Home > History of Old Conna Golf Club > Years 2002 - 2006

Years 2002 - 2006

2002

President, Eddie Moroney. Captain, Dick Gleeson. Vice-Captain, Michael Kilkenny. Lady Captain, Anne Fagan. Hon. Secretary, Anne Coyle. Hon. Treasurer, Charles Purcell, Greens Chairman, Philip Brennan. Council Members Michael Kilkenny, Philip Bredin. Trustees, Tom Maguire, Eamon O’Sullivan and Gerry O Toole.

This proved to be a difficult year for all Members of Council again, with many difficult decisions being taken.

Following the changes made to the Constitution during 2001, the President outlined to Council that the Council’s primarily responsibility was to act in the best interests of the Membership. It was considered that important decisions must not wait for the next Council meeting and the importance of collective responsibility, confidentiality and respect re-iterated. Communication between Council and Membership was important as a number of challenging items were ahead, particularly in relation to finance, the Professional, and equal status, along with all the regular Management issues. Other issues from the A.G.M. included the 50% refund of the Entrance Fees with a Sub-Committee established to review the matter with draft discussion documents produced.

Agreement was reached with the Professional Paul McDaid with regard to the timing of his departure from the Club which took place on the 31st January, along with temporary arrangements for the Pro Shop. A Sub Committee of the President, Lady Captain, Philip Bredin and Philip Brennan was set up to find a suitable replacement, with Council having to approve any replacement. Following a campaign twenty Professionals applied with ten being shortlisted. Ciaran Carroll started in June.

With equal status now in place, playing rights were addressed as a matter of urgency.

Confirmation that the Club would not enter the Best Cup was given. Later following representations from the Management of the Best Cup Team, agreement was reached on the budget along with practise times for a team to take part.

Following on from discussions regarding the working of the contract, agreement was reached later in the year with the Caterer to continue with a new contract. At the end of the year, further discussions with the Caterer with regard to a new contract were in progress.

Green Fees were agreed for 2002 as follows, €45.00, With Member, €22.00. Pavilion €22.00 Bank Holiday €60.00 with Member €30.00.

Following a letter from Members requesting an E.G.M. to again discuss the 50% refund, Council agreed to hold this E.G.M. with a recommendation that Council oppose the motion, following legal opinion and the submission of the Sub-Committee. The motion was lost at the E.G.M.

At the February Meeting, Council received the 4 months accounts to the end of December, which showed a deficit and to which a review of the controlling of the system took place.

In March, Council agreed that the Entrance Fee for the coming year be €10,500.00, and that close scrutiny would be put on the applicants for Membership, with Full Membership being filled from other categories within the Club. At this stage 104 Lady Associated had become Full Members. In April there were 7 definite Full vacancies and 2, 5 Day. A Marketing Sub-Committee of the Vice Captain, Marc O’Connor and Sean Donnelly was established to Market the Club.

As the representative of STRI, Ian McClements, was replaced by Conor Nolan, concern was expressed that vital knowledge of our situation would be lost.

A visit by the New York Fire Fighters took place on the 14th March, with Green Fees being waived for them.

Work on the Course had been disrupted over time due to very poor weather over many months, however the renovation work on the 5th tee was complete.

An investigation took place into the installation, working and costs of the irrigation system over the previous couple of years, along with a review of payments made, and to try to determine where responsibility for the problems lay. At the August Meeting further discussions took place having received legal opinion and later in October proceedings were issued against Advanced Irrigation.

Golf balls entering Mrs Mulrooney’s property was a cause of concern, which later meant that Ball Stop Fencing was needed, for which planning permission was required. Mounds were erected along the left hand side of the 9th fairway. At the same time the land purchased from Mr. Whelan to the left of the 7th Hole was also fenced off. Due to the planning requirements this work was not completed until the following year.

