Pictures: Kilkenny Golf Club celebrates National Commemoration Day

Kilkenny Golf Club celebrated National Commemoration Day by unveiling a number of heritage plaques at its golf course and pavilion. celebrated National Commemoration Day by unveiling a number of heritage plaques at its golf course and pavilion.

Guests of honour were Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council Michael McCarthy, the Mayor of Kilkenny Andrew McGuinness, Principal of Kilkenny College Emma Raughter, and Vice Chair of Kilkenny GAA County Board Jim Fennelly.

A military colour party was provided by Lt Col Rob Kearney C/O 3rd Infantry Battalion James Stephen’s Barracks and led by 2nd Lt Liam Hennessy. Councillor David Fitzgerald also attended.
Also represented on the day were a compliment of UN Veterans led by retired CQMS Liam Barry, Kevin McGarry, Ger Barry, Andy Melay, Ollie Cullen and the War Memorial Committee led by Chair Donal Croghan, John Joe Cullen and Paddy Horohan. The Last Post and Reveille was sounded by UN Veteran Fran O’Neill and Piper Finbarr McCarthy played Amhran na bFhiann. The heritage group of Kilkenny Golf Club were represented by Mary Browne, Mary Prendergast, Michael Grant, Dom Murphy and chair Donie Butler.

Two plaques were unveiled at the 12th tee near to where soldiers from Kilkenny Military Barracks prepared for trench warfare prior to being sent to the front for World War I. Somw 3,271 Kilkenny people had enlisted for duty in the Great War 1914-1918. In excess of 800 of them paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives. Their names are listed at the Great War Memorial at the Peace Park, John’s Quay, Kilkenny.

The second plaque at the 12th tee was dedicated to the Officers of Kilkenny Golf Club Major Dermot McCalmont, C J Shankey and Rt Rev G E Day who had opened the new pavilion at Fair Hill and

The second plaque at the 12th tee was dedicated to the Officers of Kilkenny Golf Club Major Dermot McCalmont, C J Shankey and Rt Rev G E Day who had opened the new pavilion at Fair Hill and the new golf course at Newtown on May 20, 1924. The current officers of the club presidents Paula Bradbury and John King unveiled the Fair Hill Plaque and laid a wreath. Current Captains Helen Butler and Fergal Cantwell unveiled the Great War Plaque and laid a wreath. Fr Pat Duggan Club Chaplain offered a prayer of remembrance and blessed the memorials. READ MORE: Golf club celebrate centenary

. The current officers of the club presidents Paula Bradbury and John King unveiled the Fair Hill Plaque and laid a wreath. Current Captains Helen Butler and Fergal Cantwell unveiled the Great War Plaque and laid a wreath. Fr Pat Duggan Club Chaplain offered a prayer of remembrance and blessed the memorials. 

The third plaque commemorates Kilkenny GAA’s magnanimous gesture in donating the former stand at Nowlan Park GAA grounds to Kilkenny Golf Club post 1966. This stand has stood as a machinery shed at the Club ever since. The plaque also commemorates the role of Tommy ‘TC’ O’Connell the course mechanic for over four decades. TC was an accomplished hurler himself for he scored three goals for Kilkenny against Waterford in the 1959 drawn All-Ireland final. Members of the O’Connell family were represented by Eddie, Mary and Noreen Fortune. Fr Duggan said a prayer of remembrance and blessed the memorial.

Earlier in the year a foundation plaque was unveiled at the Glendine Pavilion to mark the various locations of Kilkenny Golf at Barrett’s Hill/Bishop’s Demesne 1896, Richview 1901, Garrangnacreen 1905 and Kilcreene 1908 before arriving at Newtown in 1923 and including Glendine in 1936. Newtown Manor Pavilion was opened in 1947. Glendine Pavilion was opened in 1962. The final Plaque to be unveiled was dedicated to all of the professionals who have served Kilkenny Golf Club since 1910.

The plaques were sculpted by Molloy’s of Callan. Rob Kearney, Hilda Richardson, Carol Cantwell, Pat Murphy, Murty Kennedy and the Dermody children also attended. Following the ceremony, the party adjourned to the pavilion for finger food and light refreshments.