Volunteerism playing key role in transformation of Ballyneety Golf Club

IT'S now 10 years since Ballyneety Golf Club was rescued by its members from the remains of the liquidated Limerick County Golf Club.

On day one of the rebirth in 2013 an army of members arrived on site and the hard graft started to restore the playing surfaces of this beautiful golf course.

What has been achieved at Ballyneety Golf Club in the intervening years has been remarkable.

General Manager of Ballyneety Golf Club John Leamy explains: “ The extraordinary contribution of volunteerism to this Club has played a huge role in, not just transforming the Club, but in securing its future.

“The original club was a victim of the financial crash of 2008 and fell into total disrepair for three years.

“The subsequent rescue and rehabilitation was a massive undertaking and an onerous task but this Club has wonderful people with a wide range of skills amongst its membership. But it is the Wednesday evening lads who are the heart and soul of the Club.

“From April to October ‘The Bush Cutters’, as they are lovingly referred to, never miss a Wednesday night and between 5pm and 8pm they set about their business repairing divots, tending bunkers, strimming, painting etc.

Under the leadership of former Captain Michael John Cosgrave and under the direction of Course Convenor Minie O'Brien and

Head Greenkeeper Dave Bailey the volunteers of Ballyneety have set the standard in course volunteerism.

“To mark 10 years of this outstanding contribution to Ballyneety Golf Club, President Bud Leonard, himself a volunteer, recently planted a tree and unveiled a plaque in their honour at the practice greens of the Club.

“A fitting tribute to a wonderful success story.”