Ballyliffin Golf Club
Golden Jubilee Commerative Booklet 1947 - 1997
Past Captains
1946 -'47 & 1947- '48- M. D.
White
Local Solicitor M. D., a legend in this area, was a
very fitting first captain of our club. A keen golfer, he was a member
of both Greencastle and Ballyliffin, A popular and jovial character,
an abiding memory was his version of Molly Malone while pushing a
chair up and down the floor of the old clubhouse.
1948- '49- P. McCormick
Paddy McCormick came to Carndonagh in the 1940's as
Manager of the then Northern Bank. A bachelor; he became involved
in the setting up of the Golf Club and was honoured with being its
2nd Captain. Having completed his term in Carndonagh he returned to
his native Balbriggan.
1949- '50- P, V. Dunworth
Like his predecessor in the chair. P. V. was a Bank
Manager with the then National Bank, now Bank of Ireland. He also
was a bachelor and resided in the well known Canny's Hotel. The early
founders of the Golf Club were obviously keeping their options open
having both Bank Managers as their captains!!
1950- '51- H. Workman
A Bank Manager with the then Northern Bank in Carndonagh.
He was related through marriage to the local Stewart family. A quiet
soft spoken man he was one of natures gentlemen. A dedicated golfer,
his company was much sought after in fourballs.
1951 -'52- S. O'Leary
A Co. Kilkenny man. Sean came to Carndonagh to work
with the now defunct Ceinici Teoranta Co., as Manager of the local
alcohol factory. An avid sportsman. Besides golf, he was a keen huntsman
and fisherman. Quiet and softspoken. Sean nevertheless loved to tell
and hear a good yarn. A committed member he returns regularly to see
how the Club is getting on.
1952 -'53- C. O'Doherty
A member of a well-known local family Cahir has spent
most of his working life in Dublin, though his heart has remained
firmly rooted in his native area. One of life's characters, his jovial
personality ensured he was a popular Captain and later President.
He still attends and contributes to our AGM.'s.
1953 -'54- J. McCarroll
A member of a well-known Derry family, Jim came to Carn
as a young Veterinary Surgeon in the 1940's. A dedicated golf club
member and tireless worker, he was very involved with the early development
of our present 'Old' Course. Very prominent in the local farming community
he was one of those responsible for the setting up of the local co-op.
1954 -'55 - Brian Mackin
An Engineer with the Co. Council, Brian lived in the
Carndonagh area for many years before he moved to Greencastle. A keen
sportsman, golf was his great love. No mean performer, to win the
few bob from him in a fourball certainly required some battle.
1955- '56- N. P. O'Doherty
A local man, Neil P. was the first of twelve school
teachers to hold the post of Captain. His three great, loves were
drama, soccer and golf and he worked tirelessly to promote these at
local level An erudite and very witty man, memories abide to this
day of many debates and anecdotes and especially of the 'crooked'
finger raised in admonishment.
1956 -'57 -J. McEleney
The first local Clonmany man to Captain the Club. James
was a local businessman and politician, for many years being a member
of Donegal Co Council. A man of wit, stories abound in the locality
of his famous retorts and one liners.
1957- '58- Dr. F. Friel
The local doctor in Carndonagh for many years Dr. Frank
was one of the most influential members in the development and history
of Ballyllffin Golf Club. A keen golfer he played with his trusted
friend Liam McGrenera right up to the latter years of his long life.
Ballyliffin Golf Club was a very important part of his life and he
gave unselfishly of his time and efforts promoting it.
1958 -'59 -James McLaughlin
Although originally from the Gleneely area James has
been an adopted Clonmany man for a long time, having setup several
successful businesses in the area. A keen and gifted natural golfer.
James was very involved in the purchase of our present lands. His
rapport and esteem in the local community ensured the smooth passage
of the sale of the lands. His Dance Hall in Ballyliffin was used for
many years for Golf Club functions, he also provided the original
wooden framed clubhouse on the present site. He is the longest serving
Trustee of our Club.
1959- '60- J. A. McDonagh
A local teacher Jim A. was principal of the local Vocational
School or Tech, as it was often called. A keen golfer in his earlier
years, his association with the Golf Club was not a long one since
his main hobby later in life became beekeeping. He brought to the
job however his usual commitment and attention to detail.
1960 -'61- Joe Doherty A
member of the well-known Oregon family from Carndonagh. A keen golfer
to this day, Joe's wit and repartee are well known in this area. A
gifted sportsman he made the fairly usual transition from football
to golf. As he had done in football he gave his all to the club and
became one of our most valued members. Famous for his one liners,
when asked "Have you a good lie in there Joe?" He replied "not yet".
