Athenry golf club Galway

Members Achievements

The Ladies of Athenry Golf Club were Runners-Up in Connacht Final of the Women’s Junior Cup on Saturday 29th July 2023 when they lost out to Castlebar Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches at Westport Golf Club.
They were led out by Nicola Burke lost out to Sarah Prendergast, by 3 and 1, she was followed by Nicola Nally who went down by 4 and 3 to Sheila Baynes, next on the tee was Pat Jacobsen who had a 2-hole loss to Leah Kerr, in the penultimate match Emer Beatty beat Carmel Moran, by 2 and 1 and in the bottom match Teresa Coen had a very comfortable 6 and 5 win against Eimear Minogue.

David Kitt was selected on the Connacht Interprovincial Championship team at Moyvalley Golf Club from Tuesday 29th August to Thursday 31st August 2023.
Other members of the team were Aodhagan Brady & Ruairi O’Connor (Co. Sligo Golf Club), Tom Cafferky & Charlie Mooney (Ballinasloe Golf Club), Harry Gillivan (Portmarnock Golf Club), David Shiel (Enniscrone Golf Club) and Simon Walker (Roscommon Golf Club).
They were Captained by Damien Coyne (Tuam Golf Club) and Managed by Cathal McConn (Roscommon Golf Club) 

Young Cathal Penney was selected on the Connaught Under-18 Interprovincial Team played at Ballykisteen Golf Club on 21st and 22nd August 2023.
The other members of the team were Aodhagan Brady & Luke Harrison (Co. Sligo Golf Club), Darragh McGrath (Athlone Golf Club), Charlie Mooney (Ballinasloe Golf Club), Aaron Quigley (Castlebar Golf Club) and Conor Stapleton (Connemara Golf Club).
They were Captained by Captain - John Waters (Oughterard Golf Club) and Managed by Manager - Shane Quigley (Castlebar Golf Club).

Athenry Golf Club qualified for the Quarter-Finals of the All-Ireland of the Irish Senior Cup at Tramore Golf Club on Saturday 3rd September 2022.
They were drawn against The Island Golf Club and won their match by 3-matches to 2-matchhes.
They were led out David Mooney who lost his match against Joseph Hanney by 4 and 3, he was followed by Aaron Gilligan who won his match against Eoin O’Sullivan by the minimum, next on the tee was David Kitt who had a very comfortable 5 and 3 win against Kevin Leblanc, in the penultimate match Sean O’Connell lost out to Conor Murtagh by 5 and 4, in the bottom and deciding match Joe Bernie Jnr. clinched the points with a 4 and 3 win against Jack Black.
They met Cushendall Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final the following morning and lost out to the Antrim Club by 3-matches to 2-matches.
David Kitt led them out this time and cruised to a 6 and 5 win against Ronan McCambridge, next on the tee was Aaron Gilligan who went up the 19th before relinquishing the point to Christopher McLoughlin, he was followed by David Mooney who won his match against Cathal MacCanna by the minimum, in the penultimate match Sean O’Connell also went up the 19th before losing his match to David Burns and the bottom match Joe Bernie Jnr. went 3 and 2 to Alistair McGregor, so close but Cushendall proceeded to the All-Ireland Final in the afternoon but lost out to Carton House by 4-matches to 1-match.

Athenry Golf Club won the Connaught Senior Cup at Castlebar Golf Club on Sunday 17th July 2022.

Congrats to Ava O’Neill on her superb performance in winning the U18 Connaught Women’s & Girls’ Junior Championship at Castle Dargan Golf Club
Athenry Golf Club won the Connaught Final of the Barton Shield when they beat Portumna Golf Club by 5-holes at Roscommon Golf Club 10th August 2018.

They were led out by Darren Leufer with Louis O’Hara who had a 1-hole win over Sam Murphy with Adrian Hogan they were followed by David Kitt with Allan Hill who had a 4-hole win over James McLoughlin with Michael Flanagan.

They made their way to Thurles Golf Club to participate in the National Deciders when they were drawn against Ulster Champions Clandeboye Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Thursday 4th October.

They were led out by Joe Bernie Jnr. with Louis O’Hara who recorded a 5 and 3 win over William Russell with Karl Eccles they were followed by Darren Leufer with Allan Hill who beat Graeme Laird with Scott Miller by 2 and 1.

They met a very fancied Dundalk Golf Club in the All-Ireland Final the following day and were lead out again by Joe Bernie Jnr. with Louis O’Hara who had a 4-hole win over Aaron Grant with Conor Curran the second match of Darren Leufer with Allan Hill lost out by 1-hole to Caolan Rafferty and Eoin Murphy.

This was a huge win for the very young Athenry Club against a star studded Leinster Champions.

Young David Kitt was runner-up in the Irish Close Championship at Galway Golf Club on 26th August 2017 losing out by 1-hole to Warrenpoinys Jamie Fletcher.

