THE special link between Killarney Golf and Fishing Club and Killarney House and Gardens and other locations throughout the town was celebrated at the weekend when commemorative plaques were unveiled to mark the club’s landmark 125th anniversary.
The club is inextricably intertwined with the story of the Earls of Kenmare and, in particular, Lord Castlerosse and, historically, both locations have benefited from the generosity of benefactors such as the McShain family, Lord Castlerosse and Beatrice Grosvenor, who donated their estates to the people to ensure that future generations would have the pleasure of visiting and viewing the facilities.
Minister of State for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Brendan Griffin, officiated at a reception in Killarney House which was attended by club officials and relatives of the generous benefactors.
As it celebrated its anniversary, the club wanted to mark the past by erecting the commemorative plaques to chart the story of the men and women who founded Killarney Golf and Fishing Club and to ensure the story of its various locations will not be forgotten.
The names of all the founder members are inscribed and the plaques will be displayed permanently in Killarney Golf and Fishing Club. Those whose contributions were marked included the Downing brothers – represented by Creagh Downing – and Lady Tucker, Ellen O’Connell, who was represented by Katie and Clare O’Connell. Lady Tucker was a founder member of the club as well as being a scratch golfer.
As part of Killarney Golf Club’s 125, the ladies’ club, in consultation with Lady Tucker’s family, re-designated the Lake Cup as the Ellen Lady Tucker Cup which was awarded to the best nett 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 McCarthy’s land in Deerpark from 1893 to 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 contribution of Valentine Browne, the Earl of Kenmare, in establishing the current Killarney Golf and Fishing Club at Mahony’s Point in 1939. Browne, who was better known as Lord Castlerosse, 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 the 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.
Pictures: Valerie O’Sullivan. Click on individual images for details
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