Mona O'Rourke honoured for her 78 years of membership at Limerick Golf Club

LIMERICK Golf Club have honoured Mona O'Rourke after her incredible 78 years of membership at the club. Mona joined the club at only 13 years of age in 1947. Mona's name can be found on many of the Cups in our trophy cabinet. She achieved a career Grand Slam of the Matchplay Cups. 

Starting with the Roxboro Cup in 1970, she went on to win the McDonogh Cup four times, 1972, 1973, 1980 and 1992; the Winter League three times, 1972, 1977 and 1981; and the Lloyd Cup, twice, in 1980 and 1999.

It must have been a particular pleasure to be presented with our oldest Cup, the Lloyd Cup, dating from 1925, by her South Circular Road neighbour Deirdre (Lloyd) O'Donovan.

Her success in Cup competitions doesn't tell the whole story, however. A search of the Limerick Leader archives shows over 80 references to Mona, featuring in the prizes, in the weekly golfing notes especially as a category or Best Gross winner.

She also featured on club teams at Junior, Intermediate and Senior Level and in later years was a supportive and encouraging caddy.

Regarding new members, Mary Conlon recalls that when she joined LGC in 1995, Mona made her very welcome and was a great support, inviting her to join a fourball on Friday mornings with Mona, Hilda Mulvihill and Grainne D'Alton.

This soon became a weekly event, and they drew for partners.
If the others failed to get on a green before her on the par 3s, she would push back her shoulders and say, “This is a job for Momma!”

Mona is a valued and cherished member of Limerick Golf Club. It was a privilege to have the opportunity to mark her extraordinary association with the club.