The boys of Athenry Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Fred Daly Trophy in 2017 when they beat near neighbours Galway Golf Club by 3-matches to 2-matches having beaten Co. Sligo Golf Club in the Semi-Final by 4-matches to 1-match.
in the Semi-Final they were led out by Allan Hill who beat Odhran Maguire by 3 and 2, he was followed by David Kitt who had a 6 and 5 win over Tom Flanagan, next on the tee was Cillian Lawless who recorded a 5 and 4 win over Danie Ford, the penultimate match of Darren Leufer against Paddy Bird and bottom match of Sean O'Connell against Joseph Keyes were declared as halves when called-in.
in the Regional Final against Galway Golf Club they were led out again by Allan Hill who lost his match by 1-hole against Luke O'Neill, he was followed by David Kitt (who was Runner-Up in the Irish Amateur Close Championship) had a very comfortable 7 and 6 win over Liam Power, next on the tee was Cillian Lawless who went down by 2 and 1 against Liam Nolan, in the penultimate match Darren Leufer recorded a 3 and 2 win over Paddy Culhane, in the bottom match Sean O'Connell booked Athenry’s place in the National Finals when he had a 3 and 1 win over Gavin Keogh.    

Athenry Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Irish Junior Cup when they beat Portumna Golf Club by 3 ½-matches to 1 ½-matches at Ballinrobe Golf Club on Sunday 8th August 2016. They were led out by Brian O’Connor who had a 2 and 1 win over Brendan Naughton he was followed by David Kitt who beat Ger Lynch by a similar score, next up was Sean O’Connell who recorded a halve against Damien Burke when called-in the penultimate match of Brendan Penny went 6 and 4 to Eamonn Dervan the bottom match of Darren Laufer against Adrian Hogan went 3 and 2 to Athenry and a place in the All-Ireland deciders.

They made their way to Carton House Golf Club to compete in the All-Ireland deciders and drew Ulster Champions Lurgan in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Wednesday 14th September 2016.

This time David Kitt led the way who lost his match against Keith Percy by 3 and 2 next on the tee was Brendan Penney who lost out to James Horan by 2 and 1 he was followed by Sean O’Connell who recorded a halve against Gareth Hanna, in the penultimate match Brian O’Connor lost out to Jim McKee by 4 and 3, the bottom match of Darren Leufer was halved against Andrew Cummins. Lurgan Golf Club lost out to the Rathfarnham Club by 3-matches to 2-matches in the All-Ireland Final the following day.

Athenry Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Jimmy Bruen Shield when they beat Roscommon Golf Club by 4½-matches to ½-match at Ballinrobe Golf Club on Sunday 7th August 2016.

They made their way to Carton House Golf Club to compete in the All-Ireland deciders when they drew Ulster Champions Fortwilliam Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Friday 16th September.

First on the tee was Ethan Regan with Oisin O’Connell who lost out to Aiden Hawkins with Patrick McGurnaghan by 3 and 1, they were followed by David Flaherty with David Mooney who had a 4 an d 2 win over Donald Skeats with Martin Kelly, next up were Sean O’Connell with Paul Molloy who recorded a very comfortable 7 and 6 win over Andrew Lane with Vincent McKinley, in the penultimate match James O’Connor with Mark Moran lost out to Paul Gillen with Conal Duffy by 2-holes it was down to the bottom match of Ciaran Coughlan wit Seamus Burke against John M. McAuley with Alan Hawthorne to decide which club went through to the All-Ireland decider but this match went all the way to the 20th before Athenry booked their place.

They met Leinster Champions Cill Dara in the decider the following day who had accounted for Munster Champions Muskerry by 3½-matches to 1½ matches in their Semi-Final.

 They were led out again by Ethan Regan & Oisin O’Connell who put the first point on the board with a 2 and 1win against Ray Mackey with Christopher Harhen, they were followed by David Flaherty with David Mooney who recorded a 2-hole win over James Dunne with Ciaran Ryan, next up were Sean O’Connell with Paul Molloy who went down to David Kelly with Desmond Scahill by 3 and 2 in the penultimate match Ian Kelly with Mark Moran lost their match by 2 and 1 to David Fox with Declan Plunkett so it was all down to the bottom match of Ciaran Coughlan with Seamus Burke against Patrick Hopkins with Christy Roche to decide where the green pennant was going and this match went all the way to the 19th before Cill Dara won their first All-Ireland pennant.

The boys’ from Athenry Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Fred Daly Trophy in 2016 and made the short journey across the city to play in the All-Ireland Deciders at Galway Golf Club where they were drawn against Ulster Champions Holywood Golf Club (home club of Rory McIlroy) in the All-Ireland Semi-Finals.

They were led out by Michael Sheil (1) who had a 3 and 2 win over Ben Graham (3), he was followed by Allan Hill (1) who lost his match against Tom McKibbin (3) by 2 and 1 next up was David Kitt (2) who had a 3 and 2 win over Keaton Morrison (4), in the penultimate match Cillian Lawless (3) recorded a 2 and 1 win over Patrick Green (5) in the bottom match Louis O’Hara (3) had a 1-hole win over Seb Ewing (5)

They met Limerick Golf Club who had just beaten reigning Champions Kilkenny Golf Club in their Semi-Final by 4 matches to 1 match in the All-Ireland Decider that afternoon.  