At the Meeting of 27th April, the Treasurer presented Management accounts for the 7 month period, which showed an increased deficit from the earlier accounts. The Treasurer requested that Management accounts be prepared to end of April to bring the position more up to date so that decisions could be made, as Members would have to be advised of the situation. At this Meeting a settlement had been agreed with the General Manager following his departure. Following an advert for the position of General Manager, 22 applications were received with an interviewing panel of the President, Eddie Moroney, Philip Bredin, Anne Coyle and Michael Kilkenny established. The Interview Panel went through the applications and was of the opinion that most were overly qualified or had no Club experience. Those that were qualified or experienced were not considered strong candidates. Tom Sheridan was offered the position following a number of interviews and a contract was agreed, with Tom commencing as General Manager on 1st August 2002. Tom’s background in Waterford was managing Williamstown Golf Course and Greenkeeping experience.

The snag list on the Clubhouse was still under discussion regarding payment. A visit by the Fire Officer highlighted additional items of concern. Later in the year final approval was given to settle outstanding payments to both Abwood and Lynch’s for the snag list.

Official Club Sweaters were issued to both Vice Captain’s to identify their position in the Club.

A letter was received from Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council notifying the Club that consultants would enter the lands to determine if a Waste Disposal Site could be considered for the area. Council went to Bray District Court getting a Court Order preventing access to Club lands.

As the World Cup was taking place, a discussion took place as to the purchase of a large screen. This was ruled out due to cost. Fergus Madigan of Mitsubishi agreed to sponsor a large screen for all the matches. A special breakfast took place at 7.30 am on 1st June, with bar staff on duty from 8 am. Fergus later donated a TV to the Club.

The number of active Junior Members was rather low considering the numbers in the Category, with only 25-30 active out of the 200 approx. This resulted in the category being closed pending the register of Junior’s being brought up to date.

At the July Council Meeting a discussion took place as to a proposed event to celebrate the founding of Dublin Sport Golf in 1977, with consideration as to if Dublin Sport had relevance to Old Conna Golf Club. Later the President had discussions with John Mooney and it was agreed that Dublin Sport was the forerunner of Old Conna Golf Club. Subsequently the Captain’s Notice Board reflected that “Old Conna Golf Club, Formerly Dublin Sport Golf Club”. As noted previously in the history of 1985, the E.G.M. that took place in the Victor Hotel on 26th of April held that Dublin Sport Golf Club intended to purchase land at Old Conna for the establishment of a Golf Club.

At this Meeting also a letter was received from Pádraig Harrington, Open Champion 2007 and 2008, and PGA Champion2008. Pádraig had moved to the area recently. He accepted the Honorary Membership granted to him by Council.

Following his appointment Tom Sheridan completed an extensive review of all aspects of Club Management under his control, and with particular emphasis on Course, staff training, Health & Safety, machinery and its requirements, which he submitted to his first Council Meeting held on 13th August.

At this Meeting the President outlined various meetings he had held with the Head Greenkeeper, Paul McGrane, commencing on 15th July at the Greenkeepers request, at which he informed him of his intention to resign his position as Head Greenkeeper in Old Conna. As he was due annual leave, he completed his employment with Old Conna on 31st July. Council discussed the situation and in view of the experience and qualifications that the General Manager had, and along the specialist advice from STRI, Council decided not to appoint a replacement immediately, but put the position under the G.M. in the short term. John Hanly was appointed First Assistant Greenkeeper, with a review scheduled after 3 months.

As a thank you to sponsors, a Sponsor’s Day was held on 24th October, with 12 Holes of Golf followed by dinner at 6.30 pm. A large number of Sponsors attended along with various Club officials.

The usual issue of Dress Code in the Clubhouse was again up for discussion.

39 Junior Boys and 11 Junior Girls were accepted as Junior Members.

The overall condition of machinery was not good, and despite the financial situation, approval was given for the purchase of a number of pieces of new machinery.

As major changes had taken place to the Constitution at the previous A.G.M. with Council taking up office 4 months into the financial year, a large number of rule changes to the revised Constitution were proposed to make it more workable in practise.

A boundary levy to be held in a separate account was proposed and later passed at the A.G.M. to deal with ongoing repairs to boundaries and in particular at this stage the wall on Ferndale Road.

At the Council Meeting held on the 7th October, following a letter from the President to Council Members, a long discussion took place. This discussion considered if it was in the best interests of the Club going forward that the Lady Vice Captain’s remained as part of Council. This debate continued to the next Meeting in November with a motion going to the A.G.M, which after discussion on the floor was withdrawn.

