With ‘By the fire with Captain Paul’ proving to be such a success last year I have been pressurised into following in his quite considerable footsteps (size 15 sshhh!). My only saving grace is that with the bar having been set so high it will come naturally for me to lower it!
I would like to begin my first posting by thanking Paul for his dedication, hard work and self-sacrifice in what proved to be an unprecedented year for our great club. As he mentioned himself in his final blog it didn’t turn out to be the year he had envisaged, so, on behalf of both you the members and myself - Thank you Paul.
I would also like to take this opportunity to extend the warmest thanks to Hugh Duffy who has stepped down as trustee. His behind the scenes work and efforts for the betterment of the NWGC are legendary, but keep the phone turned on Hugh just in case!
In his place steps a 40+ year member and past captain Mr Sean McLaughlin. Like his predecessor, Sean’s love for the NW is second to none. I look forward to working alongside Sean and indeed the other trustees Augusta Neff and Donal Dunne. Congratulations Sean.
Once again, we all find ourselves waiting with bated breath for a positive announcement on the reopening of golf. Fingers crossed we get some good news in the not-too-distant future. Council would like to thank the members for their patience and understanding. It is greatly appreciated. Hopefully we will all be out on our pristine fairways and immaculate greens (no pressure Damien/Head green keeper) sooner rather than later.
On a positive note, we have recently received notification that our grant application for the Golf Ireland Resilience Fund has been successful. We were awarded €20,000 for use towards several projects (further information to follow). On top of this our Treasurer Mr Eugene Hillock, who deserves great credit for his work in securing this funding, has also just submitted another application to the Sports Ireland Capital Programme – we will let you know in due course how we get on.
Both council and myself would like to wish our incoming Lady Captain Mrs Noreen Allen-Moore every success in the year ahead. With so many prizes won last year the ladies are hoping the Captaincy slows you down a little and gives the rest of them a chance!
Finally (did I hear someone say Thank God!) it would be remiss of me not to thank a few people for their recent contribution to the North West: Mr Paul Doherty for his very generous gift of providing the stone and guidance for our magnificent new bridges. Mr Mickey Bradley (some say the real captain *Thurs society*) for his contribution to the design and construction of the bridges. Mr Kevin Daly (Greens convenor), Mr Damien Doherty (Head Greens Keeper) and his team -Joe, Dennis and Tomas for their ‘nothing is too much trouble’ attitude Mr Brian O’Sullivan for kindly sponsoring the new steps leading up to the 6th tee. Our Secretary Mr Gerry Harkin for his never-ending commitment to the NW. (Apologies if I have omitted anyone)
PS A big thank you to all the members who have already paid their subs and a gentle reminder that the 10% reduction for eligible members remains in place until the 30/4/21.
Captain John