While all the excitement of the final day of the Solheim Cup was being played out in Virginia on Sunday last, Beaufort Golf Club was also building up to a very entertaining President’s Day.

History was being made at Beaufort GC as it was the first time in 29 years that there would be a female president presiding over the day. Irene McCarthy took up golf in 1995 and through work commitments took up a position with the Department of Justice in Killarney and joined Beaufort Golf Club.

Having worn many hats throughout the years from Lady Captain to many various roles on the committee, it was richly deserved that Irene should become the first female President of the Club. Irene described being chosen as President as a great honour and privilege. She is delighted to see the men’s and ladies’ clubs both thriving at Beaufort GC. The increase in membership and the good camaraderie that is at the heart of Beaufort GC makes it even more special to be the President in 2024.

Irene also commented on the vast improvement in the course and club house facilities in the recent years by the current management. The course is in fantastic condition at the moment and Tadhg Clifford and his staff deserve every bit of credit for the tremendous work they do to have the course and the greens in particular in the superb condition they are.

It was tremendous to see President Irene at the golf club early on Sunday morning welcoming her golfers and having a cup of tea and a chat with everyone before they teed off.

President Irene thanked all the ladies for their support not only yesterday but in the previous couple of years as she fought a tough battle in overcoming cancer. She was grateful for all the kind messages, cards and well wishes she received. Irene also thanked the ladies who showed up for her prizegiving, even the ladies that didn’t participate in the golf.

There was a great turnout for the 18-hole stroke play competition. All the ladies enjoyed some top-quality food in the clubhouse after the golf and then President Irene’s prizegiving.

The worthy winner, with a three-stroke lead over her nearest competitor, was the very talented Gráinne McShortall. Grainne has been playing golf for only a few years now and her handicap seems to be coming down all the time and this is due to the dedication and time she dedicates to her golf.

As the sun settled in Beaufort on Sunday evening it’s fair to say that the ladies had a wonderful President’s Day.

RESULTS: 1st Gráinne McShortall (18) 68 nett, 2nd Joan O’Sullivan (29) 71 nett, Gross Karen Tess 86 nett, 3rd Susan Darby (33) 71 nett, 4th Lady Captain Máire Ní Loinsigh (20) 71 nett. Front 9 Noeleen Mackessy. Back 9 Laura Furlong.