At the A.G.M. held in Killiney Court Hotel on 4th December, the Treasurer informed the Meeting of a deficit in the accounts of €138,000.00 which included accruals of €22,500.00 for fencing and a payment of €17,000.00 which was under a query as part of the legal action against Advanced Irrigation. The Treasurer covered all the various aspects of the accounts as to where the money was spent and this was accepted following a discussion. He reported that total debt to be approx €1.2m compared to €1.6m at the end of the previous year.

A motion to amend the Rules regarding Senior Membership was proposed and accepted; in order to qualify for Senior Membership that a Member had to be 65, a Member for 15 years and retired or otherwise because of a disability or permanent medical condition unable to avail of their current status. As the numbers were capped at 50, proposals were requested to be brought forward to increase this number at the next A.G.M.

A motion for a Voucher Scheme to value of €140.00, to be used in the Bar or pay Visitors Green Fees in Open or Semi-Open Competitions was accepted.

The Subscriptions adopted for 2003 were as follows:

Full	€905
5 Day	€530
Lady	€485
Senior	€180
Transition	€450
Junior	€160
Pavilion	€300
Distance Membership	€450
- Lady	€245
- 5 Day	€256

2003

Council members 2003: President, Eddie Moroney, Hon. Treasurer, Charles Purcell, Hon. Secretary, Anne Coyle. Captain, Michael Kilkenny .Lady Captain, Betty Allen. Lady Vice Captain, Joan O Leary Council Members Philip Bredin, Philip Brennan, Tom Dalton. Trustees:- Philip Bredin, Eamonn O’Sullivan, Gerry O’Toole.

At the first Council Meeting of the new Council, discussions took place with regard to the positions of the Lady Vice Captain’s on Council, and the position of Council Members having to support Council decisions. The President stated that following advice received Members had the right to dissent.

Donal Gleeson, Mark Kynes, David McDonald and Ciaran Ryan had been selected by the G.U.I. for Winter Coaching by Provincial Coach Paul Thompson.

Further meetings were taking place with the Caterers with regard to a new contract, however difficulties were being experienced with regard to the production of various documents that the Club were requiring sight of. Brian Ludlow presented a Business Plan for catering in the Club, while unused Club Vouchers to the Value of €18,000.00 was recorded. A Franchise agreement with Brian was agreed, with Brian to make a contribution to Club funds, business permitting.

The operation of the Pro Shop and 1st Tee was reviewed, along with the appointment of an Assistant Professional.

Junior Members numbered 181, with a Parent’s Night organised to stress the need for Junior’s to have knowledge of etiquette and Rules of Golf. The Club was looking to appoint a Junior Captain who would also become a member of the Junior Committee. Agreement was reached on the placing of the Junior Tees also.

Council decided that Entrance Fee for 2003 be set at €11,000.00 for Full Members, with Council agreeing with Sean Donnelly who had responsibility for Corporate Members that Corporate Fees be €11,000.00 plus V.A.T. at 13 ½ %.

A permanent Bar Manager was appointed at this time. This position also included some oversight of the catering in the absence of the G.M. A Bar Man was also required.

The G.U.I. Handicapping System and Swipe System were in the course of being implemented with a Training Course for the Mens and Ladies Golf Club’s taking place, with a view to its implementation in the New Golfing season.

Following a 6 month review of the GM‘s position, Council agreed that his position should be made permanent, along with the continuation of his oversight of the Greens.

Honoraria was agreed, at different levels to cover expenses and to include the President.

The boundaries and in particular the proposed Ball Catch Fence at the 9th had a number of objections to the planning application which caused delay. The planning application was eventually refused, which led to the re-design of the 9th Hole as part of a review by Eddie Connaughton. Later in the year Eddie included a redesign of the 11th Green following numerous complaints of it over the time taken to complete the Hole during the Captain’s Prize. This project was given the immediate go ahead by Council at a cost of €25,250.00 plus V.A.T.

A new machinery shed extension was purchased at a cost of €21,700.00 plus V.A.T. and later security lighting installed.

Two American work experience students arrived to Old Conna for the summer period, with accommodation being provided in the Cottage.

