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Athenry Golf Club, County Galway. (1900s – 1977)

The club website states that golf was probably played in Athenry as early as the 1890/1900s. There seems to be no organised Golf Club during this period. The club website also mentions that it played on three courses prior to their move to its current location at Palmerstown in 1977.

Inaugural competitions played in 1905.

From the Irish Field Saturday 21 January 1905. Content provided by THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Irish Field Saturday 28 January 1905 – “The newly formed clubs at Tuam and Athenry are making things hum in the West of Ireland, and seem to be assuming their responsibilities in a most enthusiastic manner. The return match between the two was played at Athenry last week, when Tuam was victorious. Both clubs are fortunate in having so many keen golfers amongst their players and members, including the name of Meldon – one to conjure by in Irish circles, and those of sport in general.”   

From the Irish Field Saturday 18 February 1905 – “The members of the Athenry Golf Club are still “keeping the ball rolling” with most commendable energy. Their recent Foursome Competition was won by Mr I M Meldon and Mrs Hall, Dr Quinlan and Mrs J M Meldon being second. The competition attracted a number from the surrounding neighbourhood.”

Result of a competition played in April 1905.

Irish Times Thursday 27 April 1905. Content provided by THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Golfing Annual 1907/8; Founded 1904; Hon. secretary, W S B Leatham, R.I.C.; Course of nine-holes holes varying in length from 111 yards to 480 yards (Par 36); Half-mile from Athenry station.

Competition on the private course of Mr J Concanon at Rockfield.

Galway Express Saturday 22 February 1908. Content provided by THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Northern Whig Monday 5 April 1909 – “Some good scores were returned in the recent mixed foursome competition at the Athenry club, and eventually Miss G Hall and Major Hall and Mrs H Concanon and Mr J Galavan tied for first place with 75 net.

It was reported in the Irish Times in January 1910 that “The Athenry course is lengthened, and a pavilion has been erected.”

Irish Golf Guide 1910; Athenry (Co. Galway G.C.) Instituted 1902.

The 1911 Irish Golf Guide states “The club is deeply indebted to; Mr J B Concanon, H J Concanon, J M Meldon and Dr P J Quinlan; Length of the nine-hole course, 2,353 yards; Half a mile from the railway station.

From the Golfer’s Handbook 1928; Athenry Golf Club; Secretary; M J Walsh, Caheroyan Park, Athenry; Green-keeper, T Dobbyn; 9-holes; Visitors, 1s a day, 2s Sunday, 10s a month; Station, half-mile.

Golfer’s Handbook 1933; Membership 91; Secretary; P Houlihan, Cross Street, Athenry; Green-keeper, T Dobbyn; 9-holes; Visitors, 1s a day, 2s Sunday, 10s a month; Station, half-mile.

The following officers were elected at the Ladies’ section meeting of the club in June 1933; Captain, Mrs A Burke; Vice-captain, Miss H O’Flynn; Hon. treasurer, Miss Jo. Jo. Higgins; Hon. secretary, Miss Nell Ruane; Committee; Miss Shields, Miss E Scully, Miss B Curran, Mrs Plunkett and Miss J Daly.

Galway Observer Saturday 22 June 1935. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer’s Handbook 1937; Membership 91; Secretary, W Riordan, Cross Street, Athenry; Green-keeper; P Holland; 9-holes, SSS 70; Visitors, 1s a day, 2s Sunday, 10s a month; Station, half-mile.

Result of a mixed foursome played in April 1940; Winners, C Daly and Miss Lardner; Second; T and Mrs O’Keefe. Special prizes; J B Clarke and Miss C Powell, J Doherty and Miss O’Connor, P McGuiness and Mrs Payne.

The following officers were appointed in May 1943; President; J D Sweeney; Vice-presidents; Rev J Concannon C. C., M H Glynn; Treasurer, J Doherty; Secretary, T O’Keeffe; Gents’ captain, T H Hession; Ladies’ captain, Mrs J A Kelly.

Golfer’s Handbook 1947; Membership 40; Secretary; Leo R Mahon, St Kelvine, Athenry; Green-keeper, P Holland; 9-holes, SSS 70; Visitors, 1s a day, Sunday 1s/6d, 10s a month; Station, half-mile.

Galway Observer Saturday 16 June 1951. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer’s Handbook 1951; Membership 40; Secretary; G Harbison, Ulster Bank, Athenry; Green-keeper, G Waldron; 9-holes; Visitors, 1s a day, Sunday play; Station, half-mile.

Galway Observer Saturday 2 June 1962. Image created courtesy of THE BRITISH LIBRARY BOARD.

Golfer’s Handbook 1972; Athenry Golf Club (1957); Membership 58; Secretary, T Lane; 9-holes, 5,146 yards, SSS 64; Visitors, 25p.

Golfer’s Handbook 1975; Athenry Golf Club (1957); Membership 58; Secretary, T Lane; 9-holes, 5,146 yards, SSS 64; Amateur course record, P J Harte, 69; Visitors, 25p.

The club moved to its current location at Palmerstown in 1977.

Google Map below shows the area around Rockfield, location of the course prior to WWII.