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Newtownbarry/Bunclody Golf Club, County Wexford. (1904 - 1970s)
A nine-hole course located at Ballinapark.
Reported in newspaper articles as both Newtownbarry and Bunclody Golf Club.
In the early years there were stations at Ferns 8 miles and Tullow 12 miles away. Joe Roberts who was the professional prior to WW1 and must have lived to a ripe old age as he was listed as the professional and greenkeeper when the club disappeared in the 1970s. Alternatives are that the club finished much earlier, there is evidence that it could have closed in the mid 1960s. or there could have been two Joe Roberts.
It was reported in November 1904 that a golf club had just been started and a meeting had recently been held. Mr Hall-Dare had provided the land for the members who were grateful for his generosity.
Report on the annual meeting in October 1905.
Free Press (Wexford) Saturday 14 October 1905. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Opening competition played in November 1905.
Free Press (Wexford) Saturday 4 November 1905. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Competition played in January 1906.
Free Press (Wexford) Saturday 20 January 1906. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Below are competition results from May 1907.
From the Irish Times 4 May 1907. Image © THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
In 1914 the secretary was Geo Lewis of Mall House. There was a membership of 80. There was no entry fee. Subs were £1. Visitors’ fees were 1/- a day and 4/- a week. Sunday play allowed without caddies. The season was September to June at this time.
New Ross Standard Friday 26 November 1915 - "BUNCLODY GOLF CLUB - The Bunclody Golf Club had some very enjoyable and successful competitions om their links at Ballinapark during the season. They have again restarted the game with fresh vigour and determination to keep Bunclody foremost in the world of sport."
Annual match against Enniscorthy in March 1916.
Enniscorthy Guardian Saturday 25 March 1916. Image © Independent News and Media PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Wicklow People Saturday 8 October 1921. Image © Independent News and Media PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In 1923 the secretary was M McDermott-Gunning. A 9 hole course with a membership of 84. Visitors’ fees on introduction 2/6 a day.
In March 1923 the silver cup was won by Mr M F McHugh, National Bank. There were 14 competitors.
In May 1923 Miss M Tackaberry won the silver cup in the ladies' competition.
Free Press (Wexford) Saturday 19 May 1923 - "Bunclody Golf Club - The annual meeting was held on Monday night. The balance sheet and statement of accounts submitted by the secretary (Mr Gunning) were considered satisfactory and were adopted. Mr C S Tynan was elected captain for the coming year."
Free Press (Wexford) Saturday 19 May 1923. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
New Ross Standard Friday 26 October 1923. Image © Independent News and Media PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
In the late 1920s the secretary was A H Ellis, Bank House, Newtownbarry. The professional and now also green-keeper was Joe Roberts. There was a membership of 80 and the S.S.S at this time was 70. Local hotels were The Mall and the Kings Arms.
In September 1937 Miss Harriet Bond won the Captain's prize, presented by Miss M M Lennon, Main Street, (outgoing captain).
The course was closed during WW2.
In the 1940 Golfer's Handbook and towards the end of its existence in 1972 the secretary was E A Owens. The professional and green-keeper was the long serving Joe Roberts. A 9-hole course with a SSS and Par of 71 and a membership of 50. Course records, amateur; Reverend James Quigley, 68; professional J Roberts, 70. Visitors’ fees on introduction were 1/6 a day (8p in 1972) and 5/- a week (25p in 1972). Sunday play was allowed. The station at Ferns was now 7 miles away.
The course was revived following the war. Father James Quigley a former President, Captain and Secretary of the club was a leading figure in the revival of the club.
There were nearly 60 entries in the 18-hole monthly stroke competition in July 1951. Result; T Lennon, Bunclody, 69; Ladies' 9-hole competition; Mrs M Carton, 34; Miss E Whelan, 36.
Wicklow People Saturday 24 January 1953. Image © Independent News and Media PLC. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.
Newtownbarry Golf Club disappeared from the Golfer's Handbook in the mid 1970s.
The town of Newtownbarry reverted to its original name of Bunclody in 1950.
If anyone can help with the history the former Newtownbarry golf course please "Contact Us" via the website homepage.
The Google Map below pinpoints Ballinapark, location of the former golf course.