Home > History of Old Conna Golf Club > Years 1997 - 2001

Years 1997 - 2001

1997

President, Dermot Hitchcock. Captain, Tom Maguire. Vice Captain, Jim Colgan. Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer, Eddie Kenna. Lady Captain, Ann Quinlan. Council Members, Jim Brooks. Neville Thompson, Philip Brennan, Dave Wilkie, Derek Rath, John Mooney, Gerry O Doherty, Peter Wallace, Tom Maguire and Eamon O Sullivan.

Paddy O Brien was co-opted to Council to replace Eamon O’Sullivan who resigned during the early part of the year. Peter Wallace also resigned during the year following the taking up of a position in Spain.

At its first Meeting, Council agreed that a long-term Planning Committee should be established following the disbanding of the Development Committee after the S.G.M in June 1996. The Committee comprised of Vice Captain, Hon Secretary, Hon Treasurer, Tony Sayers, Gerry Kestell, Michael Watson, Paula Healy, Pat Hayde and Pat Trundle. All major projects were included in the Long Term Plan, with only necessary ongoing maintenance completed on a week to week basis. Later in the year, the proposals were discussed at length prior to finalisation for discussion by Members. At a S.G.M. held on the 7th November, the Constitution Review was presented to Members and following discussion was passed on a show of hands. This New Constitution split the operation of the Club into two different Committees; the Administrative Committee and the Captain’s Committee with The Chairman and Secretary, Match & Handicap Secretary and Course & Greens Chairman directly elected to the Admin. Committee.

The situation with regard to when time sheets were available, and where, was discussed many times with particular pressure on time sheets for the Captain’s Drive-In. The result of these discussions was that two shotgun competitions were implemented with the first competition commencing at 10.30 am.

A protocol was established for the selection of Team Managers and Selectors for the Men’s Club, while funding was approved for Juniors to enter external competitions with encouragement given to Junior Girls to take part in competitions. The change of time for the Juniors from Saturday to Sunday was proving successful with the suggestion that this time after the Ladies be made permanent.

The G.U.I. requested the use of the Course as a venue for the Pierce Purcell Shield in 1998 which was granted.

During the early part of the year a letter was received from Mrs O’Grady Peyton outlining proposals for landscaping on lands belonging to Old Conna. This was referred for investigation by the Captain and the Vice Captain, who reported having consulted with the Club’s legal advisers; we had a responsibility to protect her property from golf balls and to seek the advice of our architect. Council was concerned that the Club might lose the use of the Tee unless there was a resolution of the issue. Later an agreement was reached on the issue to everyone’s satisfaction.

At this time many successful social functions were held, including events for St. Valentine’s Day, and The Glasnevin Musical Society had an evening on 22nd February with an Irish Night on 16th March. The weekend away was scheduled to take place from 19th to 21st September, with accommodation in the Royal Hoey Hotel and Golf at Glasson and Athlone. A Barbecue was organised for 31st May with the 10th Anniversary Celebrations arranged for 27th July. A Race Night held on 27th September produced a profit of approx £6,000.00.

The Southern Section of the P.G.A. wrote a letter of thanks for the fine test of Golf and Clubhouse facilities enjoyed by them at their recent outing. Later a decision was made not to partake in the G.U.I. Open Week format as from experience, due to the small return financially and the wear and tear on the Course. It was decided instead to hold at least two Open Invitation only Competitions.

As was usual in Golf Clubs at this time, Corporate Membership was an ongoing form and important source of funds and Members, due to the Membership being full and Corporate Membership provided a way for both Men and Ladies to become Members, however, there was no guarantee Corporate Membership would lead to Full Membership. Many new Members came through this route over the years. In April, the number of vacancies was 4 Corporate, 7 Ordinary, 5 Ladies, and 2 5 Day. Council was also expressing concern at the pressure on the First Tee at weekends.

A get together of new Members was held on 11th September.

Following the commencement of the 18 Hole Competitions, the formation of the Mid Week Competitions took place to give 5 Day, Senior and Ordinary Members competitions for handicap purposes. The time sheets were regularly full and Sponsorship obtained. A new computer for the Handicap System was installed, with only a few Members not using the System. It was agreed by a vote that all entries for Open Week was to be pre paid.

