Captains Letter's 2009

17th April 2009

Well All,

It gives me great pleasure to have the opportunity to write this letter this year it is been a long time since our team have been the defending champions and god it feels good. Each year the Sean Chairde gets better and better and I think we can all say last's years event was a fantastic battle made all the better with the sweet taste of victory. The craic on the Saturday night was unbelievable and I think the losing team were very gracious in defeat and were genuinely happy that we had won and this added to make the night a great night for all. I think us winning has regenerated the event as many of our team had never won before so this will make for a hugely competitive battle for the 10th year. I have to congratulate the 2 Captains last year for doing a great job. Michael "They just don't have the players" Hurley did a great job in leading his team to victory, and did a better job in recording the longest speech ever in Sean Chairde history. On the other side Cian did a great job and was just pipped by an inspired singles performance by our team, he was truly sporting and a pure gent even after losing so well done to both.

Last year we voted to go to Adare, but as the economic climate has changed, it was felt by the committee that the outlay may be a lot to ask for most, so after we sent e-mails to all it was decided to move. Where we have found could be the home for the Sean Chairde for many years as it is a truly fabulous course. We have moved to Bunclody golf cluh www.bunclodygfc.ie . Some of the lads played the course recently and commented that the last 6 holes were probably the finest finishing holes that had ever played. The clubhouse is a fine building which offers views over the whole course and the staff we have met have been very welcoming & hospitable. There is great practice facilities with a driving range, chipping area & putting green. The accommodation is in the Millrace Hotel which is located at the entrance to the golf course and we are staying in self catering 2 bedroom apartments, with 3 people sharing each apartment. The hotel has excellent leisure facilities and is located in the town. I think you all should have a look at the website for both the golf club & hotel where I think you will be hugely impressed, and more impressed if u take a spin down there. This years dates are Wednesday 19th of August to Sunday 23rd of August.

For this years event I hope we have a fair & competitive match and for us to be taking home the bacon again. I have in my management team my fellow Rooney and his advice will be invaluable. I welcome the challenge that Sully & his troops will bring. On his management team he has brought in the new Mr Invincible of the SC (Fitzer). I was disappointed that Fluskie was not the VC as that would have made for some interesting team pairings & tactics. My only regret is that I have no chance of playing Fitzer in the singles cause he is cruising for a hiding some day. Well that is all for now and I hope you all are getting into to the golf season to prepare for the sporting highlight of the year.

If I have missed anything I am sure the Sham will be on to it quick enough but for now bye and god bless

zzzzzzz

4th May 2009

Hi all,

I hope this email finds you well and in good spirits, I would first of all like to echo Rob´s sentiments and say I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity of being this year’s captain and also writing this mail to mark the 10th anniversary of the Sean Chairde, it is a unique event made up of many great memories which has not only brought together old friends but forged many new and lasting ones along the way. Before getting carried away about our outstanding team, players, record and teaching Rob a lesson in the captains match, I would like to start by saying a special thanks to, Shane, Barry, Rob and Alan for the innumerable hours of personal time and effort spent keeping this event going and making it what it is today. I believe I can speak for everyone involved when I say you have done a great job and give us all a weekend worth looking forward to throughout the year.    Following last year’s event , I would like to thank the former captains Mick and Cian for a great run of matches which culminated in not only a clear cut, but well deserved victory and also left us in no doubt about which team can sing the loudest. Even with the late changes to the venue, this years event is shaping up nicely and although having only got to play the first and last 6 holes due to rain, I think everyone will be duly impressed, the clubhouse, staff & facilities are 1st class and the course has a good mix of open play through the first few opening holes and rounds off with some truly scenic and challenging finishing holes.

The lads have done a great job again in achieving value for money and Rob has very kindly given a full rundown of everything in his mail so I will refrain from going over the details again except to ask for an extra effort on everyone´s part to get any final payments in. If anyone is unsure of when they can make full payment, I would also ask that you contact the lads and let them know the situaton rather than they having to do the chasing.

This years event has what I think may be the most coveted prize of having your name as the ten year winners engraved on the cup, I have drafted in the very experienced Fitzer as my vice captain and we will do our very best to put the challenge to our opposing counterparts and current cup holders, Rob and Rooney. I have no doubt the lads will be up for the challenge and it will all make for some very interesting team tactics and antics throughout the weekend. It goes without saying that that competitiveness and sportsmanship has been the core of the Sean Chairde and gets better with each year. With the golf season getting into full swing, I will be sending out the rallying cry to my team and letting them know that the gloves are off in order to attain the cup this year. With that in mind and this probably being the 1st many mails as I´m sure someone will be quick to point out something I´ve forgot to mention!!! I will sign off and say that I´m looking forward to catching up with everyone in Bunclody for a weekend of golf, craic and friendly banter.

Take care and all the best to everyone.

Regards
Sully