Dunmurry is the AIB All Ireland Golf Club of the Year for 2003. The award, and development grants totalling €7,500, was presented to the club at the AIB Bankcentre, Dublin, last Friday 14th November 2003. At the function All Ireland category awards were also presented to Charlesland (Environment), Elm Park (Clubhouse/Course Preparation, Bantry Bay (Communications) and Dunmurry (Junior Golf). In addition to the All Ireland awards a further 16 provincial awards were also presented at the function.
The AIB Golf Club of the Year awards scheme is a joint venture between AIB, the Golfing Union of Ireland and the Irish Ladies Golf Union. The scheme was set up to focus on the many non – playing aspects of a golf club that are essential to the long term success of the club. The judging panel for the awards consisted of representatives of both the GUI the ILGU.
Speaking at the presentation on behalf of AIB, general manager Billy Andrews said that AIB was delighted to be involved with both the GUI and the ILGU in a scheme that he believed to be of major benefit to golf in Ireland.
“When we launched the scheme last year we were delighted with the response. We believe it has been good for the game, giving recognition to many of the unsung heroes who put so much into making Irish golf special. It is a sponsorship totally in keeping with our philosophy of nurturing sport at club level. The club is a vital component in Irish sport and we are happy to recognise this.”
Speaking on behalf of the GUI, Michael O‘Donoghue, president said “The AIB Golf Club of the Year scheme is going to be part of Irish Golf for many years to come. We have been pleased with the number of entries to date and I have no doubt that in time all of our affiliated clubs will participate in a scheme in which everyone is a winner.”
Speaking on behalf of the ILGU, Ita Butler, president said, “The Irish Ladies Golf Union are very happy to be associated with this innovative AIB Golf Club of the Year Awards. At the district annual general meetings around the country I was pleasantly surprised at the awareness of this award. We believe it is a very important scheme and one which is very good for Irish golf.”
GUI www.gui.ie
ILGU www.ilgu.ie
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