04/08/2026
Captain's Day Brings Another Memorable Chapter
They say every golfer wants to win two competitions above all others; President's Prize and your Captain's Prize.
This weekend, 145 members set out hoping to add their name to one of Concra Wood's most coveted honours.
Captain Stephen McQuillan ensured nobody would have an easy path to victory. The course was set up from the Gold Tees, complete with a number of traditional Captain's Day pin positions that demanded precision and patience.
And hands up if you three-putted the 10th...
With a fresh breeze blowing throughout the weekend and firm, running fairways, the course proved every bit as tough as expected. In the end, 72 (36 Stableford points) was enough to qualify for Sunday's playoff; lower than we've seen in recent years and a clear indication of the challenge facing the field.
Leading the qualifiers was Gerry McCaul after an outstanding nett 64, closely followed by Patrick Niland Jnr on 65. Lurking just behind were proven performers Frank McDonnell, Mark Conlon, Greg Leonard and Cormac Lane, leaving Sunday's playoff beautifully poised.
As always, Captain's Day doesn't give anything away easily.
Over a second day's play, Gerry McCaul held his nerve to claim Captain Stephen McQuillan's Prize and etch his name onto one of the club's most prestigious trophies. Frank McDonnell produced another typically composed performance to finish runner-up, while Patrick Niland Jnr completed the podium after another excellent weekend of golf.
Captain's Prize Results
🥇 Captain's Prize Winner – Gerry McCaul (64 + 34 = 98)
🥈 Runner-Up – Frank McDonnell (67 + 33 = 100)
🥉 Third – Patrick Niland Jnr (65 + 35 = 100)
Gross: Charlie Mc Donnell – 72
4th Prize- John Mone
5th Prize- Oisin Smyth
6th Prize - Jamie McCann Smyth
Leading Qualifier: Mark Conlon – 66
Ex-Officio: Andy Whelan
Committee Prize- Declan Smyth
Congratulations to all of this year's prize winners.
A special mention also goes to James Kiernan, who claimed the Longest Drive on the 17th, Adrian Connolly for the Longest Drive on the 5th, while Declan Smith and Ciaran Prunty claimed the nearest-the-pin prizes on the 9th and 14th respectively.
Golf Making a Difference
Captain's Day is about much more than trophies.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of our members and guests, an outstanding €2,500 was raised over the weekend in support of Prostate Cancer Ireland and the Marie Keating Foundation.
A sincere thank you to everyone who donated and supported two charities whose work touches so many families.
Finally, congratulations to Captain Stephen McQuillan and everyone who worked behind the scenes to deliver another outstanding Captain's Weekend. From the course presentation to the organisation on and off the course, it was a fitting showcase for everything that makes Concra Wood such a special club.
Captain's Prize to the Ladies
The ladies took centre stage as they competed for Captain Stephen McQuillan's Prize to the Ladies, with another excellent turnout and some superb golf over the weekend.
Three players finished tied on an outstanding 59 points, with Jolanta McMonagle claiming the title on countback after two excellent rounds. Mary McElroy was just edged into second, while Joan McGrath completed the podium after another fine performance.
Captain's Prize to the Ladies Results
🥇 Jolanta McMonagle – 59 pts (Countback)
🥈 Mary McElroy – 59 pts
🥉 Joan McGrath – 59 pts
Gross: Julie-Ann Lacey – 28 Gross Points (Countback)
Category Winners
Category 1: Donna Adams – 40 pts (Countback)
Category 2: Carmel McAleavey – 39 pts (Countback)
Category 3: Michelle McConville – 34 pts
Category 4: Tracey Liddy O'Connor – 27 pts
9-Hole Winner: Margaret Flack – 18 pts
Special Prize Winners
🏌️ Longest Drive: Sandra McAvoy
🎯 Nearest the Pin (6th): Jeanette Keenan
🎯 Nearest the Pin (12th): Cathryna Craig
Congratulations to Jolanta and all of this year's prize winners, and thank you to Captain Stephen for hosting another memorable Captain's Prize to the Ladies.
