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Abbeyleix Golf Club, County Laois. (1895 – WWII)
Early golf in Abbeyleix was played in a haphazard fashion from 1895.
The first course was located at Ballymullen. It moved to a new course at Rathfarnham House in 1927. By 1933 the club had returned to Ballymullen.
The current club was established in 1948.
The Golf Club was affiliated to the Irish Golf Union in 1905 with a course in the Ballymullen area.
From the Golfing Annual 1905/6; Foundation date 1894; Captain, R Hampton; Hon. secretary; Rev A E Bor, The Vicarage, Abbeyleix; Nine-holes, 2,145 yards; Course at Ballymullen one mile from Abbeyleix station.
Later Golfing Annuals have a foundation date of 1895.
Winner of a stroke competition played in January 1907 C O’C FitzSimon, 100-20-80; Monthly medal winner; P B Battisson, jun., 96-20-76.
The winner of the Ballymullen Cup in March 1907 was Miss Stoney, 112-33-79.
The winner of an Eclectic competition played in April 1907 was Rev A E Bor, 88-10-78.
“Opening Competition” played in October 1907; R Hampton, 85-6-79.
Irish Field Saturday 2 May 1908 – “De Vesci Cup Competition at Abbeyleix – Viscount de Vesci having presented a handsome challenge cup to the Abbeyliex Club, the competition was held on Easter Monday. Play took the form of a qualifying stroke competition, and the first eight played off by tournament. Of the eight three were clergyman and one a lady. Unfortunately none of these survived, although Miss Campbell appeared in the semifinal, and the Rev J J Kearney in the final. Mr J Waldron proved the winner. Mr A H A H S Rice won the stroke competition of the day following.”
Result of the December 1910 monthly medal; J Waldron, 102-24-78; Dr O’Brien, 100-18-82; R Hampton, 92-9-83; Miss Orme, 124-40-84; Canon Bor, 102-15-87. Twelve competed.
The May 1915 monthly medal ended in a tie between R Hampton, 94-9-85 and E D Godfrey, 97-12-85.
At the annual meeting in October 1914 Mr C C Yeldham was elected captain for the coming year and Mr E D Godfrey, hon. secretary.
Match against Athy in April 1915.
Freeman's Journal Friday 23 April 1915. Content provided by THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
From the Carlow Sentinel Saturday 1 November 1919 – “We learn that the Abbeyleix Golf Club is to be re-opened this year. The club was more or less abandoned during the war owing to most of its members having gone to do their bit, and owing to the extra tillage a new course has to be laid out. As this is a fine healthy pastime, we wish the club every success.”
New course at Rathmoyle in 1927.
Warder and Dublin Weekly Mail Saturday 12 March 1927. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In November 1927 Mr P Cahir won a Silver Cup which had recently been presented by the club.
Report on the annual meeting in April 1930.
Leinster Leader Saturday 26 April 1930. Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Ladies' competition played in May 1930.
Leinster Leader Saturday 17 May 1930. Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Report on the annual meeting in March 1931.
Leinster Leader Saturday 14 March 1931. Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Report on the annual meeting in April 1933. Interesting to note that the club are playing on new links at Ballymullen.
Kildare Observer and Eastern Counties Advertiser Saturday 15 April 1933. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
From the Kilkenny Journal and Leinster Commercial and Literary Advertiser Saturday 14 March 1936 – “With the advent of more seasonal weather an increasing activity is noticeable amongst the members of the Abbeyleix Golf Club, and good numbers are taking advantage of the attractions offered by the pleasant course. It is a noteworthy fact that considerable improvements have been effected recently, and the course is in excellent condition. On Sunday next the annual competition for the Ballymullen Cup will be played, and judging by the interest, the committee expect a record entry.”
The winner of the Ballymullen Cup in March 1936 was Mr W J Ryan, snr., Abbeyleix.
Leinster Leader Saturday 2 May 1936. Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Report on the annual meeting in October 1936.
Leinster Leader Saturday 10 October 1936. Image © National World Publishing Ltd. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
From the Kilkenny Journal and Leinster Commercial and Literary Advertiser Saturday 13 February 1937 – “For some time past the committee in charge of the Abbeyleix Golf Course have been devoting much attention to the improvement of the links generally, and have succeeded in putting into very good condition for the time of the year. Cups and other trophies will be presented for various competitions during the coming months, and now the lean season of golf has been left behind, it is to be hoped that members will take a lively interest in getting into practice in preparation for the forthcoming competitions.”
Nothing further found on the earlier club and course.
The original club closed in 1937.
A general meeting was held in June 1948 regarding the re-organising of the Abbeyleix Golf Club. Report on the current club below.
Kilkenny Journal and Leinster Commercial and Literary Advertiser Saturday 19 June 1948. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.