The Professional Ciaran Carroll resigned his position to take up a similar position at Bray Golf Club. A Sub Committee was set up to establish the needs of the Club in particular, and to establish if the Club needed a full time Pro. or a Starter/Caddy master instead. A temporary Starter was employed along with two Assistants, with the decision taken that the Club should recruit a new Pro and continue with a Starter. A Sub-Committee was established to form a selection panel on which a member of the P.G.A. would also sit.

At the May Meeting, the Treasurer reported on a meeting with the President and Club bankers, where the question of Title was raised along with discussions on a cap of the Term Loan of €900,000.00 and that the bank would consider a revised limit when Title was resolved. As the 8 months accounts were showing that the financial affairs were now under control, and were on target, this action by the bank was not a cause of concern.

A proposed 3 Year Plan for the overall Club was circulated to all Council Members. The first phase due was to commence in July following any amendments Council Members felt necessary to this Plan. Also circulated were the results of a Status Survey undertaken by the Club which were later passed on to the various Committees, Greens, House, Equal Status and Management.

A Special Council Meeting was held on 21st May to deal with applications for Membership at which agreement was reached by Council not to have the age of a candidate on the application form as they were given differing conflicting legal opinion of the Equal Status Act.

A get together took place attended by various Club Officers and Committee Members following the election of the new Members.

Following the implementation of the Equal Status legislation and the Ladies becoming Full members a number of them were requesting an interest in playing in the Wednesday Semi Open and the Monday Seniors Competitions.

Both the Leinster Alliance and the Duggan Cup (ILGU) were successfully hosted by the Club during the year, along with the Pierce Purcell Leinster Section.

Dave Lawrie was appointed for a probationary period of 6 months in the Bar.

Having been appointed 1st Assistant Head Greenkeeper the previous year, John Hanly stepped down from the position, with Ollie O’Brien and Sean Novotney helping to manage the Course until the September review by Council. Council agreed that a Head Greenkeeper was required and a Sub-Committee of the President, General Manager and Philip Brennan was established to recruit same. A Club Member was appointed on a short-term part-time basis to look after machinery repairs.

The Club lodged an objection to Dun Laoghaire County Council to a planning application for housing to the left of the 14th and along the 3rd Fairways.

At this period in time after 11 months of the financial year, and following the visit by the Fire Officer the Hon. Treasurer reported that he expected an outcome of €75,000.00 profit, rather than the substantial deficit for the previous year. At this stage the depth of the problem regarding Fire Regulation requirements was not understood. Concern was expressed as to how the debt was to be handled in the future, retain it or clear it, with a number of proposals put forward for discussion prior to the A.G.M. The majority agreed that the best course would be to propose to the Members at the A.G.M. to clear the debt.

The Chief Fire Officer visited the Club on 12th and 13th August, where he was met by the President and G.M. to discuss outstanding items as regards Fire Safety; the top floor was deemed unsafe and closed down pending modifications to comply with the Fire Officers requests. Work had taken place during the building that was not shown on the original plans submitted. The Fire Officer allowed use of the Clubhouse subject to strict conditions, with numbers being restricted to 30 in each of the main function rooms. The President wrote to the Membership in a letter dated 16th August 2003, along with meeting the staff whereby he explained the situation, and detailed that the requirements of the Fire Officer had already commenced, along with a new application for a Fire Certificate. A further more extensive note was sent on 14th October with an update; the modifications required to achieve Fire Certification required extensive work to be carried out at a cost well in excess of €100,000.00 when completed. Council put an investigation in place as to where the responsibilities for the situation lay under Past President, Ken Gleeson, along with obtaining legal opinion on the matter.

Following discussions as to how best to deal with raising the necessary funds, Council’s proposal was that the Capital Budget for 2004 of Clubhouse €150.000.00, Security €20,000.00, Course €100,000.00 And Machinery €80,000.00, totalling €350,000.00 would be achieved by taking in a further 30 Members and thereby alleviating the need for a levy on the Membership.

The amalgamated responses from the Satisfaction Survey were included in the mailing to the Members for the A.G.M.

