In 1965, the Galway Arms Golf Society was formed in the pub of that name on Dominick Street with the blessing of the owners, Jimmy and Nancy Coen. The idea of forming a society was Tommy Donnelly’s who, for his troubles, became its first secretary. Jimmy Coen was elected the first president, Finbarr O’Mahony as treasurer and Paddy Noonan as club captain.
The society gave an opportunity to people of all walks of life to play and enjoy a game that was considered a bit elitist. They helped popularise the game in Galway through developing friendships and participating in many varied competitions. In 1967, they played in the first National inter-bar golf competition which was held in Dublin. An article had appeared in the Irish Independent which claimed that The Cedar Lounge Golfing Society was the first of its kind in Ireland and was immediately challenged by the Galway boys, which resulted in the Dubliners having to concede defeat once the dates were checked.
The first Captain’s Prize was played for in Lahinch in 1967 and was won by Michael Keady. In the early days, the winner might receive anything from a miniature silver cup to twenty cigarettes, a bottle of wine, even a bottle of watered down whiskey. This happened on one of the club’s outings when Gabriel Burke and Miko O’Connor were almost overcome by the thirst while they were minding the prizes, so, in desperation they resorted to one of the prizes and quenched their thirst by drinking half the bottle. They somehow managed to find enough water to top up the remains of the whiskey.
The society became well-known on the Connacht circuit. They continued to hold their meetings in the Galway Arms until 1975 when the Lisheen on Bridge Street became the venue. They were becoming increasingly involved in charity events and in 1981, at an event in Galway Golf Club, they raised a remarkable £3,700 which was presented to Brian Higgins, the President of the Galway Lions Club. They would later make serious financial presentations to Galway Hospice.
In 1982, they went abroad for the first time when they set off for Spain. They stocked up with a lot of booze in the Duty Free in the airport on their way out, not realizing that the prices in Spain were far less, but they managed to enjoy themselves nevertheless. They subsequently organised several other foreign trips but it was their regular events in Galway and the west of Ireland (several each year ) that kept the society ticking over. They played matches against groups like Our Ladys Boys Club, The Garda Golf Club and the Vintner’s Association team. Several members won major trophies in tournaments organised by different golf clubs.
It is a measure of their success that William Henry published a history of the society in 2003.
Our first photograph was taken at the Society’s outing to Lahinch in 1966 and shows, front row, from the left: Johnny Divilly, John Keenan, Frank Devlin, Jimmy Coen, Ralph Langan, Tom ‘Bomber’ McDonagh, Gabriel Burke, Tommy Donnelly, Mike O’Connor, Paddy Howard, Seamus McSweeney, Roddy O’Halloran, John Devaney and John Cronin. Middle row: Finbarr O’Mahony, Jimmy Kilkelly, Gerry Ward, Michael Keady, Tony O’Connor and Pat McNamara. Brendan Ward and John Farren are at the back.
Our second image shows the presentation of the President’s Prize in 1975. From the left: Eamonn Flynn, Jimmy Kilkelly, Tommy Carr, John Duggan, Tommy Kelly, Gabriel Burke, Aidan Walsh, Seamus Barrett, Padraic Forde, John Flaherty, Peadar Condon, Paddy Connolly, Murt Folan and Eddie Fahy.
The society will celebrate their 60th anniversary in the best possible way by having their next outing in Oughterard Golf Club on June 6th.
