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Ballyshannon Golf Club, Donegal. (1907 - 1916)

The club was founded in 1907. Nine-hole course.

Derry Journal Monday 18 November 1907 - "BALLYSHANNON GOLF CLUB - A meeting will be held in Ballyshannon Courthouse on Friday 22nd inst. for the purpose of forming the club. It is hoped that all persons interested will be present at the meeting and assist the club in every possible way. It is hardly necessary to point out that Golf Links will be a source of considerable attraction for visitors to Ballyshannon and neighbourhood, and they should in consequence be liberally patronised by those interested in the development of the town. Full particulars may be obtained from the Hon. Secretary, pro tem., Mrs K G Townsend, Manor House, Ballyshannon." 

In March 1908 the St Patrick's Day Competition was played for a prize valued at £1; Sydney Johnston, 99-38-61; G Townsend, 106-29-77; H Martin, 96-18-78; L Lipsett, 118-28-90. Also played E Knox, W Ramage, Stokes and D Ross Todd.  

Result of a ladies' competition played in April 1908; Mrs G Townsend, 55-10-45; Mrs Ross Todd, 78-19-59; Miss Knox, 83-20-63; Miss Ida Lipsett, 86-20-66; Miss Bertha Lipsett, 88-20-68; Miss Lipsett, 91-18-73; Miss Magee, 158- 20-138.

The following qualified for the clubs Silver Cup in July 1908; A Scott jun., 78-3-75; S Neill, 99-22-77; E Clarke, 119-38-81; W Ramage, 100-18-82; G Townsend, 109-26-83; W Lipsett, 124-40-84; A Scott, 109-22-87; T Neill, 103-14-89; B Ross Todd, 116-26-90; E Crawford, 113-20-93; H Martin, 114-18-96.

From the Londonderry Sentinel Tuesday 5 January 1909 - "The annual general meeting of the Ballyshannon Golf Club was held in the Courthouse on New Year's Eve. The members present included; Alfred Stubbs (president) in the char,; Miss Johnston, Miss Knox Miss Lippett, Miss T Lippett, Mrs Sparrow, Mrs Ross Todd, E Pentland) hon. treasurer), R B Lipsett (captain), Major White, Rev A Leeper, S Johnston, H Lipsett, W Lippett, H E Martin, W Ramage, B Ross Todd, F G Townsend, Mrs Townsend (hon. secretary). The reports of the hon. secretary and treasurer were read, and these showed that the club has proved an undoubted success, not only as regards the membership, but also financially, as after making and equipping the ground and providing for all outstanding accounts, the hon treasurer reports that a substantial balance stands to the credit of the club. For the year ending 31 December 1909 the following officers were appointed; President, Thomas Neill; Vice-presidents, Robert Reynolds, Alfred Stubbs, R Scott; Captain, F G Townsend; Hon. treasurer, E D Pentland; Hon. secretary; Mrs K Townsend; General committee; Miss Lipsett, Mrs R B Todd, Dr Gordon, Rev H Holmes, Rev A Leeper, H E Martin, M Maguire, J Mulligan, W Ramage, Major White, L B Lipsett, R Ross Todd and S Freckleton." 

Below is a report on a new clubhouse for Ballyshannon Golf Club.

From the Donegal Independent Friday 26 March 1909. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In April 1909 the annual meeting was held in the Courtroom for the "Ballyshannon And Bundoran Golf Club" Mr E D Pentland was in the chair. The treasurer reported a substantial balance in hand. The following officers were appointed; president, Colonel Tynte; captain, Dr L R Lipsett; treasurer, Mr E D Pentland; secretary, Mr H E Martin. Committee; Mr & Mrs F G Townsend; W H Miller; T Gorman. Handicap Committee; Dr Lipsett, A Volk, T Gorman, F G Townsend.

In August 1909 the final of the 18-hole mixed foursome competition for the Highfield Cup took place when Mr and Miss Neill defeated Miss Ida Lipsett by 2 and 1, thus winning the handsome trophy outright. 

Below is a competition result from May 1910.

From the Donegal Independent Friday 13 May 1910. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

In 1914 the secretary was F G Townsend, Carrickboy, Ballyshannon and the professional W Matheson. A 9 hole course that was partly inland and partly seaside with splendid views. The greens were good and well kept. The club had a membership of 160. There was no entry fee. Subs for gents were £1/5/0 and ladies 15/-. Visitors’ fees were 1/- a day, 3/6 a week, 7/6 a month, Ladies paid 9d, 2/6 and 5/- respectively. There were no restrictions for ladies. Sunday play was not allowed. The Station was 1 mile away.

A lovely Hallmarked silver button, Dublin 1909, for the very short lived Ballyshannon Golf Club (maker Thomas Weir & Sons.) Image Courtesy of Dixon Pickup.

Reverse of the Dublin silver button with the TW maker mark.

Above is a pre WW1 postcard with a Ballyshannon postmark. Was this the Ballyshannon course?

Ballyshannon Golf Club closed in 1916.

The Google Map below shows the location of the former railway station which was one mile from the golf course. If anyone knows the exact location of the course please get in touch via the “Contact Us” facility on the website homepage.