Years 1987 - 1991
1987
This was the momentous year which saw the culmination of all the thoughts, hard work and energy by many people spent over the previous years with the Grand Opening of Old Conna Golf Club for its Members over the Gala Weekend of 11th 12th and 13th July.
The First Tee Shot being played by the Captain Jack Tiernan,
followed by the Lady Captain, Frances Buckley, President John L Byrne, Members of Council, Committee Members and Members. There followed a weekend of celebrations with the Clubhouse full to the rafters each night. The Fund Raising Committee had a special Opening Weekend Programme printed along with a host of advertising by Members and Friends.
A Special Opening Scorecard was also printed which along
with the Competition Book for the Weekend, stating who played is also available in our archive. When we look back at the temporary First Tee used on that Day and compare it to the beautiful, large Tee in place today, it alone shows the progress that has been made over the last 30 years.
The design of the Club Crest was also discussed at this time, the decision being held over.
Six tenders for building the new Clubhouse at Old Conna were received on 26th January 1987. The lowest tender was from Matthew Wallace. This tender was further reduced down to £255,404.36. Discussions were taking place with Matthew Wallace, regarding aspects of the construction of the Clubhouse and also regarding the conditions imposed by the local planning authority and Bye Law approval.
Dublin Corporation wrote to Club regarding the Vartry Main Water pipe which flows through the lands from beside the 5th Green through the 6thfairway and exits behind the 8th Tee Box. The Way Leave of 3 yards on either side of this Main Pipe was accepted by the Club. This pipe also incorporates an extension to the left of the 7th Tee along with the Pump House which allows a feed of 1½ inches from the pipe to provide water to the Cuffe family under an agreement reached in 1953, in perpetuity.
A letter dated 21st May from Dublin County Council agreed to allow the Club make staged half yearly payments over 5 years of the Planning Levy totalling £43,200.00. This was in addition to Planning Fees of £1,295.00.
At this time great care was being taken over Budgets. A new Budget being prepared for the forthcoming visit of Executives from Ulster bank to view the work taking place. At this time problems were arising with the septic tank from Aravon School and a letter was sent informing them of this. The school management were generally unreceptive to the Club’s suggestions and the matter was passed to Gerard Butler Solicitor for his attention. Later a letter was written to Dublin Corporation for them to investigate the condition of the septic tank.
At a Development Committee meeting on 12th June, the total development costs were now projected at £1,340,000.00
In July, a meeting was held with the contractor for the irrigation system which was finally commissioned and handed over to the Club Staff.
A design for the entrance at Ferndale Road was also being prepared. The supply of E.S B. and telephone lines was also proceeding.
Discussions were taking place with regard to the fitting out of the Bar and its operation with contact to be made with local clubs as to their method of operation.
The Fire Officer stipulated that a reservoir with a capacity of 150,000 gallons was required. This was achieved from the reservoir in front of the wall at the 18th Green. A pump house was required and was built, with the roof being completed by Jimmy Brien as a presentation to the Club.
A job specification for Secretary/Manager was in hand.
An advertisement was placed in Daily Newspapers for a new Greenkeeper, and subsequently Jim Sargent was appointed. At this stage the franchise agreement with the franchisee, B Billings, was finalised and signed by both parties.
On 10th July R.T.E. broadcast a TV interview by Fred Cogley in Old Conna, featuring the President John L Byrne.
Official Opening
On 20th July John L. Byrne gave a personal guarantee to Guinness Group in order to allow the Club open an account with Guinness for the supply of drinks for the proposed Bar. This guarantee was withdrawn on 20th December 1989 after the Club had acquired a proven track record with bill payments.
Clubhouse during construction and original completed clubhouse.
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A suggested date of the official opening of the Clubhouse was being pencilled in for 4th October. This date was moved out and the official opening took place on 18th October by John L Byrne, President. again followed by a very successful Social Night. Coverage of the opening of the new clubhouse appeared in both Irish Times and Evening Press later.