The situation as to whether the Lady Vice Captains had a place on Council by rights came up for discussion again with the procedure being that, for the A.G.M. a number of Rule changes were again proposed. It was agreed to retain the position on Council for a Lady Member as part of equal status legislation requirements, with the Lady being elected at the A.G.M. of the Parent Club along with two other Ordinary Members, while they may not be at the same time Members of the Men’s or Ladies Committees.

The procedure to be followed for the Outgoing and Incoming Presidents and Captain’s was adopted in that the address by the outgoing Captain’s would take place, followed by the handover to the Incoming Captains and then the same procedure for the Presidents.

2004

President, Eddie Moroney. Hon. Secretary, Anne Coyle. Hon. Treasurer, Alan Lyons. Captain, Jim Scott. Lady Captain, Joan O Leary. Council Members, Philip McKeever, Philip Bredin, Ken Gleeson and Anne Fagan. Trustees:- Philip Bredin, Eamonn O’Sullivan, Gerry O’Toole.

At the first Council Meeting, the President set out the objectives of Council as collective confidentiality, responsibility and the general responsibilities of Council, which were adopted. He also proposed that communications between Council and the two Golf Committees be improved by holding perhaps two meetings with them during the year.

A new permanent Assistant Head Greenkeeper was appointed, along with discussions on the appointment of a Head Greenkeeper, with the Assistant only staying in Ireland a short while, as he was unable to settle here.

The Smart Card system was introduced on 19th January, along with a discount of 5% of its use on purchases made, following an increase of 5% on bar prices. A decision was made that any unused portion of the levy would not be carried forward, but that any balance remaining following a top up would. The system could also be used for Competition entry, along with the fact that it was a useful tool for dealing with the abuse of time sheets that transpired at a later date.

As the Subscription accounts were being sent out, an incentive scheme for Members who paid prior to 21st January for a draw for a €500.00 Voucher was put in place.

The Entrance Fee for 2004 was set at €15,000.00 with the 5 Day at €10,700.00.

Time sheet pressure led to an overall review of tee times allocated to the various sections of the Club, along with clarification as to when Junior and Transition Members could play in Competitions. Responses from members with regard to the current situation for putting names on the time sheet led to the changing of the system. The time sheet was available in the Pro Shop on the Saturday and Sunday a week early to put only one name on, with phone bookings available from the Office on the Monday. Rules were also in place as to who would have access to the time sheet before it went public, with only the President and both Captains allowed this benefit. This was later altered to include Officers of Council along the Vice Captains and certain members of Handicap and Competitions Committees.

Remedial works to the Clubhouse were complete and planning permission for the Balcony and Fire Escape applied for. The Fire Officer had requested more time to review the application.

The boundaries along the 13th and to the left of the 9th tee were again an issue with a proposal from Mr O’Grady Peyton under consideration. Following much discussion between the parties, at the November meeting, Council agreed to sign off on the agreement with Mr O’Grady Peyton.

Following the A.G.M. which sanctioned an increase of 30 in the Membership, Council was dealing with the applications, while interviews were arranged for those who had valid applications submitted. Following the election of 5 Day members and of some early applicants to full membership, there were 55 applications for the 5 Full and 21 5 Day places available. Later a welcome night was held for the new Members.

In February the Hon. Treasurer reported on the accounts for the period 1st September to 1st December. They showed a deficit of €51,000.00, including €100,000.00 which had been set aside for remedial works to the Clubhouse, and when that was taken out showed a profit of €50,000.00, which was in line with the budget. After 8 months this deficit was reduced to €47,119.00 which again included exceptional expenditure of €106,000.00 on the Clubhouse, again in line with budget.

Council approved the appointment of Swan Golf Designs Ltd. to carry out a survey of the Course, with a view to any upgrading of the design and bunkers and ensure that all works were of a consistent high standard.

The Swan Report had a lot of interesting suggestions for the Course, with Howard Swan to meet with the Greens Committee.

The Head Greenkeeper left the club, with his replacement to be recruited as Course Manager. Following the advertising of the position, 13 applications were received with 6 already on file. Of the 5 interviewed, none were deemed satisfactory for the position.

The new 11th Green was to open for play on 15th May, along with the 9th fairway for the Corporate Day held on the 18th June.

