Team 1: Sadie Tierney, Martina Harpur, Georgina Chambers.

Team 2: Carmel Whelan (President), Pauline McEvoy, Loretto O’Grady.

The Senior Women’s Golf Society (SWGS) All Ireland Finals took place in Edenmore Golf Club, Co. Down on Monday the 10th of August with 37 Teams from four provinces participating. Portumna was represented by two teams (named above) who qualified from the regional finals in July in Athlone Golf Club. It was a 3 person team with all 3 scored counting and thankfully the weather was kind on the day.

Well done to Team 1 on coming 1st place (Pictured below). Gort Golf Club took 2nd and 3rd places so a clean weep for Connacht. Congratulations to them.

Lime kilns form part of Ireland’s rich industrial heritage and are widely distributed throughout the landscape. Lime has been produced for thousands of years and was in great demand for the building of castles, churches and towns. This lime kiln and dwelling, most likely dates from the 18th century and was constructed to produce lime for local needs.

Lime is produced by heating limestone to a very high temperature in an open-topped chamber with an opening at the base, known as the eye. A fire was lit through this opening and the kiln was filled from above with alternating layers of turf and stone chips. The fire would burn for many days and sometimes for weeks. The lime was removed from the base with long-handled shovels. The labour- intensive process required several workmen who would have resided in the adjoining dwelling for the duration of the work.

This image shows the remains of an old lime kiln and adjoining staff dwelling on our 6th hole. This was once used to produce lime for local businesses.

A huge congratulations to our Men’s Captain, Damien Gibbons, on a hugely successful Captain’s Day. The event was a credit to his hard work and dedication, and we’d like to thank everyone who came out to support and take part in the day. The atmosphere was fantastic, and it was great to see such strong participation from members. A special congratulations goes to Martin McDonagh, who claimed the top prize. Well done to all prize winners and participants.

A heartfelt congratulations to our Lady Captain, Vera Smyth, on a wonderfully successful Lady Captain’s Prize Day. Vera’s dedication and effort were clear for all to see, and the day was a fantastic celebration of women’s golf at the club. Thank you to everyone who came out to support and take part in the event, helping to make it such a special occasion. A special well done to Mary Madden, who took home 1st place with an excellent performance. Well done to all winners and thank you to all the participants.