1961 -'62 - Denis Callaghan
Came from Killybegs and taught his lifetime in the Clonmany
area. A fine all round sportsman Dinny represented his county at senior
level in football, As Treasurer for many years he guarded the clubs
finances as assiduously as he would his own. A dedicated club member;
an abiding memory is at the laying of the second green on the 'Old'
course in the the 70's, taking his usual care with the patting in
of a sod with the words "I may need a putt across here for the Captain's
Prize",.
1962- '63- W. J. O'Callaghan
One of Carn's great characters was next in the Captain's
chair; Willie Jerry as he was affectionately known though small in
stature was literally large as life. A fun loving individual, his
company was much sought after in fourballs. He perfected the ball
"down the trouser leg" technique, much to the amusement and sometimes
consternation of his opponents.
1963 -'64- Martin Hopkins
Martin came to the Peninsula from his native Mayo as
an Agricultural Inspector in the 1950's and married local girl Myra
McGuinness, our present Lady President. His main hobby was golf and
he set himself the task of improving the conditions at his beloved
Ballyliffin Golf Club. To this end he worked tirelessly all his life.
His contributions to the construction and well-being of the 'Old'
course, particullarly the greens, is immeasurable. No rn~an golfer
himself, especially round the greens, he and Myra were particularly
adept at the Mixed Foursomes.
1964 -'65- Tom Haughey
Like Denis Callaghan, Tom taught all his working life
in the Parish of Clonmany having come the from Teelin in the 1950's.
His two main hobbies were golf and beekeeping. He was always willing
to give of his time to the promotion of the Golf Club as witnessed
by his many terms on Council. A fun loving character; Tom was blessed
with an easy going. affable manner.
1965- '66- D. J. Gilmore
A native of Carndonagh, Dan was a teacher all his life
in that Parish. Having played both soccer and gaelic to a fairly high
level he turned to the golf with the same enthusiasm. winning Harry
Workman's Captain's Prize in 1951 .An affable man. he is accredited
with having played a big part in helping to establish the Ladies Branch
of our Club. which was formed in his year of Captaincy.
1966 -'67- B. Harkin
The Harkin name has always been synonymous with Ballyliffin
Golf Club, and much of the credit for that must go to Barney Harkin
and his wife Sarah. Their premises 'The Strand' was the clubhouse
up to the early 70's, Barney was always there for the golfers when
they came in from their game with a smile ahd a yarn. Many's the tale
could be told about the back room. One of my favourites concerns the
two captains on either side of Barney, D. J. G. and S. H. The former
having given the latter's car a push, found himself left standing
on Ballyliffin street as Sean proceeded home without him.
1967 -'68 - S. Hegarty
Like Tom Haughey a native of Teelin who settled in
Carndonagh. A dedicated golfer. Sean liked nothing better than a good
fourbalI and was most adept at arranging the "handicaps" to suit the
fourball. In one 'purple patch' he lost five shots off his own handicap
in two days. His caricatures in verse of his peers are real masterpieces,
his one line retorts will never be forgotten by those who knew him.
1968 -'69 -Clement Sweeney
Clement came to Ballyliffin from his native Ardara as
a young teacher in the 1950's and has resided there since, having
married local girl Josie Lavelle. He has been associate with Ballyliffin
Golf Club for all that time and is currently one of our Trustees.
Traditional music and golf are his two major hobbies and he has given
dedicated service to furthering both for many years, culminating in
his recent appointment as head of Comhaltas Ceolt6iri Eirann.
1969- '70 - Owen Travers
Owen was Sergeant of the Gardai in Carndonagh and was
the first member of that profession to be captain of Ballyliffin Golf
Club. He was a committed golfer, dedicated to his Club. He served
for many years on Council and was very active in the work of setting
up the 'Old' Course, helping with the manual work on many occasions.
1970- '71 - C. Doogan
Came to Carndonagh as a young teacher in the 1950's
and taught in the Vocational School. He took up residence in the Ballyliffin
area and immediately became involved in the Golf Club. Conal served
for many years as a County Councillor with Donegal Co. He was captain
at the time of the negotiations and purchase of the lands on which
the present courses now stand.
1971 -'72 - Tom Cannon
Our present President, like the previous incumbent,
came to Carndonagh as a young Primary Teacher in the 1950'5. Like
most of his contemporaries he took up golf and became a very active
member, serving for many years as Honorary Secretary .A keen and very
capable golfer, himself and Sadie proved quite a combination in Mixed
Foursomes. Like the others of his era he was often to be seen with
the spade over the shoulder helping in the construction of the 'Old'
course.