Following the Summer drought, the need for water now, and in the future was an issue, as the well was not producing sufficient water to cater for the Club’s needs. A view was expressed that it may be necessary to incorporate water in the Swan Report.

Sections of the club protocol document were finalised, with overall responsibility for the Captain’s Drive-In being devolved to Vice Captain’s and a Sub-Committee drawn from Social and Competitions Committees, along with the G.M. The financial costs were also dealt with. Other areas covered included Captain’s Dinners, death of a Member, Service of Remembrance.

A Remuneration Committee was set up to deal with staff terms and conditions.

The K Club wrote to Old Conna announcing that a shuttle Bus service would be available to Old Conna G.C. for the Ryder Cup from 1st to the 4th of July.

Again, a very successful Corporate Day was held raising €16,000.00 with suggestions made for a shot-gun start and a sit down meal for the future.

Discussions took place with the Professional, as to how he was settling in, along with his work load. A review of where prizes were purchased led to more being sourced through the Pro as per his agreement with the Club.

A survey of staff resulted in a report by the Consultant being presented to Council at their September meeting, outlining the results. Council accepting the findings and made a commitment to address the matters raised.

Following on from the previous A.G.M. suggestion, the Vice Captains attended the November Council meeting as observers. At this meeting Council had received a letter from a Telecommunications Company requesting the use of Old Conna Land to site a Base Station (Mast).

The Open Seniors Competitions on the second Monday of the month due to commence in March 2005 was also proposed at this Meeting. The subscription of Senior Members was discussed with a view to raising it, however no action was taken, it being left to incoming Council.

Having served 3 years and in his second 2 year term as President, Eddie Moroney wrote to Council on 4th October stating that he would be stepping down from the position at the forthcoming A.G.M. In his letter, he stated that after 3 years considerable progress had been made but much still needed to be done and that it would be best for the Club that someone new with fresh thinking take over the position.

2005

Council: President, Michael Kilkenny. Treasurer Alan Lyons: Hon. Secretary Anne Coyle, Greens Philip Brennan, Captain Sean O'Neill: Lady Captain Deirdre O'Brien: Council Members, Betty Allen, Tom Dalton, Gerry O'Doherty. Trustees, Tom Maguire, Eamonn O’Sullivan and Gerry O'Toole.

At the first Council Meeting, the President stated that he felt that the G.M. should attend the whole Council meeting except where items of a sensitive nature were discussed. This was agreed and at the next meeting the President again set out his reasoning behind the move, mainly that it was Council’s task to set policy and the G.M. to implement it with the support of Council. This view was carried on a vote.

A Special Council Meeting was held on 24th January 2005, which accepted the resignations of Alan Lyons as Club Treasurer and Philip Brennan as Greens Chairman as they had not agreed with the decision. Many communications took place between the parties over a notice posted in the Club. Later Seamus Kane was co-opted as Hon. Treasurer along with Mary McCann as Greens Chairperson following a vote. Under A.O.B. at this meeting the question of a Mast being erected was deferred to the next Meeting for decision. At the next Meeting the Mast issue was again mentioned with a Club Member to meet with a representative from Hutchinson 3G with the issue having to be put to the Members. At the March Meeting, agreement was reached with Hutchinson 3G in line with other agreements in the area, while it was decided not to hold an E.G.M. due to the costs involved, with the members being informed through the President’s monthly communication to them. At the June meeting, a letter had been received from John Caffrey, expressing concern over the erection of the Mast, along with 24 signatures. The Licence Agreement had by now been signed. At the July meeting a copy of a further letter was received from John Caffrey with Council requesting the original letter with the original list of signatories. This was forwarded for the August meeting with Council agreeing to hold an E.G.M. on 24th October. A Sub-Committee of the President, Gerry O Doherty, Ken Gleeson and Seamus Kane with the Hon. Secretary being added later, was formed for the E.G.M.

At the E.G.M . John Caffrey’s motion to put aside the agreement with Hutchinson 3G was debated. A mixed range of views were expressed and following the debate, a vote on a show of hands passed the motion. An appeal to the granted planning permission was lodged by John Caffrey.

