Clubs show responsibility

Two golf clubs in the heart of the Irish bloodstock industry ceased all activities yesterday as a precaution against the spread of foot-and-mouth disease. And according to the Golfing Union of Ireland, there were indications that other clubs in rural areas were set to follow the lead of the Curragh GC and Cill Dara, by closing their doors.

Indeed Enniscorthy GC has also closed, in response to advice from Teagast. Situated in a strong farming area about a mile outside the Co Wexford town, the club plans to review the situation on an ongoing basis. Meanwhile, arising out of consultations yesterday between the GUI and the Department of Agriculture, all clubs are being urged to take every possible precaution. This includes applying disinfectant on a daily basis at the entrance to the course and outside the changing rooms.

For its own part and in response to a call from the Minister for Agriculture, the GUI have cancelled five events organised for this weekend - the National Panel's coaching session at Citywest; the Leinster Inter-County Championship qualifier at Rosslare; Leinster Youths' Trial at Grange; Connacht Boys' coaching session at Ballinrobe and Munster Boys coaching at East Cork. General secretary Shay Smith made it clear, however, that then union's function, with regard to clubs themselves, could be no more than advisory. "Clubs are entitled to take full responsibility for their own activities," he said. "But we are urging them to take sensible precaution with regard to disinfectant."

When the last foot-and-mouth outbreak occurred in these islands in 1967, it had no significant effect on golfing activities in this country. "I cannot recall any problem for golfers at that time," said Des Rea O'Kelly, a former honorary secretary of the GUI. There were certainly no cancellations of important golfing events. Rosslare GC, which remained operational yesterday, was monitoring the situation in the light of Enniscorthy's decision. The situation would have been of far greater concern for them later in the year, given their popularity with golfing visitors from south Wales, who also frequent the Dunmore East club.

The K Club also remained operational. They, too, were monitoring the situation, though it would not have been reasonable to draw a parallel with their Kildare neighbours at Curragh GC, where the decision was prompted by the number of sheep which have traditionally used the course for grazing. As it happens, further closures are unlikely to cause any great hardship for the golfing community, given that their activities at this time of year are invariably curtailed because of adverse weather. Still, the GUI are clearly anxious that clubs should behave responsibly.

There are 147 golf clubs in Leinster, 85 in Munster, 41 in Connacht and a total of 28 in Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan, the three Ulster counties in the Republic. And some of their biggest business is done with societies, who think nothing of travelling considerable distances for a day's outing.

From my soundings yesterday, however, the indications were that clubs were more than willing to do the right thing, provided a clear directive were forthcoming from the Department of Agriculture.