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Fota Island Golf Course, County Cork. (1883 -WW1)
The following is an extract from a report from the Belfast News-Letter Monday 1st November 1886 – “Since November 1881, when the Belfast Club was inaugurated on the Kinnegar, at Holywood, no less than three additional courses have been laid down in different parts of the country. The second was at Fota Island. One of our London contemporaries, noticing an opening game there in February 1883, remarked that there was hope for “Ould Ireland,” as a wave of Scotticism had crossed the channel and travelled down southwards as far as Cork.”
Unfortunately nothing further has so far come to light on this early course.
However, it was not the end for golf on Fota Island.
In the Irish Times 6th January 1906 the following report appears – “NEW LINKS AT FOTA – In the demesne at Fota, Lady Barrymore has laid out a golf course of nine-holes which compares favourably with any inland links. Upon them will be played next month a stroke competition under handicap for a valuable silver cup kindly presented by Lady Barrymore. The entries will be open to members of Cork and Rushbrooke Golf Clubs only.”
The competition continued annually until at least 1909.
From the Birmingham Daily Gazette Friday 22nd February 1907. With thanks to Trinity Mirror. Digitised by Findmypast Newspaper Archive Limited. All rights reserved.
Te following is an extract from a report from the Cork Examiner Monday 10th February 1908. “THE BARRYMORE CUP – The final for the valuable cup presented by Lady Barrymore was decided on Saturday over the Links at Fota Island, when there was concluded one of the best week’s golfing ever witnessed in the South of Ireland. Ideal weather prevailed during the week, the attendance of players was most satisfactory, while the play on the whole was of a most interesting description, and at times could be described as brilliant. The play opened on Saturday week, and attracted 46 entrants from the Cork and Rushbrooke clubs. Of the 46 entrants the two gentlemen who remained for the final tie were R Galway (Cork) and R H Allen (Rushbrooke.)
The concluding round on Saturday was witnessed by a large crowd. The links were in the pink of condition and play was of a most attractive character. In the early portion of the day Mr Galway, who gave every promise of coming out well, played in very good form; and finished the eighteen-holes 3up, but in the second round, contrary to all expectations, he went off altogether. At the thirteenth hole in the last round, Mr Allen, who was playing much better than his opponent, was one up, and never looked like being beaten from then on. Mr Galway, however, carried his opponent to the 35th green in the 36-hole match, being beaten 3 and 1.
Lady Barrymore then presented the cup to Mr Allen amid applause, and complimented him on his victory.”
The competition was played in October 1909 and was won by Mr Maudesley who beat W Madden by 4&3, both players represented Cork Golf Club.
The Google Map below shows Fota House.