The effect of the mounding to the right of the 18th fairway was referred to in the STRI report, with Council agreeing that the work having being completed and grass growing so it would remain as was. Further development work was referred to the Long Term Planning Committee. Tree surgery was complete, as per the Trees Report drawn up for the Club by our Member, Jack Gardiner.

A discussion took place regarding the necessity for the Club to be aware of any proposed sale of neighbouring land with first refusal to be offered to the Club. The Vice Captain was designated to deal with this matter.

The upgrading of the Clubhouse was examined with a view to improving the facilities for Members and Societies. The inadequacy of the facilities was highlighted at a Best Cup match, along with a visiting Society having to make way during their prize giving for the Best Cup Teams.

A report was requested on the availability of water in the event of it being required by the Greens, with the report stating that a daily requirement of 17,730 gallons required for the watering of Tees and Greens only. If fairways were included 53,000 gallons would be required. Two wells were bored, with one dry and the second expected to yield 4,000 gallons per day. The STRI requirement for additional storage of 500,000 gallons was suggested by way of an additional lined reservoir.

Old Conna’s Jimmy Bruen Team beat Beech Park G.C. in the area final played in the Grange G.C. The Leinster Final was scheduled to be played in Foxrock G C on the 26th July. Unfortunately, Old Conna was unsuccessful. It was noticed that not all team members in the various team competitions were wearing the Club colours, with instructions issued “No Team Colours, No Play”.

Following the installation of an alternative Green at the 9th with the possibility of balls entering Aravon School due to its positioning, a Ball Stop Fence was installed.

A complete survey of the boundary was carried out with a video camera, with the boundary to the left of the 8th requiring attention.

At the August Meeting, the Treasurer reported that income continued to remain buoyant and should the Club remained prudent, budgets for the year would be met.

Discussions took place with regard to the nominee for President at the A.G.M. with Adhamhnan MacGinley going forward as the Council’s nominee.

In November, the Treasurer reported an operating surplus of £43,170.00, showing an increase of £11,510.00 on the previous year, while stressing the importance of the Corporate Membership which was approx 9% of total income. He proposed a £15.00 pro-rata increase in the subscription for 1998.

1998

Officers for 1998: President, Adhamhnan MacGinley, Captain, Jim Colgan, Vice Captain, Paddy O Brien, Hon. Secretary, Jim Colgan. Hon. Treasurer, Eddie Kenna. Lady Captain, Nessa Ring. Trustees, Ken Gleeson, Michael F Griffin and Jim Lee. Council Members. Gerry O Doherty, Eddie Groves, Michael Kilkenny, Pat Hayde, Tony Kynes, Dave Wilkie, and John Morris.

This year the operation of the Club was divided between Council and the Administrative Committee which comprised of Eddie Groves, Chairman, Michael Kilkenny, Hon. Secretary, John Morris, Greens and Eddie Kenna, Hon. Treasurer along with the Secretary/Manager, Dave Diviney.

The Constitution had been altered at the A.G.M. in 1997 to divide the running of the Club into two Committees, The Captain’s Committee, Council, and the Administrative (Admin) Committee. The business and affairs of the Club, other than Social, were under the Administrative Committee. Due to the split of responsibilities and to avoid duplication, the overall detail of the year is set out below.

At the Admin Meeting of 7th January the Admin Committee proposed to Council changes to entrance fees as follows:

Full	£3500 from £3250
Lady	£1750, from £1625
5 Day	£ 2000, from £1900
Pavilion	£350 from £325
Corporate	£5,500 + VAT, no change

Council later agreed those figures. They approved a request for a computer facility to manage handicaps and expenditure not exceeding £2000.00.

At the first Council Meeting of 1998, the Captain referred to the decisions regarding the Development Plan and the building brief agreed at the recent A.G.M.; Council had to make decisions in relation to the appointment of a panel of architects to submit plans for approval by the Membership. Council approved that the Officers of the Club approve the panel and the design team.