A close watch was placed on all costs, overheads and standards at this time.
Following the earlier Court Order and fine, Aravon school had to mitigate the problematic septic tank on 10th fairway. This appears to have been finalised by agreement later on in 1990.
Council agreed that Leave of Absence would only apply in cases of hardship.
Eddie Hackett wrote in October to Brian O'Kelly, Chairman Greens Committee regarding the further Development of the Course and stated how delighted he was to see the Course so busy on his visit. To end off the first year end at Old Conna a very successful New Year's Party was held in the clubhouse at which all attending celebrated the coming of the New Year in style.
The above two photos of the First Tee on the First Day and the First Tee in 2016 signify the progress that had been made at Old Conna over the intervening years.
The Bridge Club was established in 1981 in Dublin Sport G.C. was the one enduring social event through the years. The Bridge Club was now re-established in Old Conna by a Committee consisting of Frances Buckley, Carmel Kevin, Rita Flood, Vera O’Connor, and Eileen O’Brien. Martha Brawn was instrumental in attracting new-comers to the game by offering a series of lessons.
It is worth noting the valuable financial donations and equipment made to the Golf Club over the years, along with the Charity donations, amounting to many thousands of Euros each year from their hugely successful Spring Bridge Morning. Members also enjoy a Bridge & Golf break each year at Cabra Castle in Kingscourt, Co. Cavan.
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1988
Officers for 1988. President, John L Byrne. Captain, Liam Carroll. Vice captain, Eddie Moroney. Hon. Secretary, John Davitt. Hon. Treasurer, Stuart Howarth. Lady Captain, Maeve Green. Council Members, Philip Bredin, Tony Carroll, Michael Cluskey, Liam Dwyer, Paddy O’Brien, Brian O’Kelly, Jack Tiernan, Kieran Larkin and Ken Gleeson.
The Captain’s Drive-In (Liam Carroll and Maeve Green) took place on 23rd January.
The year was noted for a number of additional and remedial works taking place on the Course following the advice of Eddie Hackett and Dr Tom Kavanagh. A decision was also made early in 1988 to purchase 120, 8 x 12 foot high trees and some shrubs to define the fairways.
Don Corrigan was appointed Head Greenkeeper.
A decision was made to only accept Green Fees from Monday through to Friday.
In June the first minor indications of problems on the 4th and 5th Greens were reported.
The new Crest was approved, along with the decision to use it generally and not solely on Captain’s Blazers, which were available from Louis Copeland for £25.00.
Mel Flanagan was the Professional at this time. He was available to provide tuition to those Members who required it.
Again, as to the fact that the Club was gaining recognition locally, the Club was invited to take part in the McCrea Cup, still held in Dun Laoghaire Golf Club annually. Outside Competitions that the Club took part in were The Barton Cup, Junior Cup, Pierce Purcell and Best Cup.
The Rule regarding teeing off on 2nd before players on Green have putted was retained.
A successful weekend away took place to the Heath Golf Club.
The 1988 Ladies Bumper Day was successful as was the Children's Party.
Again, various very successful fund raising and social events took place, raising substantial amounts of money during the year under the Chairmanship of Michael Cluskey and a strong Committee. As part of the fund raising and social aspect of the Club, 130 attended the table quiz held on the 7th March along with a race night on 7th May. The following weekend, the 14th May, the official opening of the Main Greens took place. On 27th June a Race Night was held raising £2400.00 and a barbeque in July and a Mega Draw in August raised £5700.00. A Programme of Social Events was put in place for the winter. The Table Quiz, Auction, Christmas Raffle and New Year's Eve Party raised a total of £1,750.
A show case for cups considered.
A decision was taken that in future the Mid Week Competition would be played as Stableford or V Par Competitions, along with the introduction of Fourball mixed competitions. The decision was made that various Full Time Staff Members could play the Course, on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, subject to Time Sheet availability. A total of 180 played in the Captain's Prize, while the Captain's Dinner was held on 18th June at £14.50 per person.
