It was a case of the storm before the calm at Shannon Chamber’s golf classic last week as 172 golfers from a field of 43 teams took on the challenge of bringing in the winning score to claim the top prize of a fourball at the stunning Waterville Golf Links in Co Kerry. The high winds added a great challenge to the day as evidenced by the exhilarated expressions on the wind-burnt faces as the score cards were handed in.
The winners, John Leonard, Jody McDonagh, Peter Doyle and Robert Keane representing Willis Towers Watson, scooped the top prize with a score of 85, with Atlantic Aviation’s team of Jason O’Dwyer, Alan Brigdale, Michael Sillery and Paul Hayes following in hot pursuit, to claim second with 83 on the back nine. Shannon Golf Club represented by President Bridget McCaul, Captain Pat Murphy, Lady Captain Helen O’Donnell and general manager Mike Corry came third with 83 points, again on the back nine and got some great practice in ahead of the Captain’s Day last Saturday.
Presenting the prizes and commenting on the success of the day, Shannon Chamber president Julie Dickerson said: “The support we receive each year for this annual event is truly amazing. This year’s timesheet was a sell-out well in advance of the day, which proves that business and leisure do mix and that networking can take place in any environment. That’s what the day offers; the chance to meet a great cross section of business executives from across the region while taking some down time. The Classic is growing year on year and challenges the Chamber team to add something extra in every year. The success of the event is down to the team, most of whom, while not golfers, are increasing their knowledge of the rules and terminology of golf so that the day runs without a hitch.”
Always a well-organised event, this year’s Classic was sponsored by Eirtech Aviation Services & International Aerospace Coating (IAC) and co-sponsored by Atlantic Aviation Group, The Park Inn by Radisson, Ei Electronics, Idex Pump Technologies Ltd., Avara Pharmaceutical Services, Shannon Commercial Properties Ltd. and the Pepper Group. A total of sixteen prizes were on offer on the day, generously donated by a large array of companies, with tee sponsorship from 38 companies adding colour on the tee boxes. Three lucky golfers also went home with flights for two from Shannon to Stockholm, kindly sponsored by Shannon Airport.
Full results below:
| Place & Team | Score | Prize |
| 1: Willis Towers Watson (14:52) | 85 | 4-ball Waterville Golf Links + 4 Btls Wine |
| 2: Atlantic Aviation Group (14:36) | 83 (b9) | 4-ball Trump Int. Golf Links |
| 3: Shannon Golf Club | 83(b9) | 4-ball Dromoland Golf Club + Steak dinner |
| 4: Signature Flight Support | 83 | 4 x €60 dinner vouchers Carrygarry Country House |
| 5: Media Team | 82(b9) | 4-ball Adare Manor GC |
| 6: Zagg International (11:08) | 82(b6) | 4-ball Limerick Golf Club |
| 7: Radisson Blu Limerick | 82(b6) | 4-Ballykisteen GC + lunch |
| 8: Avara | 82(b9) | 4 x €50 One4All vouchers |
| 9: Bendash Managed Services | 82 | 4-ball Ballyneety GC |
| 10: GE Sensing | 81(b6) | 4 x Dinner vouchers Clayton Hotel Limerick |
| 11: Sweeney McGann Solicitors | 81 | 4 x €50 vouchers Keane’s Jewellers |
| 12: Willis Towers Watson (14:04) | 80(b9) | 4 x Dinner vouchers Shannon Springs Hotel |
| 13: CREGG Group | 80(b9) | 4-ball Roscrea GC |
| 14: Shannon Comm. Properties | 80 | 4-ball Nenagh GC |
| 15: Atlantic Aviation Grp (14:28) | 79(b9) | 4 x €25 vouchers Durty Nelly’s |
| 16: Grant Thornton | 79 | Lunch for 4 at The Inn at Dromoland |
Nearest the Pin: Pat Murphy, Captain Shannon GC
Longest Drive Men: David Clohessy, Pepper Group
Longest Drive Ladies: Elaine Kelly, SES
RAFFLE PRIZES
Shannon to Stockholm Flights (compliments of Shannon Airport):
- Pat Murphy, Captain Shannon GC
- Paul Murray, Lufthansa Technik Shannon
- Morgan Lyons, Compuscript
Dinner Voucher ‘Off the Bone’ South Court Hotel: Kieran Blake, BOI Shannon
Dinner Voucher ‘Curry House’ South Court Hotel: Damian Gleeson, Grant Thornton
Hamper sponsored by Lloyds Pharmacy: Claire Bracken, Bendash Managed Services
Winners: Willis Towers Watson
2nd: Atlantic Aviation Group
3rd: Shannon Golf Club
Longest Drive Ladies: Elaine Egan
Where did my shot go?!
The Shannon Chamber team: Dympna O’Callaghan, Lizana Kizaite, Cillian Griffey, Saoirse Downes (deputising for her Mum, Helen Downes!) and Barbara Bowe.