As the year progressed, the architect panel was agreed as the Captain, Jim Colgan, Hon Treasurer, Eddie Kenna, and Pat Hayde. The Design Team was Pat Trundle, Eddie Groves and Brendan Burke. The time scale proposed was as follows:

 Architect appointed by end of January

 Plans approved by Membership by end of May

 Planning Permission by end of September

 Building to commence in October with completion by April 1999.

It was agreed that the design team consult with as broad of range of the Membership as possible to achieve the most favourable results.

During the year legal proceedings took place between the Tenant and the Landlord to determine Title to the “Cabbage Patch” to the rear of the 14th Tee. Gerry Kestell was active in the mapping details. Later in the year a special Sub-Committee comprising of Jim Colgan and Eddie Kenna was established to deal with the Club’s boundary interests.

As per the Development Plan agreed at the A.G.M., verti draining and sanding of the fairways, over 1,100 tonne of sand was used and was completed while work on the irrigation system was also undertaken at a cost of £94,869.00 plus V.A.T. Work was also planned with drawings being produced for the pond at the 14th Green along with some bunker work as part of the Winter Programme. A second reservoir with a capacity of 800,000 gallons was also constructed, which along with the irrigation system exceeded the budget somewhat.

Due to savings achieved in the purchase of materials both balanced out. Concern at the condition of the Greens was expressed by many Council Members and Members generally to the extent that a special meeting was called for 9th July which was addressed by Ian McClements of STRI along with our Head and Assistant Greenkeepers to deal with the problem. Bad weather during the year had helped neither the growth on the Course nor the completion of the works planned.

As part of the improvement, new staff facilities for the Greenkeepers was erected at a cost of £35,000.00 including VAT.

A S.G.M. held on 8th June was called with the following motions:

 1. Change the Constitution to allow Members of the Administrative Committee serve 2 years with the Secretary and Hon. Treasurer following the change that took place the previous A G M that mistakenly changes the Treasurer’s Term to 1 year. This Motion was passed on a show of hands.

 2. Purchase of additional land from Mr Whelan at corner of 7th fairway. Following many complaints from Mr Whelan over time of golf balls entering his property and affecting his farming operation, discussions had taken place and agreement reached for Old Conna to purchase approx one and a half acres of his land at a cost of £145.000.00. This was to be financed through borrowings without imposition of a levy. This motion was passed which also secured our boundaries there for the future.

 3. Clubhouse Development.

 4. Financial Package. A number of architects were invited to submit proposals for the new Clubhouse with Stewart Sinnot Studios selected as offering the best design within budget.

The brief included: -

 a new Members Bar overlooking the 18th Green.

 Separate dining and function room to accommodate 200 people.

 Increased Locker Rooms for Ladies and Gents.

 Improved admin and staff facilities.

 A modern kitchen conforming to Health & Safety standards.

The overall Clubhouse budget was envisaged at £850,000.00 with the additional land purchase of £145,000.00 along with planned expenditure on the Course of £210.636.00, current loan balance £54,000.00 and contingency funds of £40,000.00 bringing the total to £1,300,146.00. This was to be financed by a Term Loan over 20 years, with interest rates expected to fall during the drawdown of the loan. With the new facilities it was expected that New Entrants, increased Green Fees and corporate activities would meet the extra payments with no imposition of a levy required. On a show of hands the Motion was accepted.

Later, when quotes for the building work were beginning to come in, Council was surprised at the variance in the quotes from the original estimates given by the architects and a number of changes to the original plans were implemented in order to keep the project within budget. A meeting between the Administrative Committee, architect, builder, Captain and Hon. Treasurer was approved, giving them authority to award the contract. The contract was awarded to Abwood Ltd., subject to the limits of expenditure imposed by Council. At the Council Meeting on 5th October Council approved of the revised building costs of £950,000.00 with fit out to come in at £1,240,000.00 included. The Treasurer detailed that including professional fees the complete development total would be £1,500,000.00 with the current facility at £1,300,000.00 the ongoing work on the Course would have to be derived from yearly income. The interest rate charged was to be 5.5% plus the bank’s margin.

Building work commenced on 20th October with temporary facilities put in place for 2 changing rooms, Bar, and Office.

A request for an improvement grant was made to the R & A, however it was not acceded too.

At the yearend in August the Treasurer reported a surplus of £9000.00.