The rateable valuation of property was considered too high at £135, and it was decided to attempt to have this appealed and which was later slightly reduced.
Slow play resulted in Course Marshalling again being put in place.
A Rule that “Ladies to qualify for entry to the Lady Captains Prize must have three 18 hole Competitions cards submitted in the current year was subsequently transferred to the Ladies Committee for implementation”. Permission was granted to the Lady Captain for practise facilities for visiting teams in the Autumn Schedule.
Around this time, concern was expressed at the level and quality of service from the bar. Discussions were taking place regarding the appointment of a Secretary/Manager and the overall costs expected along with an approach to the P.G.A. that the Club were interested in appointing a Club Professional.
The Juniors won the Wicklow Cup. A special presentation was made to their team on the evening of the Captain’s Prize on 9th October.
A Special Council Meeting was held on 11th October that discussed financial matters in detail.The Hon. Treasurer stated that the financial outcome to end of June 1988 showed a deficit of £23,000. A proposed budgetary income of the following for 1989
Green Fees £11,000.00
Competitions £25,000.00
Fund Raising £15,000.00
Societies/Green Fees £14,000.00
Total £65,000.
1989
Officers for 1989. President Ewan Byrne, Captain Eddie Moroney. Vice Captain Philip Bredin, Hon. Secretary, Ken Gleeson. Hon. Treasurer, Stuart Howarth. Lady Captain, Mary Watts. Council Members. Brendan Burke, Tom Sheridan, Liam Dwyer, John Dignam, Michael Cluskey, Alan Lyons, Tony Carroll, John Doyle, Philip Bredin and Liam Carroll.
At the first Council Meeting of the year, the Captain outlined the financial target for the year, with a projected income of £272,000.00 and estimated expenses of £250,000.00 which included Loan repayments of £72,000.00. He emphasized the need to continue fund raising to achieve targets and begin to make inroads on the loan.
As the invoice for Annual Subscriptions was being sent out, Council took the opportunity to update the personal details of Members by way of a questionnaire and use the information to gauge the age profile of the Club.
A Table Quiz, Christmas Raffle and a New Year’s Eve Party were held which produced a profit of £1750.00. As part of the fundraising effort a Major Monthly Draw under the Chairmanship of Michael Cluskey was held with a target of 500 tickets to be sold at £100.00 each and a prize fund of £30,000 with a profit of £20,000.00 envisaged. The project was to commence in March with the draws to take place from July to December. Due to a very poor take up of tickets, the draw was later cancelled at the Council meeting of 10th May with refunds returned to purchasers. This also had effect on the Development Budget with a reduction of £15,000.00.
Competitions under the Chairmanship of John Doyle had a target to reach of £25,000.00, and significant work was put into raising the necessary sponsorship. Outside Competitions entered in 1989 were the Barton Cup, Junior Cup and the Pierce Purcell all being G.U.I. Competitions along with the Best Cup.
It was agreed that the Ladies Tees would be moved forward on the 3rd, 5th and 16th Holes at the request of the Lady Captain.
The Captain’s Drive-In (Eddie Moroney and Mary Watts) which took place on 21st January was deemed a success by all concerned.
Early on in the year Council discussed the prospect of holding a lefthanders Competition and making it an open Leinster Competition as there was not one already up and running.
The prospective Greenkeeper that was expected to commence work had fallen through and another advert was placed to secure the services of a Greenkeeper along with an advertisement placed for a Caretaker.
Eight applications for the position of Head Greenkeeper were received. Paul McGrane was chosen to fill the position. William McGuinness was chosen as Caretaker, to commence the position as soon as possible, with an initial 6 month contract, reporting to the Vice Captain.