Following the E.G.M., Council appointed a Sub-Committee of John L Byrne, John Mooney and Diarmuid O’Colmain to look at the possible legal repercussions facing the Club.

At the A.G.M. held in Fitzpatrick’s Hotel in Killiney on the 8th December.

The resignation of the bar Manager took place with Dave Lawrie being appointed acting bar Manager for a 6 month probationary period, along with the recruitment of an additional bar person.

Many meetings were held with the Professional over the year, to address on-going issues along with the need for a Second Assistant in the Pro Shop to deal with the forthcoming on-line booking system.

The catering contract with Brian Ludlow was successfully renegotiated and the new Course Manager, Seamus Timmins commenced employment at Old Conna.

The power line over the front of the 11th tee was re-routed to an underground cable at no cost to the Club other than the digging of the trench to accommodate it. Water storage was completed at the 6th Green, along with an investigation on how to best protect it.

Due to the poor weather, little or no growth was taking place, while a structure for the closing of the course was implemented.

The time sheet for the Seniors Open held on the 2nd Monday of the month was extended to 3.30pm.

A new member’s get together was held on 2nd June.

Again a Sub-Committee under the President and including Sean Donnelly, Brian Reidy and Tony Kelly was formed to review Corporate Membership.

Dress Code was again an issue. A note was left in the Bar and handed to offenders. This problem also existed on the 1st tee.

The Club solicitor wrote to the Club regarding the registration of Title.

The balcony stairs were refitted along with a new rear fire escape stairs, while the decision to allow smoking in a designated of the balcony only was made.

There were still ongoing problems with the quality of the work on the new Clubhouse. A break-in took place in the Pro Shop with security being reviewed and as a result extra cameras were installed.

Following the Asian Earthquake and Tsunami, the Council donated €3,000.00 to the Red Cross, with a further donation of €1,600.00 at the New Year’s Eve Social. A donation box for Goal was in situ to the end of January.

The Christmas raffle raised €9,700.00, which went into central funds.

John Maguire edited the club newsletter for the year.

The Irish Senior Ladies Golf Association was granted use of the course on 19th September from 8.30 am to 2.30 pm, with member’s time to be moved to later on that day. Council also decided to move Member’s time generally from 12-noon to 1 pm with the exception of the Seniors Open Day with the time to be 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm.

The Howard Swan Report was presented to Council with most of his suggestions largely accepted by Council, and at the October meeting this was deferred to the New Year with Howard Swan invited to make a presentation to Council.

Jack Gardiner advised the Greens Committee on the on the treatment of trees and shrubs on the Course with particular emphasis on our Signature Tree on the 12th.

Extensive work on fencing Club boundaries took place during the Year.

The G.U.I. requested the use of the course for the Pierce Purcell Shield (Metropolitan qualifying) for 2006 which was granted with a request that were considered for a regional final. The I.L.G.U. also requested that Old Conna host the Leinster Girls Championships in August 2007. A Ladies Open Day was held on 23rd July with 224 playing, representing 47 clubs.

At the August meeting the Hon. Treasurer reported that after 8 months to 30th June, income exceeded costs by €43,000.00 with both bar sales and margin increased.

Shane Hourigan won the Singles Matchplay. Alan O’Brien and David Byrne won the 4 Ball Matchplay.

The President’s prize to the Ladies was won by Geraldine Barrett, a founder member of Dublin Sport, one of only five Ladies.

Old Conna Golf Club joined the Dun Laoghaire Chamber of Commerce.

The President met with the Equal Status Committee, with the Ladies Committee to take on board the issues regarding playing rights. The issue was left to Incoming Council.

The boundary agreement with Mr O’Grady Peyton was finally signed, along with the work completed pertaining to that agreement with Mr O’ Grady Peyton to the rear of the 9th Tee Box.

2006

President, Michael Kilkenny, Hon. Secretary Anne Coyle, Hon. Treasurer, Seamus Kane, Captain, Marc O’ Connor, Lady Captain, Pauline Silke. Greens Chairperson, Jim Flavin. Council Members, Ann Quinlan, Betty Allen and Brendan Connolly. Trustees:- Philip Bredin, Eamonn O’Sullivan, Gerry O’Toole.

