Previous Captain’s Letters
2010
 
 
22nd February 2010 My fellow Sean Chairde, It gives me great pleasure to be the one to kick things off and initiate contact with everyone regarding this year’s event. For those of you who may have forgotten I, with my Tears for Fears sidekick, have the unenviable task of attempting to retain the trophy this year while Shayzerooney, ably supported by Johnny Mac, will be looking to swing the balance (somewhat) back in their team’s favour. For my part Shay I couldn’t think of anyone better to be working with as opposing captains. I look forward to our own match, which I know will be hard-fought, and wish you the best of look with all your plans! I do have to add, though, that if Shay’s acceptance speech last year is anything to go by maybe we’ll all have to book in for an extra night! Bunclody, as ever with this competition, was a resounding success in 2009. I think everyone really enjoyed the course and facilities and it’s a shame the logistics just didn’t quite work perfectly. Congratulations to outgoing captains Rob & Sully after a great 10th tournament. The competition really seems to be getting tighter in recent years and Rob, while you ran us close last year, Sully’s tactical prowess and leadership qualities ensured the trophy returned to its rightful home once more! Golfing highlights from last year include a long awaited singles victory by Shane over Glavin (the monkey is well & truly off the back) and a good old fashioned hammering of the Sham by Ross 6&5. Last year also saw the introduction of putting the low golfers out last in the foursomes so others would have “good golf” to watch. It’s fair to say that plan backfired spectacularly – the golf was awful and the only tip I handed out was how to shank the ball with consistency & proficiency! Well done to Glavin & the Sham all the same who played the better golf and deserved the win. Once more a huge amount of work goes on behind the scenes to put the weekend together for all of us. Shane, Barry, Alan & Rob – thanks for all your time and efforts. Most recently, as most of you are aware, the lads have examined all the costs and have managed to reduce the price this year to €535 which I think is great value for money. One issue that still remains a cause for concern is payments being made on time. For those who have not signed up to the direct debit will they please make their manual payments on time as it’s obviously very unfair for those who have done all the organisational work to have the added hassle every year of chasing people for money. So it’s back to Knightsbrook this year where the course and facilities need no introduction. On the plus side for the opposition it is the only venue that comes to mind where the spoils have been shared with each side recording one victory apiece. Knightsbrook has seen some great Sean Chairde duels, most memorably Oscar & Glavin almost having to shake hands on the 18th tee with no balls left in their bags. Fortunately, though their 15th & 16th attempts did make it across the water! Arrival date is Wednesday 18th August with the first ball in anger being hit the following morning at 8.30am. Depart Sunday 22nd August. So all that remains to be said is dust your clubs off get ready for plenty more spills and thrills in 2010. While it’s an event we all enjoy so much one can only imagine what Butch Harmon and David Leadbetter would make of it all. Let’s just say golfers come in all shapes and sizes!! Looking forward to seeing you all in August. Stay well in the meantime… Fitz 28th February 2010 Gentlemen Hello and I hope you're all keeping well,
 
Let me start by saying thank you Fitzer for your kind words.  I don't think anyone has ever spoken so highly of me, certainly not my own Barrister!  I look forward to doing battle with you and your Vice on the fairways in Co. Meath.  Fitzer I am looking forward to locking horns against you on our Special Weekend.  
 
Over the years Fitzer you have been the one that most of my team have dreaded playing against (except Wayne!) and I know this year it will be the same so I tip my hat to you and your Vice.  However I too this year have a strong Vice and I look forward to delving into his knowledge of the game.
 
As Captain this year I am a very proud man and I would like to thank last year's Captain Rob for giving me this opportunity.  This will be my eighth year and I have played under some great Captains.  I think I have taken something from each of them and I truly believe that now the gap has closed which is only beneficial to the competitition.  Hopefully the dark days of picking your own singles are well and truly gone.
 
It was only really last year that I truly realised how much work goes into the organising our magical event.  The four wise men Shane, Alan, Rob and Barry put in a lot of time and effort and we are very lucky to have them.  A special thanks to Barry who keeps the books balanced and the clothes trendy.  Love him or hate him he's our very own Simon Cowell.
 
So all roads lead to Knightsbrook this August and I for one am counting the days.  With it's wide fairways, big balcony and friendly staff I think we're back on course to what this event is truly all about as Sean Chairde.
 
Let me finish off by saying that I had my daughter's christening a while ago and I was on the altar with my wife and child.  My wife turned to me and said "where would you rather be?"  I think you all know the answer to that!  So roll on August, roll on the long Summer nights, roll on the tinkle of ice in a pint  of Bulmers, roll on the Sean Chairde.
 
Regards
Your Captain Shay