1972 -'73 - D. J. McCandless
One of the first of the locally born and bred 'young
guns' to be honoured with the captaincy, Danny ran a very successful
furniture and auctioneering business in his native Carndonagh. He
was an active member of the Club serving for many years on Council
and like the others in that era was very involved in the setting up
of the 'Old' course. Danny remained a very popular member up until
his untimely death this year.
1973- '74- Tom McBrearty
Tom became the seventh schoolteacher to become captain
in a ten year spell and the tenth overall. He came to Carndonagh in
1959 and spent the rest of his career in the Boys School. A very popular
figure, he was to be seen many evenings with a spade over his shoulder
heading out on the 'Old' course to help with the laying of green sand
tees. (see the photo in the booklet). He remains a committed member
and keen golfer.
1974- '75- Dr. M. Doherty
Dr. Murray came to Inishowen as a young Doctor in the
1950's and set up practice in the Clonmany Parish. The father of our
present Honorary Secretary the whole family was heavily involved with
the Golf Club, his wife Helen also having served as Captain of the
Ladies Branch. His interest in golf has waned with the passing years
but he retains a keen interest in the general well-being of the Club.
1975 -'76 - Frank McCarroll
Brother of the 1953 Captain Jim, Frank is the father
of a very well known golfing family in this area. A very capable golfer
himself, he was widely known and respected throughout the golfing
world. An astute businessman he was very instrumental in helping the
then Competitions Secretary and present Vice-Captain, Oliver Gilmore
to set up the system of sponsorship for all competitions.
1976 -'77 - J. Butler
A local businessman, Johnny, with his wife Vera, founded
the Jay Bee factory in Carndonagh. He brought his considerable business
skills to the running of the infant 18 hole Golf Course. A talented
sportsman, he played football for the famous Carndonaah Rangers team
before turning to golf .
1977- '78 - D. McGinley
Donal came as a young teacher to Bocan, Culdaff and
very soon joined his contemporaries in taking up golf. A quiet yet
sociable man, he proved to be a very popular captain. Like many in
that era could often be seen, of an evening, helping with the setting
up of the 'Old' course.
1978- '79- P. H. Doherty
P. H. or Paddy Glackin as he is better known graduated
from the hurling stick to the golf stick in the 1960's. Paddy has
served the Golf Club as a member of Council for many years. He was
appointed a Trustee of the Club, a position he still holds, and as
such he is a regular contributor to council meetings.
1979- '80- Ignatius Farren
Ignatius is a long time committed member of Ballyliffin Golf Club,
having served on practically every committee in his time, his most
notable contribution in recent years being as Greens Convenor. A keen
and capable golfer, he has represented the Club many times. Like his
predecessor, he presently holds the position of Trustee of the Club
as well as serving on a number of its committees.
1980- '81 - P. McConologue
Known throughout Donegal and the North West, Patrick
has been a terrific ambassador and Public Relations man for Ballyliffin
Golf Club. A 'fairly handy' golfer he has represented Ballyliffin
innumerable times in all competitions. He has served on Council for
many years and is the immediate past President of the club. Like the
two preceding captains he too is a Trustee. His speciality around
Ballyliffin Golf Club is fourball arranging.
1981 -'82- Fr. Morris
The first and only clergyman to date to hold the office
of Captain. Fr. Morris has served most of his priestly life in Carndonagh
and Clonmany as Curate and Parish Priest. Without doubt the quietest
man ever to be Captain, he is much loved and respected by his parishioners
particularly in Clonmany where he spent 30 years.
1982 -'83 -Tom Crumlish
A Letterkenny man who married and settled in the Carndonagh
area, Tommy was very popular with all who knew him. A brilliant entertainer,
he often graced the stage in the clubhouse and many other local venues.
He enjoyed his golf right up to his untimely stroke which prevented
him from taking part any further.
1983- '84- M. McElhinney
The second and last to date; member of the Gardai Si6chana
to serve as Captain, Mick was Sergeant in the Clonmany area for many
years. He was a committed member of Ballyliffin Golf Club right up
to his retirement, when he moved back to his native Co. Derry. A talented
musician, he was part of the resident band in the clubhouse for many
years.
1984- '85- John Doherty (W)
One of the best known and most popular members of Ballyliffin
Golf Club. John White, can definitely be categorised as one of our
most dedicated members. He has been competitions Convenor for many
years and as such has achieved tremendous success. Always ready to
greet the visitor with a simile and a chat, John has been a terrific
Public Relations man for the Club.