From the A.G.M. the previous year, the motion to refund part of the Entrance Fees was again under discussion by Council, but no further action was taken on the matter.

The Junior Cup Team won the Leinster Final with the All Ireland Semi-Final to be played at Athlone G.C. on the 17th September, which they went on to win.

The Entrance Fee for Ordinary Members was set at £4900.00 while Corporate Membership was set at £10,125.00 to include V.A.T.

During the A.G.M. a discussion took place in relation to the fact that the budget for the Clubhouse had now exceeded the amount voted for at the S.G.M. Explanations were given by the various parties involved.

1999

President, Adhanhnan MacGinley. Captain, Paddy O’Brien, Vice Captain, Eddie Groves, Hon. Secretary, Richie Mason. Hon. Treasurer, Eddie Kenna, Lady Captain, Rita Purcell. Chairman Administrative Committee, Tom Maguire. Council Members. Gerry O’Doherty, Pat Hayde, Michael Kilkenny, Dave Wilkie, John Morris, Tony Kynes, Jim Colgan.

The System for Administration of the Club’s business was still split between Council and the Administrative Committee, which comprised of the President Adhamhnan MacGinley, Captain, Paddy O’Brien, Vice Captain, Eddie Groves, Richie Mason, Tony Kynes, Pat Hayde, Jim Colgan, Gerry O Doherty and Dave Wilkie. The Lady Captain, Rita Purcell and Secretary Manager also attended.

In the early part of the year Council was again concerned at the condition of the Course and briefed the Secretary/Manager to discuss the issues involved with the Head Greenkeeper and to seek a remedy for same. However, later in the year questions were raised at Council as to his competence in keeping the Course to a standard acceptable to Council and the Membership. At the A.G.M. on the 8th December the incoming Council was instructed to take any and all necessary steps to bring the Course to a reasonable standard and ensure that it was maintained to that standard.

A numbers of projects were in hand to be completed before the main golfing season, new Ladies tees on 1st, 4th and 13th holes also with a new winter Tee.

As part of the ongoing improvements coming about a new Computer system for handicapping purposed was put in place.

Bunker redesign on 3rd and 17th was proposed. A catch all drain above 4th Green to eliminate water flowing onto the playing surface. Contouring and mounding on 3rd and 7th Green. Along with plans to develop the water feature on the 14th and construct a path with access the 15th tee Box. The 18th medal Tee was to be levelled and re-turfed.

As the Summer golfing season was exceptionally dry, concern was raised as to the amount of water available for use on the Course; plans were discussed for the improvement of the storage capacity in the future. The project was handed over by Council to a New Development Committee under the auspices of the Administrative Committee which would look at the various improvements required on the Course. The Development Committee consisted of John Morris, Gerry Kestel, Ron Mason and Richard Shakespeare.

The Captain’s Drive-In was scheduled to take place on 24th April to coincide with the opening of the New Clubhouse, however due to the late handover of the Clubhouse and because of bad weather, the Drive-In and official opening was re-scheduled to take place on 15th May. Again this was further re-scheduled to 29th May.

Junior Members Paul McDonald and Mark Kynes were selected for Ireland to play in the Boys International against Wales. These were the first International Caps gained by a Member of Old Conna Golf Club.

2000

President, Michael Cluskey, Captain, Eddie Groves. Vice Captain, Tony Hennessy. Hon. Secretary, Jim Scott, Hon Treasurer, Alan Lyons, Sec. Administration Council Richie Mason, Match & H’Cap Secretary, Derek Rath. Council Members, Richard Gleeson, Marc O Connor, Gerry O Toole.

At the first Council Meeting, the Captain, Eddie Groves, welcomed both old and new Council Members and in particular the new Lady Captain, Breda Naughton. He went on to stress the need for Council confidentially in all matters, while the President, Michael Cluskey, stated that he intended to issue a monthly joint Full and Ladies Clubs Newsletter to keep Members informed of all developments.

Again, Council Minutes refer to Meetings of the Administrative Committee, of which neither their Minutes nor their financial reports are available. As such reference is only made to the particular item referred to.

The Millennium Night was held to bring in the new Century, which was a great success. It was considered that for future events greater account would have to be taken of Fire Regulations due to numbers attending.

