Cork to play the waiting game

Munster and All-Ireland champions Cork have a bye in the first round of this year's provincial championship. The championships are scheduled for Tramore Golf Club on March 10th and 11th. Cork will play the winners of the Limerick v Clare match in the semi-final. Kerry will meet the winners of the Tipperary v Waterford. Captains for the 2001 series are: Cork - Sean O'Leary; Limerick - Joe Quane; Clare: Christy Moylan; Kerry - Michael Lawlor; Tipperary - John Moloughney; Waterford - P Murphy.

The new captains of Kilrush Golf Club, Pat St Ledger and Mary Young, made the perfect start to their year in office when they won the drive-in competition. After the successful drive-in the captains teamed-up with the presidents, John Hehir and Marian Roche, in the four-person team event and their five-under-par was enough to scoop the top prize from Sean Moran, Miriam Saunders and Maurice Roche with Rory Flynn, Rita Clune, PJ O'Dea and Jack Kiely filling third place.

Maureen Kelly's 35 year's service at the Adare Manor Golf Club was recognised with a special presentation at the Woodlands Hotel recently. [SBX]

It has been a 100 per cent winning start to the new year for Ann O'Riordan in Charleville. Two events, two wins. On January 4th the 21-handicapper defeated Agnes Foley and the following Thursday her 18 points total was enough to pip Helen Smith (37) for the top prize.

It has also been a good start to the year for Iris Haughton of Greystones. The 20-handicapper has already been in the winners circle twice. In the women's fun day she was second to Eileen O'Donovan (29), beaten only on a countback after both scored 21 points. However, the following week she finished top in the nine-hole strokes competition where her 38 shots was enough to win Class One.

Lady Captain Pat Fenton almost made the perfect start to her year in office at Ceann Sibeal. The 26handicapper shot 15 points in their weekly competition but had to settle for third place, a single point behind winner Siobhan Ui She (22) and second-placed Eilis U hUiginn.