The elements haven't dampened enthusiasm. The preceding Open Singles on Thurs. was a precursor to the formal week. It was won by Tom Dunphy (Clonmel), who was one of a large outing from that club. We had seventy visitors in all on the day. Details: T. Dunphy (7) 42; D. Corcoran (5) 42; K. Kennedy (plus two) 41; M. Shanahan (plus one) West Waterford, 40; S. Mackey (18) 39; M. White (9) 39. The C.S.S. was 36. Dunphy's win was secured by a brilliant 3,4,3,4 ending - three under par on the stretch for 18, 24 to pip Declan Corcoran's 22, 20. The runner-up grossed a grand 70 shots (35, 35) in a super round. Even more so was Kieran Kennedy's performance.


He equalled the 65 gross of Mark Shanahan the previous week. Seven under! Halves of 33, 32 shrugged off an initial bogey with four birdies in the first nine, followed by an eagle at the "orchard" and two more birdies. These "low" men are maintaining the demolition of par.

The prolific Mark Shanahan was back again with five under for 21,19 in points. Seamus Mackey and Mark White completed the list with 39's.
Open Week began on Fri. with Darren McGrath (Cahir Park) leading the Singles, though juvenile Daragh Stakelum actually topped the points. Details: D. McGrath (10) 40; D. Stakelum (14) 42; J. O'Neill (6) 38; gross. K. Kennedy (plus two) 37; J. Hickey (4) Cahir Park 38; J.
O'Donnell (4) Co. Tipp. 36. A back nine on one-over did the business for McGrath despite a "double" at the 17th. Young Stakelum matched the one-over with a birdie on the 15th in a card of 18, 24. Jimmy O'Neill had 19,19 with three birdies to credit. The ever-present Kieran Kennedy grossed 71 for that category. Jim Hickey was level to the turn and two over the rest of the trip in taking fifth while John O'Donnell scored 16,20 for the final prize. The C.S.S. was 36. A nine holes "scramble" resulted: N. Curley (9), J. McCormack (10), B. White (21) 28 nett; A. Ryan (7), M. Finn (10), S. Troy (23) 28.


A powerful finish lifted the trio of D. Donohoe (17), M. Butler (10), D. Nagle (21) to first place in the Sat. Three-ball. Matt came in with birdies at 11th and 16th and Denis capped the surge with one at the 18th to match the 55 points of a Roscrea team and take main honours with 25,30 against 29,26. D. Dwyer, M. Dwyer and M. Shelly had got off to a remarkable start with Shelly's eagle at the first - gaining five points. They kept it up to be four under for the nine. Third were Paul Daly (13), Wm. O'Grady (17) and D. Casserley (24) on 52. Fourth came
C. Croke (19), R. McLoughlin (14) and Criostoir Croke (17) on 51. The day's sponsors were Centenary DIY, Home and Garden.


Sunday's team of four (sponsors Stakelums Hardware): E. Clohessy (16), P. Maher (15), Ml. Clohessy (17), P. Kavanagh (15)96.
P. Dempsey (19), G. Stapleton (12), Ml. Dempsey (15), N. Commins (16) 93; D. Cleary (14), T. Treacy (19), M. Gavin (17), A. Trytsman (12) 91. Also on 91: V. Byrne (6), J. Quinn (10), J. Ryan (11),
B. Fogarty (14). The winners had 47, 49; the second 43, 50; the third 45, 46. Seven pointers at the 11th were the biggest haul for the top two.


Mon. Singles (Frank Roche and Sons): Ger Ryan had a first Singles victory in this regular Open event. His 41 gave him a two points margin over Jimmy Ryan. Details: G. Ryan (12) 41; J. Ryan (11) 39; M. Long (10) 38; P. Treacy (8) 38; T. Hayes (15) 37; D. Stakelum (12) 36; P. Creedon (15) 36; K. O'Neill (7) 36. Gerard had a triple boost with birdies at 5th, 6th and 15th. He crossed with a strong 23 points. The capable Jimmy shot a great level par back nine after a zero on the 8th, adding 23 to 16. Matt Long had matching 19, 19, as had Peakie Treacy. Tossy Hayes scored 20, 17 and the 36's broke down at 14, 22 for Daragh Stakelum; 18, 18 for Peter Creedon and 20, 16 for Ken
O'Neill. The home C.S.S. was 35, the "away" 34.
A social note re next Sun. night - music will be by Billy Tuohy.
James Ryan joins James O'Mahony and Margaret Lonergan as a Captain's Prize Winner. The juniors held their own "major" on Wed. 15th with Aidan Ryan as the donor. In winning, James had the distinction of both best nett and best gross. Details: J. Ryan (6) 41; T. Quigley (15) 39; S. Williams (21) 39; K. Smith (19) 38; J. Corbett jr. (22) 38; Wm. O'Dwyer (36) 38.
What a finish to the Midland Masters match with Castlecomer! We had won three at home and lost three at 'Comer. The issue hung on the tie-holes involving Ml. O'Sullivan and Peter Fitzpatrick. A half in par at the 19th, a half at the 20th against our shot allowance. On to the water-fronted 21st. One Thurles ball in the pond, the other in the bunker. Both opposition balls in two-putt range. Odds hugely adverse. Peter comes out well from sand - to perhaps ten feet. 'Comer putt apparently sure of a par at less than two feet. Up steps O'Sullivan and holes for a three. Up steps 'Comer player - and misses! Thurles have won by four points to three. Home pairs: D. Bourke-M. Cronin; T.Kirby-G. Stakelum; P. Fennelly-P.J. O'Sullivan; Ml. O'Sullivan-P. Fitzpatrick. Away: S. Troy-D. Duggan; E. Clancy-J. Carey; D. Donohoe-B. Ryan.
Novices Cup entries are being taken - sign on relevant sheet. Handicaps of 16 or over are eligible from those who have never won a club or Open Singles. Draw for matchplay to be made.
Fixtures: Open Week until Mon. Aug. 3rd; Sun. 9th Junior, Intermediate Scratch.
Ladies:
Results; Tuesday 21st July was the P.G.A. Singles. 1st May Dwan (28) 39pts. 2nd Teresa Spain(19) 38pts. 3rd Margaret Lonergan(12) 38pts. 4th Orla Mc.Kevitt(14) 37pts. Mary Coman O'Neill and Margaret Lonergan had a 2 on the 3rd. Joan O'Brien had a 2 on the 11th and Brigiette Behan had a 2 on the 14th. There was no Seniors competition.
Fixtures; Open Week continues until Monday 3rd August with team competitions on Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Tuesday 4th August is 18 Hole Singles Stableford sponsored by Liam Hanrahan. The lists for the Cup Competitions will be posted during the week.
Friday Evening Mixed; There is a 9 hole Scotch Foursomes on Friday evening beginning at 5.15 and the timesheet is posted.
Juvenile Girls; Girls may play in the Juvenile Competition on Wednesday mornings between 8.30 and 8.45.
Entertainment on Sunday night next, August 2nd. Music and song will be provided by Billy Tuohy.