Buncrana Golf Club, Donegal.

The Buncrana Golf Club has been in existence since 1890, when the previous 3-4 Hole course, that was in existence since circa 1834, was extended to a 9 Hole Course and named The Buncrana Golf Club. The name was changed to, Buncrana Municipal Golf Club, in 1944 after the Buncrana Urban District Council purchased the property from the then English Landowner and the property was put in the trust of the Buncrana Municipal Golf Committee for the purpose of making Golf facilities available to the local community. The Buncrana Municipal Golf Club was affiliated to the Golfing Union of Ireland in 1951 and in 1995 the name of the club was changed once again to the Buncrana Golf Club. The committee are in the process of researching the history of the golf course and history would show that golf was first played on these grounds from around 1834, when a number Golf Holes were shaped into the existing landscape, for use by the local gentry, British Army personnel stationed in the town and the traveling sailors who frequented Buncrana Pier. This would make the club the oldest 9-hole links golf club in Ireland. In the early 70’s the members of the club at that time took it upon themselves to construct a clubhouse, as the premises they had at the time were very outdated. The premises at the time were constructed out of a tin frame with a wooden finish internally and on stormy days the sand from the shore would blow through the premises. Members in the early 70’s constructed the then new clubhouse on a voluntary basis in their spare time, members like M. Harvey, J. Mc Grory (L), N. Doherty (S), J. Mc Grory and H. Doherty. These are only a few of the names involved at the time but it was the dedication and resolve of these members that ensured the existence and continuance of the clubhouse and golf course in general. Over the years the club was very fortunate to enlist the services of some very hard working committee members who maintained the clubhouse and course to a high standard. One of these members, who went on to become the clubhouse caretaker in later years was Neil Doherty (sonny) who did a tremendous amount of work for the club and the members. Unfortunately Neil had to retire in 2001, but the club was extremely lucky to secure the services of Jim Doherty (Wh**ey) as caretaker. Jim managed to maintain the friendly welcome, which is always on offer to members and visitors alike to the Buncrana Golf Club. Jim retired in 2011.