They were led out again by Michael Shield who lost his match against Sean Enright (1) by 3 and 2, he was followed this time by Michael Kennelly who had a similar result against Ciaran Vaughan (2), next up was David Kitt against Luke O’Brien (3) resulting in a 2 and 1 win for the Limerick lad, the bottom two matches of Cillian Lawless against Morgan Hanley (4) and Louis O’Hara against Ross Fitzgerald (5) were recorded as halves.

Athenry Golf Club who had won the Fred Daly Trophy previously at Dungarvan Golf Club in 2010 came up just that bit short this time around but well done in reaching the All-Ireland Final.

Athenry Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Barton Shield at Castlebar Golf Club on Sunday 15th June 2014, when they beat Portumna Golf Club by 3-holes.

They were led by Brian O’Reilly with Martin Hynes who beat Paul Porter with James McLoughlin by 2-holes; they were followed by David Byrne with Joe Beirne who had a 1-hole win over Damien Burke with John Cleary. They met Athlone Golf Club in the Semi-Final and had a comfortable 8-holes win over the club by the Shannon. The same four players secured their place in the final, Brian O’Reilly with Martin Hynes beat Thomas O’Connor with Daniel O’Connor by 3-holes, and they were followed by David Byrne with Joe Beirne who had a 5-hole win over Sean Doyle with Niall Carroll.
They made their way to Carton House to compete in the All-Ireland deciders on the O’Meara Course where they were drawn against Munster Champions Muskerry Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Wednesday 17th September.
They were led out by Brian O'Reilly with Peter Dolan who lost by 5-holes against Niall Gorey with Dave O'Donovan, they were followed by David Byrne with Joe Bernie who also lost by 5-holes against Daniel Hallissey with John Waldron. Muskerry went on to win the All-Ireland when they beat Warrenpoint in the decider.

Athenry Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Irish Junior Cup in 2014 when they beat Galway Golf Club by 3½-matches to 1½-matches in the Final having beaten Co. Sligo Golf Club in the Semi-Final by 3-matches to 2-matches.
First on the tee was Darragh Conlon who beat Gary Scott by 3 and 2, he was followed by Peadar O’Beirn who lost his match against Paddy Kennedy by 1-hole, next up was Brian O’Connor who had a 1-hole win over Paddy Culhane, the penultimate match of Thomas Reaney against Mikey Burke was halved and so it was down to the bottom match of Michael Kennelly against Michael O’Farrell to decide who went through to the All-Ireland decider, Kennelly prevailed with a 2-hole win.
They made the long journey to Carton House to compete in the All-Ireland deciders on the O’Meara Course where they were drawn against Munster Champions Castletroy Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final.
They were led out by Darragh Conlon who had a very convincing 6 and 5 win over Jonathan McDonnell, next up was Brian O'Connor who lost out to Colm Geary by 3 and 2, he was followed by Louis O'Hara who halved his match against Keith Bermingham, in the penultimate match Thomas Reaney went down to Brendan Reidy by 5 and 4, in the bottom match Michael Kennelly lost his match to Michael Murphy by 4 and 3.
So it was not to be for 2014.

Athenry Golf Club won the Connaught Final  of the Irish Junior Cup at Claremorris Golf Club when they beat Co. Sligo Golf Club by 4-matches to 1-match Sunday 12th August 2012.

The team on the day was Ian Dunican who beat Garth McManus by 5 and 4, he was followed by Philip Somers who haled his match with Shane Flanagan when called in, next up was Thomas Reaney who beat Rob Kelly by 4 and 2, the penultimate match of Matthey Fahy against David O’Donovan went 4 and 3 to the Galway team. The bottom match of Brian Mooney against Damien Burke was halved when called in. They were captained by Joe Bernie Jnr.
They made the journey to Kinsale Golf Club to compete in the All-Ireland deciders on Wednesday 19th September when they were drawn against Leinster Champions Milltown Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Finals.
They were led by Ian Dunican who beat Noel Patterson by 3 and 2, he was followed by Thomas Reaney who had a 5 and 3 win over Dylan O’Reilly, next up was S. Glynn who lost out to Luke Conlon by 3 and 2. In the penultimate match Matthew Fahy went up the 19th before securing the decisive point against Rory O’Gorman, the bottom match of Brian Mooney was halved against Andy Stokes.
They met Ulster Champions Donaghadee Golf Club in the All-Ireland decider the following day. they were lead again by Ian Dunican who lost out to Andrew Clegg by 3 and 2, next up was Thomas Reaney who halved his match against Steven Miller, he was followed by S. Glynn who lost to Mark Rea by 3 and 2. In the penultimate match Matthew Fahy went down 2 and 1 to William McCutcheon, the bottom match of Brian Mooney against Alan Neill was halved when called in.  

Athenry Golf Club won the Connaught Final of the Barton Shield when they beat Co. Sligo Golf Club by 4-holes at Loughrea Golf Club on Saturday 6th August 2011.
They made the long journey to Castlerock Golf Club to compete in the All-Ireland deciders the following September. They were drawn against Munster Champions Tramore in the All-Ireland Semi-Final. First on the tee was Mark King with Michael Lane who lost to Chris Butler with Declan King by 2-holes, they were followed by Conor Waters with David Byrne who halved their match against Alan Thomas with David Kiely.

