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Junior Minister Brendan Griffin TD was on hand to launch commemorative plaques for Killarney Golf and Fishing Club as they celebrate their 125th anniversary. The launch took place at Killarney House and Gardens as the history of Killarney Golf Club is inextricably intertwined with the story of the Earls of Kenmare, and in particular Lord Castlerosse.

Historically, both locations have benefitted from the generosity of benefactors such as the McShain family, Lord Castlerosse, and Beatrice Grosvenor, who in generously donating their estates to the Irish Republic, have ensured that many generations to come will have the absolute pleasure of visiting and viewing these beautiful locations.

While the primary mission of Killarney Golf and Fishing Club is what it says in its name - to promote golf and fishing – the club are very conscious in celebrating its anniversary that they not only celebrate the present but also mark the past by erecting these commemorative plaques. In this way, the story of the men and women who founded Killarney Golf and Fishing Club and the story of its various locations will not be forgotten and will live on in present and future memories.

The names of all the founder members are on a plaque and will be displayed permanently in Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. Relatives of the Downing Brothers, represented by Creagh Downing and Lady Tucker, and Ellen O’Connell, represented by Katie and Clare O’Connell, who were involved in the founding of the club.

Lady Tucker was a founder member of the club and she was also a scratch golfer - both activities would not have been the norm for the majority of women at that time. As part of Killarney Golf Club’s 125, the Ladies Club, in consultation with Ellen and Lady Tucker’s family, re-designated the Lake Cup as the Ellen Lady Tucker Cup which was awarded to the best net score in Handicap 18 and under on this year’s Lady Captain’s Day.

Paddy McCarthy and his family and Mary Shanahan were also presented with a commemorative plaque. Killarney Golf Club was located on Paddy McCarthy’s land (Deerpark) from 1893-1936 and the clubhouse of Killarney Golf Club was located in Brú na Páirce which is the property of Mary Shanahan.

Pat Dawson of Killarney House and Gardens was presented with a plaque to acknowledge the involvement of Valentine Browne, the 6th Earl of Kenmare, in establishing Killarney Golf and Fishing Club at its current lakeside location at Mahony’s Point in 1939. Valentine Browne was better known as Lord Castlerosse and is quoted as saying, “When anyone sees Killarney, even if he is the basest heretic, he must believe in God”.

Lord Castlerosse found it necessary to find a new location for Killarney Golf Club due to the fact that the land agent for that part of the Kenmare Estate located at Deerpark and comprising of the then Killarney Golf Club was instructed by receivers to obtain a proper market rate for the letting of the lands.

The lands at that time in 1936 were let to Killarney Golf Club at a peppercorn rent of just 1 shilling per annum and, following a review, it was decided that the rate should rise to £75 per annum. This was a massive and potentially ruinous increase, and one that the then membership of some 130 could not afford. After all they were only paying 1 guinea per annum as their subscription, which in total amounted to £136 and 10 shillings.

Thanks to the vision of these men and women, Killarney Golf and Fishing Club found a new home on the shores of Lough Lein. This vision has made the club what it is today, with all its rich history and breath-taking scenery, and we look forward to what the next 125 years will bring.

Pic: Valerie O'Sullivan.