in this country or indeed abroad and who would like to become a member- you are more than welcome. You can email Kilmaine Golf Society at kilmainegolf@gmail.com or phone Tom Hughes 086 4015154