Athenry Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Pierce Purcell Shield when they beat Claremorris Golf Club in the regional decider by 3½-matches to 1½-matches at Ballinasloe Golf Club on Saturday 6th August 2011.

They made the long journey to the Castlerock Golf Club to compete in the All-Ireland deciders the following September. They were drawn against Munster Champions Woodstock Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final, whom they lost out to by 3-matches to 2-matches.

First on the tee was David Donohue with Brendan Lynskey who lost to Tom Hehir with Martin Dormer by 2-holes, they were followed by Michael Shaughnessy with Luke Glynn who went up the 19th before conceding the point to Shane Fitzgerald with Michael O’Brien, next up was Martin Naughton with Shane Donohue who had a comfortable 6 and 4 win over Liam McInerney with Mike Kelly, the penultimate match of Michael Crimmins with Jimmy Flaherty went 4 and 2 to Jason Considine with Brian Mulcahy, in the bottom match Kevin McCarthy with Michael Noone had a 2 and 1 win over Declan Coote with Jimmy Kelly.

Woodstock went on to win the green pennant the following day when they beat Leinster Champions Corrstown by 3½-matches to 1½-matches.

Athenry Golf Club won the Fred Daly All-Ireland Final at Dungarvan Golf Club on Tuesday 17th August 2010.

They met Ulster Champions Tandragee Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final and had a 4 matches to 3 matches victory over the Antrim team. First on the tee was Sean Cannon who beat Jamie Stothers by 1-hole, he was followed by David Byrne who lost to Adam Brown on the 19th Next up was Sean Glynn who lost to James Hewitt by 5 and 4, Brian O’Reilly followed and beat Ross Dutton by 4 and 3, he was followed by Peter Dolan and beat Jack McClean by 2 and 1. The penultimate match saw Cathal Burke lose to Stefan Greenberg by 2and 1 the bottom match secured the win when Pat Croghan beat Jordan Laverty by 3 and 2.
They met Munster Champions Adare Manor in the All-Ireland decider and had a convincing 5½ to 1½ against the boys from the picturesque Co. Limerick village. They were lead again by Sean Cannon once again went all the way to the 19th before beating David Carroll, he was followed by David Byrne who beat Jack McGrath by 2 and 1, next up was Sean Glynn who beat Aaron Moore by 2-holes, Brian O'Reilly followed and beat Stephen O'Mahony by 4 and 2. The last three matches where declared as halves when Peter Dolan played Shane Irwin, Cathal Burke played John Long and Pat Croghan played with Greg Lohan.

They made their way to Nicklaus Golf Trail, El Valle, Murcia, in Spain to compete in the Junior Team Golf Home Nations Championship from the 14th to 16th January 2011 where they finished a credible second to England, with Wales finishing 3rd and Scotland bringing up the rear.

Athenry Golf Club won the Connaught Final of the Fred Daly Trophy in 2009.

They met Leinster Champions and title holders Rosslare Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final. They were lead by Sean Cannon who went down to Gary Collins by 4 and 2. He was followed by David Byrne who beat Conor Kelly by 4 and 3. Next up was Sean Glynn who had a similar result against Ger McNamara. The middle match Brian O’Reilly went to Ross Young by 6 and 4. The 5th match of Cathal Burke against Ian Cuddihy also went to the boys from Wexford. The penultimate match of Peter Dolan against Eamon Kelly went 4 and 3 to Rosslare’s and with it Athenry’s hopes of reaching the decider. The bottom match of Mark Holohan was halved with Hubert Newell. So it was not to be for 2009. Rosslare went on to win the All-Ireland Final when they beat Munster Champions Mallow Golf Club in the decider by 4½ matches to 1½ matches.

The Ladies of Athenry Club won the Connaught Final of the AA Insurance Junior Cup and made their way to Royal Tara Golf Club to participate in the National deciders in 2009 and lost out to Mid-Leinster Champions Enniscorthy Golf Club in the All-Ireland Quarter-Final by 3 and 2. First on the tee was Marie Carr (9) who lost her match by 3 and 2 against Laura Dempsey (7), she was followed by Josephine Noone (9) who lost her match by 4 and 3 to Margaret Mooney (9), next up was Ann Marie Mulry (10) who had a comfortable 5 and 4 win over Trina Hogan (10), the penultimate match of Gina Gilligan (10) was won by 4 and 2 against Connie Doyle (10), the bottom match between Marian Hosty (13) was lost by 3 and 1 to Marian Hosty (13).

The Ladies of Athenry Golf Club won Connaught Final of the AA Insurance Minor Cup and made their way to Royal Tara Golf Club in 2009 to compete in the National deciders; where they met Mid-Leinster Champions Blessington Lakes in the All-Ireland Semi-Final and lost out to the eventual green pennant winners by 3 matches to 2 matches. First on the tee was Nicola Nally (23) who won her match by 5 and 3 against Marie Clarke (24), she was followed by Julie Carr (25) who lost her match by 9 and 7 against Nolene Mullen (24), next up was Sara McDermott (25) who had a comfortable 5 and 3 win over Rita Malone (24), in the penultimate match Veronica Cronin (26) lost her match by 7 and 5 against Mary Fitzpatrick (25), in the bottom match Martha Breen (28) lost her match by 4 and 3 to Suzanne Hegarty (27).  

