Michael McElhinney tops at Paul Carr’s captain’s day at Letterkenny Golf Club

Michael McElhinney took home the top prize at Paul Carr’s captain’s day at Letterkenny Golf Club.

Paul was on hand to greet the competitors and wish them luck as they headed for the first tee in what was one of the better summer days of the 2024 season, albeit with a slight wind factor coming in from the river Swilly.

There were 187 entrants on the day and it was Michael who took top honours with a great return of 43 stableford points playing off a handicap of 15. Two points adrift on 41 points was Ramelton man Mark Friel with a 14 playing handicap.
A break-of-tie had to separate the third spot also on 41 points, with the prize going to Robbie Sweeney (37). Peter Doherty accepted the non-qualifying prize playing of 31 with 39 points.

Brian Hegarty accepted the committee prize; Brian O'Donnell won the past captains prize; Philip Connolly accepted the veteran award. Mark Walshe had the nearest to the pin with his tee shot on the par 3 16th. Michael Shiel Jnr recorded the longest drive on the 11th. Darragh Heaney had the highest return on the front 9, likewise Paddy O'Kane on the latter 9.

Category 3 was accepted by Hugh Hamilton, Category 2 was won by Enda Mannion - who had a double celebration that weekend been from Rosmuc in Co Galway following their win over Donegal. And Category 1 was won by the vice-captain Declan Burke, who is also a proud Galway man.

Later that evening, prior to the presentation of prizes, Noreen and her team at Hunters Bar & Grill provided a fantastic meal for the Captain and his guests. Paul's daughter Maire provided the entertainment which carried through to the wee hours.

Thanks to everyone who made this day as successful and enjoyable as it was - a lot of preparation and planning went into this day long before the first ball was placed on the tee. A special thanks to Colin, John Neely and the greens team for having the course look as good as it was considering the hard elements we had to deal with the past number of months.