Newtownbarry Golf Club, County Wexford. (1904 - 1970s)

A nine-hole course located at Ballinapark.

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.

Below are competition results from May 1907.

 

Newtownbarry Golf Club, County Wexford. Competition results from the Irish Times May 1907.

From the Irish Times May 4th 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.

Annual match against Enniscorthy in March 1916.

 

Newtownbarry Golf Club, County Wexford. Annual match against Enniscorthy in March 1916.

Enniscorthy Guardian Saturday 25th March 1916. 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 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 1940 and towards the end of its existence in 1972 the joint secretaries were the Reverend Jas Quigley and E A Owens. The professional and at this time also the 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 F Quigley with a score of 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.

Newtownbarry Golf Club disappeared in the mid 1970s.

The town of Newtownbarry reverted to its original name of Bunclody in 1950.

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The Google Map below pinpoints Ballinapark, location of the former golf course.