The Ladies of Athenry Golf Club won the All-Ireland Final of the AA-Insurance Challenge Cup in 2008 at Limerick Golf Club when they beat Munster Champions Monkstown Golf Club by 3½ matches to 1½ matches. 

The Ladies of Athenry Golf Club won the Connaught Final of the AA-Insurance Challenge Cup in 2008 they made the journey to Limerick Golf Club to compete in the National deciders; where they met Mid-Leinster Champions Powerscourt Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Final whom they beat in a cliff-hanger by 3 matches to 2 matches when Sarah Byrne holed-out on the 19th-green. First on the tee was Sara McDermott (31) beat Michelle Freeley (30) on the 19th, she was followed by Pauline McEvoy (31) who had an off-day when loosing out to Elizabeth Desmond (31) by 7 and 6, next on the tee was Martha Breen (32) who lost narrowly to Bairbre O'Brien (31) by 1-hole, the penultimate match of Maria Conlon (33) was also a close match when she won her match by 1-hole against Marie Clarkson (33), the bottom match saw Carmel Burke (35) beat Annette Deignan (33) by 3 and 2.

They met Monkstown in the All-Ireland Final Sara McDermott and Martha Breen won their matches by 6 and 5, she was followed  by Sara McDermott (31) who beat Ger O'Keefe (30) by 6 and 5, next up was Martha Breen (32) who had a convincing 6 and 5 win over Ruth Coulter (33) Maria Conlon (33) won her match against Brenda Geary (33) on the 17th the bottom match of Carmel Burke (35) was halved with Barbara Hanan (36).

Athenry Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Fred Daly when they beat Co. Sligo Golf Club at their home course by 8 matches to 6 matches on 22nd April 2006. The first round was played at Co. Sligo when Pat Neville was beaten by Tom McDaid on the 22nd-hole, next up was Ronan Everiss who lost to Stephen Brady by 3 and 2. He was followed by Andrew Trill who lost to Michael Durcan by 5 and 4. Next up was Sean Coyne who lost to Gerard Finnegan by a single hole. He was followed by Aengus Farrell who beat Daniel Dolan by 2-holes. The penultimate match saw Cillian Broder lose to Steffan O’Hara by 3 and 1. The final match was a very convincing lose for Barry O’Brien to Oliver Howes with a 7 and 6 result.

The second leg was played at Athenry Golf Club with the home team 3-matches down after their trip to the Point, but local knowledge was to play a major part in determining the outcome. First up was Patrick Neville who beat Tony McDaid by 1-hole. He was followed by Ronan Everiss who beat Stephen Brady by 3 and 1. The 3rd match of Andrew Trill against Michael Durcan went all-the-way up the 20th before the Galway club notched up another win. They were followed by Sean Coyne who beat Gerard Finnegan by 2-holes. Angus Farrell lost to Daniel Dolan by 3 and 2. Then Cillian Broder beat Steffan O’Hara by 2 and 1.The final match say Barry O’Brien beat Oliver Howes by 4 and 3.

Michael Mulryan was selected on the Connacht team for the Interprovincial Matches played at Portmarnock Golf Club from 11th to 13th August 2004. Michael was selected on the Irish Boys Team that played Canada in a Junior Challenge match at Hamilton Golf and Country Club from 7th to 9th September 2004.

Fiona Carroll was selected on the Connacht ILGU Team for the Interprovincial's. Played at Ballybunion Golf Club from 18th to 20th August 2004.

Kathleen Ivers (24) teamed up with Alice Murphy (21) from Oughterard Golf Club to qualify with 39 pts. at Druid's Heath in the National Final of the O2 All-Ireland Masters. They qualified for the Grand Final played at the Kempinski Resort Hotel, Estepona, Spain in October 2004. They set out for the 5* Hotel on 9th October where having played a practice round they then went on to compete in the Grand Final over four days.

Athenry Golf Club won the Connacht Final of the Fred Daly Trophy and were drawn against a very b team from The Island Golf Club in the All-Ireland Semi-Finals at Lucan Golf Club on 18th August 2003. The team on the day was Barry Donoghue, Shane Greally, Andrew Joyce, Joey Joyce and Patrick Neville.

Fiona Carroll was selected on the Connacht Girls Interprovincial Team in 2002 and 2003

Michael Mulryan was selected on the Irish Boy's for the Home Internationals at Blairgowrie, Scotland in early August 2002.
Barry Donohue and Michael Mulryan were selected on the Connacht Boys' team for the Interprovincial Championships at Headfort Golf Club from August 28-30 2002.

Darragh McGowan was selected on the Connacht Ladies' team for the AIB Interprovincial Championships at Mount Wolseley Golf Club from August 7-9 2002.

