History was made in Abbeyleix Golf Club on Saturday night last with the launch of a souvenir calendar of the club which looks back over the 100 plus years of the club.
This is no ordinary calendar but a comprehensive history from its beginning in 1895, making Abbeyleix one of the oldest established clubs in the country.
The exact location of the original course is not clear with local legend putting the first course at “The Island” between Ballyroan and Abbeyleix.
It moved firstly to Ballymullen and then to Heywood in 1921.
On the 11th. May 1927, the club moved to its present location in Rathmoyle when Mr Robert Wilde of Rathmoyle House offered the front lawn of his house as a course.
Every facet of golf club life has been highlighted in this publication, from the great victories in inter club competitions, record scores on the course and the many social activities in the club house.
The introduction of celebrity golf classics helped to raise necessary finance and while the celebs enjoyed playing during the day, the song and laughter lasted long into the night.
In more recent times, members showed their prowess on the dance floor as well with a very enjoyable strictly come dancing.
The club has always been very conscious of its place in the community and many different organisations have participated in fundraising efforts on the course, the local sporting groups, charitable organisations and youth groups have always been an integral part of the fabric of the club.
Based on an idea of vice captain Noel Burke, the project got full support from everyone in the club.
A sub-committee was formed and the final production is testament to their tremendous work.
History
Packed with history, anecdotes and a tremendous amount of photographs, old and new, this is a calendar that will become a coffee table reference for many friends of Abbeyleix in years to come.
The 2017 captains Aidan Dunphy and Bernie Carroll launched the calendar in front of a packed audience of many past and present members in the clubhouse on Saturday night last.
The captain Aidan acknowledged the attendance of Viscount De Vesci, who had recently been awarded honorary life membership of the club.
The calendars are for sale at €10 per copy and €20 for the laminated version – contact Doris at 087 9291873. Copies may also be viewed in the local library and post office.
SEE ALSO – Primary schools across Laois receive grants boost
The LaoisToday 2017 Annual is now on sale in bookshops and newsagents around the county – this is where you can buy it