Progress was being made by Philip Bredin in securing two second-hand snooker tables at a cost of £3800.00 financed through a loan arrangement, with an additional £900.00 required for remedial work to accommodate the tables. Pat Hayde was co-opted to the House Committee to help run the Snooker. The cost was initially suggested at 50p per quarter hour on the tables. However this was later reduced to £1.50 per hour. Associate Members and Juniors were allowed to use the facility on Ladies Day up to 6pm. The restriction on the Ladies was removed at next Council Meeting.
The first issue of the Newsletter was planned for publication for 14th January.
At the second Council Meeting of the year on 8th December, the Captain stated following interviews, that the position for the Professional had been reduced to one candidate, and that reorganising of the Clubhouse would have to take place to facilitate a New Pro Shop along with Workshop space upstairs. Niall Murray was appointed as Club Professional and commenced employment on 3rd March under the responsibility of the Captain’s Office. The Captain formally opened the Pro Shop at 3.30pm on 4th March. Council later decided that the Professional could sell Club sweaters, ties and other apparel with the Club logo.
An “Easter Bonnet” Competition was held over Easter with dancing to George Hunter and his Band. The first 18 Hole Competition of the year, the Mooney Cup, was scheduled for 4th March with only 3 temporary greens in use on the day. After the Mooney Cup hollow tyning took place. Following the Mooney Cup an alteration to the time allowed to the Juniors was agreed, in that they be allocated a time at end of the time sheet rather than in the middle of major competitions.
At the February Council Meeting, the Hon. Treasurer appraised Council of the current financial situation. Interest rates were expected to increase. Council authorised the Captain, Hon Treasurer and Trustees to discuss and agree with Club bankers whatever measures necessary in the best interests of the Club to keep interest rates payable as low as possible. Following the discussions, the Hon. Treasurer informed Council that the overdrawn account would now be at a rate of 3% over DIBOR, an improvement of 2%. The Term Loan had also been re-negotiated at a fixed rate of 12 ½ % fixed over the next 3 years.
Eddie Hackett was consulted regarding the proposed course improvements including the planting of 200 trees, which he endorsed.
A Sonny Knowles event was deemed a success having shown a profit of £500.00.
A weekend away was agreed for Longford, however this was later changed to Enniscorthy, with 41 people travelling at a cost of £84.00 per golfer and £65.00 non-golfer.
The need for a policy on transitioning from Junior to Full Membership was discussed.
At the March Council Meeting, 530 Full, 182 Lady and 73 Junior members were now fully paid up, letters issued to non-payers and a fine of 10% levied on any Member renewing their Membership. Proposals for phased subscription payments discussed.
The previous year's accounts were now complete, showing a surplus of £4,000, as opposed to forecast loss of £1,000.
Snooker was now going well.
With the Summer golf season in full swing, control of time sheet queues had become an issue with a ticketing arrangement implemented. No-shows and late arrivals on the tee were an issue, with much discussion at Council as to the best method of dealing with the matter.
The projected income from Societies was envisaged at £12,000.00. This target was not reached.
By April all Wednesday Competitions were now sponsored up to September.
Reconstruction of the kitchen and bar area took place with a budget of £7000.00 allocated, along with partitions dividing the bar/dining area.
During this period the Main Greens were rested with play taking place on the temporary Greens. The Lady Captain later expressed disappointment that the greens were closed for their Tuesday Competition, but were opened on the following day for the Men’s Wednesday Competition.
A huge amount of development work was taking place on the Course with bunkers projects, reinstatement of Practice Green, G.U.R. areas outlined, while the full Course was scheduled to open on Saturday 29th May.
At the May Council Meeting, it was agreed that the Entrance Fee would be increased to £2000.00, £750.00 for Lady Associate, £375.00 if wife of Member with priority given to a Lady Associate who was the wife of a Member, £60.00 for Junior. There were a small number of vacancies, 8 for Full and 3 for Ladies with approx 60 applications for Full. It was noted that there was a very high standard of applicant. Later in the year a Corporate Membership was discussed with a report due back to Council.