Lady Captain Gina Gilligan (9) and her Captain's Prize winner Marian Kindregan (12) qualified at Sleive Russell Golf Club for the National Finals of the Volkswagen-Irish Independent Lady Captains Golf Classic, when they shot 34pts. They went on to Druid's Glen Golf Club in September 2002.

Lady Captain Gina Gilligan, Captain Gilbert McCarthy and President Michael Waters, qualified for the National Finals of the Mercedes-Benz Irish Independent Executive Golf Classic at The K Club on August 12th 2002.

Athenry won the All-Ireland Captains, Secretary-Managers, Professionals and Green keeper's Competition at Dundalk Golf Club in 2002, when the team was, Gilbert McCarthy, Raymond Ryan, Padraig Flattery, and Gerry Hanley.

Athenry won the Fred Daly Connacht Championship in 2002, when the team was, Michael Mulryan, Barry Donohue, Shan Greally, Pat Greally and Andrew Joyce.

Athenry won the Fred Daly Connacht Championship in 2001, when the team was Chris Counihan, Peter Ryan, Barry, Donohue, Michael Mulryan, Pat Grealy and Morgan Lynch.

They were winners of the Jack O'Sullivan Connacht section in 2001, when the team was Noel Murray, James Giles, Christy O'Grady, Seamus Mulkerrins, Brendan O'Connell, Noel Ivors, Jackie Beatty, Pearse Coffey, Luke Glynn, Willie Higgins, Johnny Greaney and Norman Farrell. They were, captained by Fr. Richie Higgins.

Prior to 2001:

Athenry beat Portumna in the Connaught Final of the Irish Junior Cup and went on to play Moate in the All-Ireland semi-final at Lahinch, on 21st September 2000. The squad was Michael Waters, John Duffy, Darragh Guinnane, Michael Mulryan, Shane Franklin, Michael Lane and Niall McSweeney The team Captain was Tom O'Connor Jnr. They went down to Moate in the Semi-Final.

They won the Connacht Barton Shield in 2000, when the team was M. Lane, M. King, T. O'Connor Snr. T. O'Connor Jnr. M. Waters and M. Mulryan. They were, captained by L. Gardner.

They were Connacht Cecil Ewing winners in 1989, when the team was Tony Reidy, Paul Lally, Mattie Byrnes, Padraigh Somers, Brendan Moran, Seamus Mulkerrins, Johnny Greaney, Richard Hughes, Willie Kennedy, Walter Murphy, Tom Prendergast, Arthur Quinn, Richard Lyons, Jimmy Murphy, Val Forde and they were captained by Tony Kelly.

They won the Jack O'Sullivan in 1993, when the team was Norman Farrell, Noel Carroll, Luke Glynn, Christy Kelly, Willie Greaney, Par Duane, Sean Ward, Noel Duffy, Padraic Flaherty, Fr. Richie Higgins, Juno Barrrett, Jimmy Flatherty, Seamus Mulkerrins, John Duffy, Jimmy Murphy, Tom Lane, Sean Cleary, Johnny Greaney and Noel Ivers. They were, captained by Tony Kelly.

Athenry were the Millennium County Trophy winners, when the team was, Pat Dunne, Noel Murphy, Willie Higgins, Seamus Mulkerrins, Gerry Broder, Rory McCarthy, Luke Glynn, Christy O'Grady, Padraig Flattery and Gerry Doherty. They were, captained by the Millennium Captain Liam Raftery.

They won the Galway County Trophy in 1970, when the team was Leo Gardner, Brendan Melley, Joe Burke, John Murphy, Colm Hilliard, Jimmy Ryan, Tommy Coppinger, Gabe Gardner, Willie Higgins and Pat Harte.

They won the Connacht Shield in 1977, when the team was Tom Lane, John Murphy, Pat Lyons, Leo Gardner, Tommy Coppinger, Derek Kennedy, Sean Dempsey, Willie Higgins, Juno Barrett, J. C. Burke, Noel Maher and Tony O'Boyle.

They won the Kenny Cup in 1992, when the team was Damian Fahy, Kenneth O'Brien, Cormac Breathnach and they were, managed by Tom Coffey.

They won the Bloomfield Cup in 1988 at Mullingar Golf Club, when the team was Sean Boyle, Jimmy Flaherty, John Duffy, Sean Pomphrett, Leo Gardner, Tony Kelly, Dick Fitzgerald, Martin Callagy, Tom Lane, Sean Dempsey, Luke Glynn and Tom Hargrove.
They won the County Trophy in 1982, when the team was Dick Fitzgerald, Tom Cleary, Derek Kennedy, John Murphy, Phillip Fullam, Joe Burke, Brendan Caulfield, Willie Higgins and Padraig Flattery.

Athenry won the Carroll's Pro-Am at Portmarnock Golf Club in 1988, when playing with Derrick Cooper, Leo Gardner, Martin Callagy and Kevin Healy captured the trophy.

The Ladies of Athenry Golf Club won the Burren Trophy in 2000, when the team was Mary Rogan, Stella Canny, Kathleen Greaney, Winnie O'Grady, Ann Killeen, Lorraine Higgins, Phil McDonald, Maeve Rabbett, Eileen Burke, Cecily Byrnes and they were captained by Malek Mofakem and Phil Rabbett.