The minutes are not clear as to the situation that prevailed with the Caterer, as the minutes of the 18th January states that the immediate task was to find a suitable Caterer. This was passed to the Admin. Committee.

A revised Entrance Fee structure was adopted for 2000 as follows:

Ordinary	£5250
Lady	£2620
5 Day	£3000
Pavilion	£525.00
Corporate	£9000.00 plus V.A.T.

The Entrance Fee for Corporate Membership was to be reviewed. Later this was reduced to £7500.00 plus V.A.T., along with a Corporate Brochure and Letter sent out to 200 Companies.

Ongoing meetings were taking place at this time between the Admin. Committee and the Head Greenkeeper to ensure that the presentation of the Course was up to standard at all times, to the extent that the Captain strongly expressed views in this regard and would continue to monitor progress. Later in June, the Captain expressed satisfaction with the state of the Course and that Secretary/Manager was to agree a work programme with Ian McClements for submission to Council at the July Meeting.

Two new machines were leased, a Fairway Mower and a Rough Cutter.

The Course toilets were officially opened on St Patricks Day by the Secretary/Manager.

Installation of the Greens irrigation system commenced.

Aidan Blaney, contractor for the Course, was employed to carry out the Winter Course Improvement Programme starting in mid October. Work was carried out on bunkers on the 9th, 10th, 12th, 17th and 18th.

Council was concerned at the progress of work on the snag list with the Club architect writing to the builder seeking his agreement to have the work completed by another builder at a cost in the region of £18,000.00 plus V.A.T. At the Meeting of 18th September this had increased to a minimum of £40,000.00. A report was also received that faulty wiring and electrical issues were to be included in the list.

Many complaints were being made in relation to the Caterer, with arrangements made to terminate his contract as soon as a replacement was in place.

A Special Council Meeting held on 14th August discussed an urgent letter from Club Solicitors with regard to the Intoxicating Liquor Act 2000 which changed the rules in relation to sale of alcohol in Clubs. As the Club Constitution needed to be changed to comply with the new Act, a Special General Meeting was called by Council for 11th September to make the necessary changes to enable us to renew our Licence later in September.

A Sub-Committee of Abe Campbell and Gerry Kestell was established to improve access to the main entrance gate, with their proposals requiring Planning Permission. An estimate of a minimum cost of £25,000.00 was involved and the project was deferred.

Concern was raised on a number of occasions during the year by Council at the number of Members who failed to turn up for their prizes at prize giving.

At the Council Meeting of 11th April, the accounts were presented for the period 1st September – 29th February, this being the quietest period in a golf club, a deficit of £89,000.00 was shown. At this stage there was 15 Ordinary and 4 Lady Vacancies with 2 Corporate Members having joined and 10 Corporate vacancies available. Later there was 26 Corporate Members with 4 vacancies in the Class. All the normal vacancies were duly filled with the unsuccessful applicants offered Pavilion Membership.

A Social Evening was held for new Members including Corporate and Lady Members.

At the July Meeting, the Hon. Treasurer expressed serious concern at the continued deficit shown in the accounts for the 9 month period ending 31st May and outlined the areas that needed to be addressed to improve the situation. It was agreed to set up two Sub-Committees under the Admin Committee (1) to generate alternative sources and (2) to generate cost reduction alternatives. This Sub-Committee was later subsumed into the work of the Administrative Committee.

A number of cattle were found to be encroaching on the Course; fences were checked.

Also during the year students from the Spanish School were coming on to the Course and removing balls from the 13th Green.

A ball stop fence was erected at the boundary by the 9th Green to stop balls entering Aravon School.

The checking of Weekend Competition cards was implemented to ensure that they met the deadline for the newspapers.

A proposal for a Dermot Hitchcock Memorial Cup was suggested by Marc O’Connor subject to agreement from his wife, Marie. This Competition took place and the family later expressed their sincere thanks to all involved. It was an enjoyable and successful day. This Competition still takes place each year. Marc was also at this stage involved in the setting up of the Old Conna Website.

Outline Planning Permission for 9 houses at Jubilee Hall on Ballyman Road, to the left of the 14th fairway, was refused. An appeal was lodged. This was also refused. Later in the year permission was refused for 3 houses at the back of the 3rd Tee.