1985- '86- Plunkett Barr
A native of Moville, Plunkett came to Clonmany to work
with An Post, married and settled in the Parish. A long time and committed
member of the Club, he really enjoys his golf, particularly since
his retirement. He is very involved with the running of the Wednesday
Society and remains a staunch supporter of the Club.
1986- '87- Barry Kearney
Carndonagh born, Barry, has built up a very successful
road construction business. He has been a hard working member of Ballyliffin
Golf Club for many years, having served on Council and on the Development
Committee which handled the making of the Glashedy Course. A talented
musician, he was also part of the resident band. He has remained a
committed member and supporter of our Club to the present day.
1987 -'88 -Edmund Doherty
Surprisingly only the third Clonmany born Captain of
the Club following James McEleney in '56 and Barney Harkin in '66.
A successful local businessman, Edmund has been a committed member
for many years and has represented the club on innumerable occasions,
especially in the Donegal League, where he formed a much feared paitnership
with John McGeoghegan. He had the honour of presiding over the opening
of the present clubhouse.
1988 -'89 -Noel Kilcooley
Came to Carndonagh as Bank Manager to the Bank of Ireland
to replace Seamus Dunne. Both he and his wife Mary were committed
golf club members right up to his departure on retirement to his native
Claremorris. Noel was the driving force behind the Members Draw which
helped to finance the existing Clubhouse. He returns regularly to
visit the club, . a sure sign of his abiding interest.
1989 -'90 - Packie Farren
One of our most dedicated and hard working members, our present Treasurer
has been associated with the Club for many years. As a member of the
Development Committee which oversaw the building of the Glashedy Course,
Packie worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the project. His
enthusiasm for the well being of the Club continues in his role as
Treasurer.
1990- '91- P. J. McDaid
Having come home from Scotland and established a successful local
business. P. J. turned to golf relatively late in life and very soon
showed his aptitude for the game. and his value as a club member.
He has served on Council and continues to do so, having also served
on the Development Committee for a number of years. He is presently
covenor of the House Committee.
1991 -'92- Cormack McDonough
Cormac came to Carndonagh as Assistant Manager in the Bank of Ireland.
A keen golfer, he soon followed his Manager Noel into the Captain's
chair. He has served the Club well both as Treasurer of the Club itself.
and later as a dedicated Secretary to the Development Committee.
1992 -'92 -Patsy Doherty
Carndonagh born Patsy, like so many others, made the
progression from football to golf in the 1980's. As he did in Carn
Football Club he soon became involved in the administration side of
the Golf Club. Following his captaincy he was charged with convening
the Development Committee, a task which he carried out with great
determination and boundless energy. He remains heavily involved in
the Club as Council member and Greens Covenor.
1993 -'94 -Brian Harkin
A successful local hotelier, Brian as he had done in
business, followed his father into the Captaincy of the Golf Club,
the first father and son to do so, This was indeed appropriate given
the connection between the Harkin family and the Golf Club. Having
completed his captaincy he became involved in the Development Committee
of the Glashedy Course where he worked hard with the other members
to ensure its completion.
1994- '95- John McGeoghegan
Born in Carndonagh, John has lived in Clonmany for many
years and took up golf in the early to mid 70's. A formidable match
player and indeed stroke player he has represented the Club on numerous
Donegal League Campaigns. A dedicated worker he has served on Development
on the Competition Committee for a number of years. and is the present
Handicap Convenor.
1995 -'96 -Jimmy Cuddihy
Kilkenny born, Jimmy came to the Carndonagh as a young
teacher in the 1960's. He took to the golf relatively late in life
but was soon smitten. A jovial, bubbly character, Jimmy was fortunate
enough to be honoured with the Captaincy in one of its most historic
years, namely the Opening of the New Course, a task which he performed
with great aplomb.
1996- '97- Colm O'Kane
Yet another footballer turned golfer, Colm. as he had
done with Carn Football Club soon became a committed Club man of Ballyliffin
Golf Club. Having served on Council for a number of years he was honoured
with the Captaincy, a job to which he gave total dedication and commitment.
A tenacious match player, he has represented the Club many times.
1997 -'98 - Hugo Boyce
Hugo, a local businessman and entrepreneur was delighted
to be honoured with the Captaincy in the Golden Jubilee year of the
Club. He has shown the same commitment to the Club as he has done
and continues to do, to the Clonmany Festival of which he was a founder
member and behind which he has been the constant driving force since
its inception. We wish him well for the remainder ot this Jubilee
Year.