They won the ILGU Western District Intermediate Team Event in 1998, when the team was Marion Kindregan, Margaret Ruane, Margaret O'Sullivan, Kathleen Greaney, Dympna Waters, Breege Somers and they were, captained by Pauline McCarthy.
They won the Connacht Shield in 1985, when the team was Marian Glynn, Margaret Lavelle, Breege Somers, Katherine Reilly, Lil Cronin and Evelyn Maher.

They won the Burren Foursomes in 1983, when the team was Marion Glynn, Margaret Murphy, Shelia Harte, Kathleen Higgins, Mary Cresham, Nancy Coppinger, Kathryn Reilly, Margaret Ruane, Eileen Burke, Evelyn Maher and they were, captained by Breege Sommers.

They won the Waterford Cream Ladies Foursomes in 1982, when the team was Lil Cronin, Kathryn Reilly and Midge Glynn.
Brian Mooney played Connaught Boys in 1996.

The ladies of Athenry Golf Club won the ILGU Western District Linda Black Trophy in 1992 and 1991;

 

Members who played representative golf for Country or Province;

Michael Mulryan represented Ireland at Irish Boys level from 2002 to 2003 playing 17-times won 6-matches halved five and lost 6-matches accumulating 17-points. He represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 2004 to 2005 playing 12-times won 8-matches halved one and lost 3-matches accumulating 17-points. He represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial from 2005 to 2006  playing 12-times won 5-matches halved two and lost 5-matches accumulating 12-points. He represented Connacht at the Boys' Interprovincial from 2001 to 2002  playing 12-times won 6-matches halved one and lost 5-matches accumulating 13-points;

C. Waters represented Connacht at Senior Interprovincial level from 1999 to 2001 playing 15-times won 3-matches halved two and lost 10-matches accumulating 8-points;

P. Neville represented Connacht as a Youth Interprovincial from 2008 to 2009  playing 9-times won 2-matches halved one and lost 6-matches accumulating 5-points;

Sean Cannon represented Connacht at the Boys Interprovincial from 2009 to 2010  playing 11-times won 3-matches halved two and lost 6-matches accumulating 8-points;

Barry Donohue represented Connacht at the Boys Interprovincial from 2002 to 2004  playing 15-times won 7-matches and lost 8-matches accumulating 14-points;
Shane Grealy represented Connacht at the Boys Interprovincial in 2003  playing 4-times won 1-match and lost 3-matches accumulating 2-points;
Daragh Loughnane represented Connacht at the Boys Interprovincial in 1997  playing 6-times won 3-matches and lost 3-matches accumulating 6-points;

History of Athenry

Instituted 1902 affiliated 1928

There is some confusion as to the year Athenry was first founded. The Golfing Annual of 1907-8, gives it as November, 1904, whereas the Irish Golfers Guide, 1910 gives it as 1902. The Irish Golfers Guide 1911 reads "The Club is deeply indebted to Mr. J. B. Concanon, Major Hall, Mr H. J. Concanon, Mr J. M. Meldon and Dr. P. J. Quinlan. It is given as a nine-hole course measuring 2,353 yards, which were within half a mile of Athenry station".
The present location of Athenry is its fourth since its foundation, which is typical of many rural Irish Clubs. The Great War had a drastic effect on Athenry, as The Irish Golfers Guide records "Owing to the depletion of members, on account of the war and falling-off of subscriptions, this club has been closed for the present".

Athenry Golf Club can boast of two important archaeological sites, which are preserved as features on the course and as national monuments in their own right.
The first site is located directly in front of the green of the first hole. It is a fine example of a ring barrow or burial site consisting of a circular ditch with external bank. Overall it is about 8 meters in diameter. The centre has been dug into and damaged. Such ring-barrows can be dated to the early Iron Age and when the Celts arrived in Ireland during the last centuries B.C. The burials are not normally located in the central area but in the surrounding ditch and the cremated remains are usually accompanied by grave-goods such as decorated glass beads, bone pins and bronze broaches. Professor Etienne Rynne of Athenry has excavated a number of similar barrows which can be seen in the Barony of Dunkellin and two examples at Oranbeg near Derrydonnell and at Grannagh near Ardrahan,. Although damaged this ring- barrow on the Athenry Golf course is an important monument and still undoubtedly retains its burial evidence. It forms a unique man made hazard on the course which the Club are pledged to preserve.
The second archaeological site on the golf course is also a prehistoric barrow or burial mound, but it is not as prominent a feature on the ground. It is located in the rough on top of the low ridge, which juts out to form dog leg of the 13th hole (originally the 4th hole). The circular mound is about 10 metres in diameter and 1 meter in height and is surrounded by a very shallow ditch cut across the scarp of the ridge.
The earthen mound contains at least one large stone, set on edge, which may be part of a box-like grave or cist. This barrow, in all probability, belongs to the earlier Bronze Age, about 1800 to 1200 B.C. when burials, inhumed or cremated, were frequently placed in stone-built cists and accompanied by pottery vessels and other objects. Unlike most archaeological monuments, these two burial sites were not marked on the Ordnance survey maps. They have, however, been surveyed by the National Parks and Monuments Branch of the Office OF public Works, and scheduled, by them, for preservation as important archaeological sites.
Thomas Fanning, member, Department of Archaeology, U.C.G.