Over the year many Club teams played in external Competitions with mixed results, however details are not available in minutes. There were also a number of Social and Corporate nights held.

The Ladies won the Boyne Trophy. The Team consisted of O McDonald, M O’Brien, D Meade, O Dignam, E, Moroney, A Coyle, J Casey, P McGrath, K Cullen, M McCann, A Mc Kenna, J O’Leary, M O’Neill and E O’Brien.

The Corporate Day was sponsored by ESAT.

Equality Legislation was being discussed. Changes were expected to be made to the Constitution, and it was agreed to keep the matter under review. On 6th November a Special Information Meeting was held in the Clubhouse, the legislation having come into force on 25th October.

The A.G.M. took place in the Clubhouse on December 6th, with the President, Michael Cluskey as Chairman.

The Hon. Treasurer’s Report (having been previously circulated) gave a detailed explanation of the factors involved in the deficit. Following wide ranging discussions the report was adopted on a show of hands.

The proposed Fee structure for 2001 was as follows:

Full	£580
6 Day	£464
5 Day	£348
Transition	£290
Overseas/Country	£290
Senior	£125
Junior	£120
Pavilion	£200

The following transfer fees were presented:

Lady to Full	£2625
Lady to 5 or 6 Day	No charge

A proposal from the floor to introduce a bar & restaurant levy of £200.00 was referred to the Incoming Council. Under A.O.B. a huge number of points were raised to be taken into account by Incoming Council under Constitution, equality, consultation with Members, the role of the Administrative Council and the situation as regards the amount of money withheld from the builder.

2001

President Michael Cluskey. Captain, Tony Hennessy. Vice Captain, Dick Gleeson. Hon. Secretary, Jim Scott. Hon. Treasurer, Alan Lyons. Lady Captain Myra Glynn. Chairman - Admin. Committee, Neville Thompson. Richie Mason, Alan Lyons and Philip Brennan. The Sec/Manager also attended Meetings. Match and H’Cap Secretary, Pat Hayde. Course & Greens, Philip Brennan. Council Members Marc O’Conner and Gerry O’Toole. Trustees. Michael F Griffin, Tony Kynes and Jim Lee.

This was another year when responsibilities were divided between the Admin. Committee and Council. At the initial Council Meeting, held on 14th December 2000, on a proposal from the Vice Captain and seconded by the Captain, it was agreed that Sean O’Neill be co opted to Council to assume the Juniors portfolio.

Discussion also took place with regard to setting up an Equality Committee with clear terms of reference to review the Constitution along with the holding of a Special General Meeting on 21st February 2001, with the main purpose to discuss the financial situation in the Club and impose a Capital Levy. This S.G.M. was subsequently cancelled.

The proposal from the Admin. Committee to Council was that the Equality Committee consist of the following Members: Jim Scott, Chairman, Richie Mason, Eddie Moroney, Tom Sheridan, Ken Gleeson, Pat Monaghan, and Philip Bredin. The Lady Members were asked to form a separate Sub-Committee and that their views would be taken into consideration when drafting the New Constitution. Later two Lady Members were added to this Committee. Their names are not available.

In view of the serious financial situation a decision was made to charge a fee to the Spina Bifida for the use of the Course on the Friday of £1000.00; the going rate for subsequent years along with each year’s Captain to decide which Charities were supported.

The problems with the builder and the snag list continued along with difficulties in complying with Fire and Safety Regulations adding to costs.

The Caretaker had resigned his position and an advertisement was placed for the position.

Discussions by the Admin. Committee were also taking place with the Professional Paul McDaid regarding the opening hours of the Pro shop. This was to be reviewed in a further two months. Later, following further discussions with the Professional, at the November Council Meeting, it was agreed that the Professional’s contract be terminated giving him one months notice, with effect from 1st January 2002.