The Caretaker did not have the use of the Clubhouse or Snooker room; he and his wife were made Honorary Pavilion Members which permitted them access for social purposes. This facility was also given to the Professional and Head Greenkeeper.
Open Week took place, with along with Social Nights, showing an overall profit of £8000.00 with a document prepared regarding their experience for future use.
Local Rules were reprinted along with New Cards showing the New Hole Indices for the Week. A New Handicap Class structure was implemented as follows:
- Class 1 5-11
- Class 2 12-17
- Class 3 18 – 28.
Golf Cups no longer played for were reclaimed from previous Winners.
At the Council Meeting of 13th July, the Captain informed Council that the contract for the Franchise with the Caterer was ending that night. Following discussions the decision was taken not to renew the contract as it was considered that the service received was unsatisfactory. Following this decision, temporary staff were employed to run the Bar and Catering as those staff had been direct employees of the Franchisee. The Captain and President were designated to meet the Franchisee and the Membership was informed of the changes. As the Liquor Licence was held by the Club the decision was taken that the Club would run the Bar. John Kennedy was appointed as Bar Manager later, his contract commenced on 18th September.
At the August Council Meeting, Tony Carroll reported severe regression in the progress of the Greens, particularly the 4th and 9th. It was not known what caused the problem. Soil samples were sent to the Agricultural Institute at Kinsealy for analysis. A campaign of Greens protection was put in place along with the Autumn Pole Forking Programme and some re-sodding where necessary. Dr Tom Kavanagh inspected the Greens on 29th September. His report was presented to Council at the October Meeting was accepted following detailed discussions, with some of the recommendations already in place. As the local Bypass was being altered, a large quantity of soil became available and it was suggested that some of it be used to build up the banking to the left of the 13th fairway and the possibility of mounding between the 15th and 16th fairways. It was agreed that an engineer appraise this, along with Eddie Hackett consulted also for his views. A number of trees adjoining various Greens were also under discussion for removal. Liam Dwyer, Tom Sheridan and Greens Chairman Tony Carroll met with Eddie Hackett and reported back to Council on 2nd November.
Eddie’s main items in his report were as follows:
- The infilling on the 13th was a good idea in principle.
- Placing mounds between 13th and 15th and 15and 16th did not meet his approval. This could be done better by planting mature trees.
- The cutting down of large trees in the vicinity of the 4th Green might be counterproductive and better results might be achieved by rebuilding the Green.
This last point was at variance with Dr Kavanagh’s report. Council asked Tony Carroll to contact Eddie Connaughton for his views and also to give an alternative design to the 8th Hole should it become necessary in the future. This was the first major indication in the Minutes of a forthcoming problem with our Greens.
The plastic underlay in the bunkers had not proved successful. This was removed along with checks on the sand being used undertaken.
Golf balls were crossing the boundary with Mr Whelan’s land to the left of the 6th and 7th fairways and the condition of the dividing wall. A notice was placed on the wall advising Members of the serious consequences of trespass on his land.
The Captain’s and Committee outing was scheduled for 1st September, with Council Members and prominent Sub-Committee Members taking part, followed by an informal meal later in the evening.
At the Council Meeting of 28th September, following the presentation of the draft accounts, which showed an excess of income over expenditure of £9427.00, the Term Loan stood at £250,000.00 compared to £297.000.00 at end of 1988, the overdraft stood at £80,000.00. A discussion took place as to how to reduce the overdraft with decisions being left to a later Council Meeting.
The G.U.I. was notified of our inability to hold the Pierce Purcell Shield in 1990.
The October Meeting saw an item with regard to Mr O Grady Peyton’s removing a wall abutting his property at the 9th Tee with the Captain to meet with Mr O Grady Peyton and report back. At the following Council Meeting the Captain reported that he had held a meeting with Mr O Grady Peyton, and agreed that Officials of the Club meet with him and his architect later in the week. The Club officials nominated were Philip Bredin, Liam Dwyer, Tony Carroll and John L Byrne.