What the Club tells us:

The history of golf in Athenry probably began before 1902 but there is little evidence to indicate this except that some organisation must have existed prior to the Athenry Golf Club affiliating to the Royal and Ancient Golf Club in St. Andrews, Scotland. The first reference to golf in Athenry was in The Golfing Annual 1907/08 which lists November 1904 as the foundation date. However, the record was corrected in 1910 in The Irish Golfer's Guide (William H. Gibson) which gives 1902 as the year of institution. Athenry Golf Club was affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland in 1929.

Evidence indicates the first actual golf course located in Athenry was situated in Rockfield. The course was a parkland nine hole golf course. This land was originally owned by the Concannon family. The Concannon family came to Rockfield around the turn of the twentieth century. The family had made their money on the stock exchange and were also associated with the Dublin City Tram Company. Jim Cassidy from Clamper Park, who died in the mid 60's, worked for the Concannon family. Jim looked after the greens and the tee-boxes and occasionally caddied for the Concannon family or any visitors that came to play in Rockfield. However, in 1939 the Blythe family bought the lands at Rockfield and moved into their new home in 1940. At this point the Club was no longer located in Rockfield.

The first actual records of golf in Athenry are from the period when the course was located in Cullairbawn and Park. Local descriptions would have the course located in 'Raheen', however the actual town land was called Cullairbawn and Park. The land used for the golf course belonged to three land owners. Pat Holland provided approximately 20 acres in Cullairbawn and both Tom Coyne and Michael Coyne provided 12 acres each in Park. Dan Delaney, who had worked for the Concannon family in Rockfield, worked on the construction of the new greens and tee boxes in Cullairbawn and Park.

Early records from the Irish Golfer's Guide indicated that golf was not permitted on Sundays and that the club was not affiliated. Irish Golfer Guide observed that the course was 'laid out on dry limestone soil. The hazards were natural. Two ranges of low hills intersected the course in such a way as to permit the laying out of a very enjoyable links. The greens were undulating, and bore favourable comparison with those of any other Irish inland course'. The course measured 2,353 yards. The Cullairbawn and Park course survived until 1952 when the lease was not renewed.

Athenry Golf Club moved to its third home in Mounbawn in 1952. The land in Mounbawn was own by the Dobbyn family. The course was built on similar lands to the Cullairbawn and Park course except for the land was not as hilly in Mounbawn. An interesting feature of the Mounbawn course was the number of walls crossing the fairways. A  new clubhouse was erected in 1958. The clubhouse was composed of an extra building from the Hanger Ballroom in Salthill. The floor for the new clubhouse came from Dunsandle House in Co. Galway. The membership of the club grew steadily over the next two decades. However, the increased membership 

were shocked in 1977 when the lease of the land was lost.

In 1977, under the captaincy of Willie Higgins many important steps were taken to ensure the future of club. During the 1977 season Mountbellew Golf Club provided Athenry Golf Club with the use of their golfing facilities. For this reason Athenry Golf Club became known as the 'Nomads' during the 1977 season. It was ironic that Athenry Golf Club should win its first major trophy, The Connacht Shield, during the 1977 season.

In September 1977 a suitable site was identified in Palmerstown by Sean Ward, who was co-opted onto the committee earlier in the year to help source potential lands for the Golf Club. This land was owned by two brothers, Dennis and Sonny Conneely. In November of 1977, after many long discussions between the two brothers, Sean Ward and Willie Higgins, an 21 year lease agreement was agreed. In 1978, under the captaincy of John Murphy the development of the course began. Many different fundraising events, such as a special club draw at the suggestion of Jimmy Reilly and a Poker Classic was held during the Galway Races in the Salthill Hotel, took place to finance the development work.  John Murphy's captain's prize in 1978 was the first to be played on the present site and was played over 6 holes. The final three holes of the nine hole course were completed in 1979.

In 1980 was another breakthrough year in the development of Athenry Golf Club. The first major development was when Willie Higgins re-negotiated the agreement with the Conneely brothers. The agreement was changed from a lease agreement to a lease to buy agreement. This proved to be a significant agreement since it copper-fastened the club's title to the land. The other major development in 1980, was the construction of a new clubhouse on the Palmerstown lands. Over the next seven years the club consolidate its new position and attracted new members from Athenry, Oranmore, Clarenbridge, Carnmore and Galway City.

In 1988 under the guidance of Luke Glynn, Club Captain, the club undertook another major redevelopment. The membership took the decision to buy some of the adjacent land and to extend the course to 18 holes. The following year, 1989, saw the opening of the new 18 hole course. The course was officially opened in October 1991, with members treated to an exhibition of golf from Christy O'Connor, Christy O'Connor Jnr, Eamon Darcy and Paddy McGuirk.