A Council Meeting took place on 12th March with the sole purpose of discussing the financial situation , with the Admin Committee having budgeted for a deficit of £30,000.00 but was expected to reach £50.000.00 due to the impact of the bad weather. Bar turnover and income from Societies was down along with the Bar margin. A Capital payment of £60,000.00 and a Capital re-payment was also due for the current year. It was imperative that Council proposed to the Members a New Constitution and also proposals reducing Club borrowings by either increasing our Membership numbers or imposing a levy. The bank had deferred the first payment of the loan by six months. It was also agreed that the Entrance Fee be increased to £7,500.00. A letter of concern was received, in April, from the bank regarding the financial situation.

An E.G.M. took place on 26th June with the purpose of adopting a New Constitution. This was rejected by the attending Membership.

A special Sub-Committee of Council of the Captain, Tony Hennessy, Vice Captain Dick Gleeson and the ex Officio, Eddie Groves was established to go through the proposed Constitution and submit alternative proposals for the next Council Meeting with a view to holding a further S.G.M. later. Again, a Special General Meeting took place on 24th September. The only item on the Agenda was the replacement of the Constitution to reflect both the Equality Laws which stated that Men and Ladies must be treated equally in all aspects of the Club. This time the proposals submitted for the New Constitution by Council were adopted, with the first item on the next Council Meeting, the dates for the first inaugural General Meetings under the New Constitution to take place as follows: Men’s Club 19th November 2001, Ladies Club 20th November and the Parent Club 5th December 2001. This Constitution with amendments is the current Constitution under which Council, the Parent Club, Men’s Golf Club and Ladies Golf Clubs operate with Council looking after the Business end and the Golf Clubs the Golf.

At the October Council Meeting there were 13 vacancies for Full and 7 for 5 Day Membership with 120 applications. A special Sub-Committee was formed to interview the applicants of Eddie Groves, Richie Mason, Gerry O’Toole and Jim Scott. Part of the criteria used was relationship to current Member, Corporate Membership, relationship to proposer and seconder, and number of years waiting for Membership.

Due to the drop in turnover in the Bar, the Hon. Treasurer proposed to Council that at the forthcoming A.G.M., a motion to introduce a Bar Levy of £100.00 be introduced. Council accepted this, and was amended to €130.00 for the A.G.M.

From the A.G.M. of 2000 there remained unfinished business relating to the refund of 50% of the entrance fee to be returned on relinquishing their Membership, providing they had been a Member for 5 years. This Motion was defeated on a show of hands.

As the Euro was introduced in 2002 the following monetary Values are shown in Euro (€). £1 (One Irish Punt) equalled €1.27.

The following Subscriptions were adopted on a show of hands:

Full	€863
Lady	€465
5 Day	€507
Country Full	€431
Senior	€171
Transition	€431
Country Lady	€233
Junior	€152
Pavilion	€288

A successful Corporate Day took place and later Council proposed a vote of thanks to Sean Donnelly for all his work in raising substantial funds from Corporate Membership and the Corporate Day.

A protocol was agreed with regard to expenses allowed for the various Club Teams along with an increase in visitors Green Fees for Mid Week competitions to £15.00, with Weekend Semi Opens being later reduced to £12.00.

Sponsorship was also forthcoming for Mid Week and Weekend Competitions, along with AXA sponsoring the Juniors. During the year Kevin Purcell won 1st place in the Dublin Boys in the Grange. Donal Gleeson won 2nd in the Dublin Boys, 3rd in the Weetabix at Luttrellstown, and 3rd in the Irish Boys at Donaghadee.

A decision was taken not to re enter the Best Cup, mainly because of abuse by Clubs of the original criteria for selecting Teams. It was considered that the Old Conna Seniors and the Powerscourt were more relevant Competitions.

Again, Dress Code within the Club and the use of mobile phones was an issue.

G.U.I. coaching was offered to a number of our Juniors.

Competitions entered included Pierce Purcell, J B Carr, Junior Cup, Barton Cup, Powerscourt Cup, Best Cup and Old Conna Invitation Cup.

An upgrade of the computer system for handicap purposes was discussed at a cost of €3000.00

During the year a number of projects took place on the Course, with new path being put in place, verti draining and sanding of fairways, along with the purchase of new machinery, and a new temporary Green at the 18th. The issue of the 11th Green was raised again subject to budget being available. Ian McClements presented a comprehensive written report to the Admin. Committee in September outlining the current condition of the Course along with a Winter Works Programme.