Following the resignations of the Hon. Treasurer, Seamus Kane, he was replaced by Albert Allison, Jim Flavin, Ann Quinlan and Brendan Connolly were replaced by Breda Naughton, Derek Rath and Gerry Johnson. Later in the year the Hon. Secretary, Anne Coyle became unwell and was unable to attend Council Meetings and in her place Brenda Naughton became Acting Hon. Secretary.

In 2004 an approach was made to Old Conna with regard to locating a Telecoms Mast on the grounds of the Golf Course, in the wooded area to the right hand side of the current 18th Tee Box. Following discussions, agreement was reached with the Telecoms Company, Hutchinson 3G, to grant a Licence to them to erect the Mast. Following this, a motion to call an E.G.M. was signed by over a 100 Club Members and was submitted to Council calling for the abandonment of the agreement. A Sub-Committee of John L Byrne, John Mooney and Diarmuid O’Colmain was put in place and following a disagreement with regard to advice available, John L Byrne and John Mooney resigned. There followed a very controversial and difficult period on Council along with a further E.G.M. following the resignation from Council of 4 Members, Seamus Kane, Hon Treasurer, Jim Flavin Greens Chairperson and Council Members Ann Quinlan and Brendan Connolly over the issue. At that E.G.M., the Sub-Committee dealing with the Mast issue were re formed, subject to new terms of reference. After a protracted period of time and much discussion with Hutchinson 3G, agreement was reached, whereby no Mast was to be erected on the Golf Course.

At the first Council Meeting, a couple of carry over issues remained from the previous year, in addition to the Mast issue, alongside a motion from the A.G.M. regarding the Trustees receiving the full Council Minutes.

During the early part of the year discussions took place at Council with regard to the proper controls in place at the Pro shop, along with the implementation of a training programme for all the staff. These subsequently were ongoing with the matter coming to a head in 2007.

The issue of compulsory insurance for golfers was raised and the decision that insurance be optional was implemented.

Letters were received from the I.L.G.U. and the G.U.I. Leinster branch requesting the holding of Ladies Inter Club Matchplay Competition along with the Men’s Irish Junior Foursomes qualifying Competitions in Old Conna. These Competitions were accepted.

A safety fence was erected to the back of the 13th green following the hitting of a Member with a ball.

Drawings for a new entrance to the Clubhouse were submitted.

A yearly no frills Corporate Membership was introduced at a fee of €2750.00. It was considered that this would be easier to sell as the current Corporate Membership was for a period of 3 Years.

The situation with regard to the ongoing legal situation with the case against Advanced Irrigation was also on the Agenda as discussions were ongoing between both sides at the Four Courts. The Hon. Treasurer was concerned as to the ongoing costs that were being incurred. The case was listed for hearing on 19th October 2006. At the Council Meeting of 18th October, the President, General Manager and Charles Purcell (Hon Treasurer when the work was being carried out) along with the legal team were to represent the Club in the Four Courts. The contractor had made an offer which was considered derisory in relation to the original cost and the repairs carried out since the installation five years previously. This case was settled later on with the next mention being made in June 2007.

The visit by Howard Swan which was expected earlier in the year, took place on 11th October. This meeting was scheduled to prepare a Five Year Plan for Course development. It was noted that any Plan must cause minimal disruption to play. The proposed work to be carried out included the 3rd Green, 14th Hole and the large bunker at the 9th Hole. It was envisaged that the 1st year of the rolling Plan would be available in time for the A.G.M. with the remainder of the Plan available for an E.G.M. in the early part of 2007.

The Equality Committee continued from the previous year, with changes being made to allow Lady Full Member’s access to the full time sheet on Sundays, with Lady Members still having access from 12.30pm to 2pm and which was monitored over the next couple of months.

The Pierce Purcell Qualifiers were held in Old Conna over the weekend 18th May, and later the Captain reported on the favourable comments received on the condition of the Course. The Wicklow Past Lady Captain’s Day took place on the 20th May. The G.U.I. also requested that the Club host the Pierce Purcell Leinster Final in 2008, which was accepted. The Barton Cup Team had got through to the Final, but unfortunately was beaten there by Royal Dublin.