The view of the Captain was that the Club was now in need of a Secretary/Manager. Council agreed.
Some time previously the Captain had set up a Planning Committee, which consisted of The Captain, Vice Captain, previous years Captain, Liam Carroll, President Ewan Byrne and Trustees Liam Dwyer and John L Byrne, with the purpose of preparing a 5 year plan to include the following:
- 1. The Club’s present status
- 2. A vision of the Club’s progress, and
- 3. The outside influences prevalent to affect changes.
As Captain, Eddie Moroney proposed Liam Dwyer as Captain for 1991, and this was agreed. Another item under discussion was how to deal with Junior/Student Members who were no longer eligible for that category. This was Transition Membership which was to go to the A.G.M. for approval.
At the A.G.M. held in the Clubhouse, the following officers were unopposed and deemed elected, for Council of 1990:
President, Ewan Byrne. Captain, Philip Bredin, Vice-Captain Liam Dwyer.Hon. Secretary, Ken Gleeson. Hon. Treasurer, Stuart Howarth.
Following a vote the following Council Members were elected:
Brendan Burke, Tom Sheridan, Paddy O Brien, Jim O Mahoney, John Dignam, Kieran Larkin, Tom Mulcahy and Sean Skehill.
The Hon. Treasurer reported an operating surplus on the year of £9427.00 with income of £260,034 and expenses of £250,607.00 and budget expenses for 1990 of £250,000.00 plus interest of £58,000.00. He stated that on the income side £76,000.00 was budgeted from Competitions, Societies, Green Fees Snooker and Fund Raising. He proposed that £232,000.00 would be raised from Members Subscriptions as follows: Full £350.00 Lady Members £197.00 to include 12 Vouchers, Transition Members £185.00 and Junior/Student £75.00 with rebates for wives at£20.00 and Juniors at £15.00. A number of motions were debated and passed. Those of note are as follows:
- 1. A deferred payment of subscriptions was introduced.
- 2. The a Corporate Membership be introduced.
- 3. Transition Membership be made available.
- 4. That whatever expenditure was necessary be spent to bring the Course up to an acceptable standard over the next 2 to 3 years.
Motion 4 was passed following a long discussion earlier on the reports awaited from Dr. Kavanagh, Eddie Hackett and Eddie Connaughton which the Captain undertook to make available at an E.G.M.
1990
Officers for 1990. President, Ewan Byrne, Captain, Philip Bredin, Vice-Captain, Liam Dwyer, Hon Secretary, Ken Gleeson, Hon. Treasurer, Stuart Howorth. Lady Captain, Maura O Brien. Council Members, Brendan Burke, Tom Sheridan, Paddy O Brien, Jim O Mahoney, John Dignam, Kieran Larkin, Tom Mulcahy Sean Skehill
The Captain’s Drive-In took place on 27th January, followed by a Social Night.
John L Byrne organised the first Club’s Past Captains Annual Competition which was held in the Grange Golf Club on 3rd May. The purpose of the get together with the current new Captain was to show their support to him and offer any assistance required during his year.
Again, 1990 proved to be a decisive year in the history of the Club. The major decision that was ahead at the early part of the year was to decide what to do with the Greens. Reports were prepared for Council by Eddie Connaughton on behalf of G.T.I which at that stage Eddie was employed by, along with a report by Dr. Tom Kavanagh of An Foras Talúntais, as our experts. A huge amount of background work was put in by Council Member Tom Sheridan in relation to the appointment of the consultants who were to advise on the implementation of the work that needed to be carried out on the Greens. Following a number of visits by each of the Consultants different opinions were expressed in their reports to Council. Council eventually opted for Eddie Connaughton’s remedy of replacing all of the original Greens, and implemented the decision with immediate effect. Temporary Greens 4, 5, and 9 were to be replaced immediately to Eddie’s specifications. A number of options were proposed by various people but in the end it was decided to proceed with the plan to replace the Greens. Following the resignation of Dr. Kavanagh as Consultant, and having investigated some of the works carried out by Eddie Connaughton and Clubs where he remained a Consultant, Eddie Connaughton was appointed as Club Consultant and to oversee the work. Eddie Connaughton agreed to underwrite his proposals. This had major implications for the finances of the Club. A lot of time in discussion was spent devising a formula that would be acceptable to be put to the Membership at an E.G.M. which was called for later on. Views were expressed that they could not proceed with these works without informing the Membership and raising additional funds to cover the work involved. As a result of loss of income due to the Greens situation, close scrutiny took place on all costs, expenditures and the bank overdraft. During this period a lot of effort was put into fund raising/social activities with a Race Night raising in excess of £10,000.00. These works required led the Hon Treasurer later proposing an increase in subscriptions for the following year. Having agreed a plan the work was put out to tender with three companies replying giving prices between £129,000.00 and 187,929.00. Aidan Blaney Developments had submitted the lowest tender and on this basis it was agreed that discussions would take place with all the parties involved, the Club represented by Greens Chairman Tom Sheridan, Eddie Connaughton, Eddie Hackett and Aidan Blaney to finalise what extra works, bunkers, drains additions and fees were required in-line budget costs. It was also included that at this stage the 8th hole be moved to what is its current location.
An E.G.M, which was held in the Clubhouse on 21st February, was attended by 330 Members.Following the recommendation of Council it was provided that the following levies should be introduced: - 25 Life Memberships to be created at a cost of £4000.00, in addition to the Club Levy.
25 Life Memberships to be created at a cost of £4000.00, in addition to the Club Levy. Full Members levy of £150.00 or payable over 3 years at £60.00 per year Lady Members to pay £60.00 or 3 yearly payments of £24.00 The Budget for the works was as follows: -
- Greens, Drains and Mounds - £200,000.00
- Bunkers around Greens - £20,000.00
- Consultants and Legal fees - £14,000.00
- Extras to Contract - £16,000.00
- Total Budget - £250,000.00
To be financed as follows: -
Funds from current maintenance programme - £20,000.00
Funds from following years programme - £17,000.00
25 Life Memberships - £100,000.00
Membership Levy - £93,000.00
Entry Fees from New Members - £20,000.00
Total - £250,000.00
As the Club’s Greens had only been a couple of years down, Council decided an investigation was necessary to establish the cause and who bore responsibility. A Sub-Committee was established. Having reviewed all the paperwork, spoken to all the people involved and following receipt of legal advice, it was agreed by Council to not to take any further action on the matter at that point.
In the background at this time the O’Grady Peyton case was ongoing, whereby Mr O’Grady Peyton had commenced an extension to his property to the left of our 9th Tee Box, which had infringed the boundary dividing the two properties. Legal opinion was sought by the Trustees. Later following correspondence between the legal representatives for both sides, the case was brought to Court and heard on 10th April, with judgement scheduled for 27th April. The judgement went against the Club; the Judge had agreed Club Title to said lands, but had in fact given the lands in question to Mr O’Grady Peyton. Following the decision, Council considered appealing the decision and having received further legal opinion decided against an appeal. Agreement was later reached between both parties on the boundaries and a cordial relationship was established. The Irish Times featured an article referring to the court case.
A number of amendments to the Constitution were discussed during the year with a view to having them ready for the A.G.M.; the main one being that the Trustees not be a member of Council, but be aware of all the decisions of Council. This was passed at the A.G.M.
To help raise additional funds Council agreed to promote the availability of 10 Corporate Members within the Club during the year.
At the A.G.M. held on 28th November, a motion for a bar levy was proposed by Sean Donnelly and seconded by Charlie Nangle. This motion was passed. Council had yet to decide the amount, as this was not stated in the motion. It was later agreed by Council at £50.00.