Templemore Golf Club Chairperson 2025, Declan Kennedy.
Templemore Golf Club AGM 2025.
23/1/26. Chairperson’s Declan Kennedy Address. It is an honour to stand before you as Chairperson of Templemore Golf Club. As we gather for our Annual General Meeting, I would like to extend a warm welcome to each and every one for coming out on this cold January evening. Your continued commitment to our club is what makes it such a special place, and for that, I sincerely thank you. Before I reflect on the year just gone, I must first acknowledge fellow golfing members and officers who have passed away during the year. A special mention must be made of Maura Sheehan, a past Captain and President of the club, and Rody Cawley, a past President. May Maura, Rody, and all fellow golfers and family members associated with this club rest in peace. A minute silence was respected.
Reflection on the Past Year.
As we look back on 2025, we have much to be proud of. This was a very successful year for Templemore Golf Club. It marked the second year of the one-club model, an approach that is working extremely well. Men and women sitting together on one Management Committee, making decisions collectively for the benefit of the club, this is the only way it should be. The one-club model is also essential from a governance perspective and is a key requirement for eligibility for many grant applications.
Club Achievements.
New machinery was purchased for the golf course through the Sports Capital Grant secured in 2024. This investment will be of huge benefit to the upkeep of the course and to our grounds staff, Pat and Dinny. The implementation of the Monitoring Committee increased green fees substantially during the year. This group also plays an important “meet and greet” role and has undoubtedly helped attract new members to the club. Drainage works were completed on the 6th. fairway, with new gravel bands installed. This was also possible from the Sports Capital Funding.
Sponsorship.
The Bronze, Silver, and Gold sponsorship initiative, introduced in 2024, continued with great success. This initiative raised vital funds through local businesses. New course signage is now clearly visible and has undoubtedly contributed to the increase in green fee income. Additional signage is required and will be completed in due course, including a new Templemore Golf Club sign. I strongly encourage all members to support our sponsors, just as the club continues to support local businesses whenever possible.
Fee Payment Register.
The installation of the new sign-in register and credit card payment machine in the clubhouse lobby is working well. This system improves course monitoring and is also essential from a governance and health & safety perspective, ensuring the club knows who is on the course at all times.
Security.
New security camera systems was installed in late 2024 in the car park and clubhouse during the year. It is used only when necessary and has already proven effective as a protection to the club property.
Grant Applications.
During the year, the club applied for a number of grants for course and clubhouse upgrades, including:
- Community Action Fund – Large Grant (decision pending)
- Local Enhancement Scheme (approved)
- Community Action Fund – Small Grant (approved)
- Sports Club Contribution Grant (approved)
- Climate Action Grant (approved)
- Energy Grant for the installation Solar Panels (pending).
Acknowledgements.
None of these achievements would be possible without the hard work and dedication of many individuals. I want to sincerely thank our staff, Pat and Dinny, along with all our volunteers, whose commitment ensures the smooth running of the club and the excellent condition of our course. I also want to thank our loyal sponsors and local businesses who support the club year after year. I am equally grateful to all others who support the club through our Golf Classics and other initiatives. My sincere thanks go to our President, Mary Fitzpatrick, for her dedication and hard work throughout the year. I also thank our Captains, Helen Hayes and Sean Lee, for their commitment and leadership. I wish every success to our incoming President, Sean Cashman, and to our new Captains, Michelle Hassett and John Greed, for the year ahead.
Management Committee Acknowledgements.
I express my sincere thanks to the outgoing Management Committee for their unwavering support and teamwork throughout the year. In particular: Eamon Connelly has been nothing short of a revelation for this club. His tireless work, exceptional financial expertise, and leadership brought the club to a new level. Eamon played a central role in improving our finances and in drafting our new Constitution, which will serve the club well for many years. Given the personal loss Eamon suffered during the year with the passing of his wife Claire, his commitment to the club was truly extraordinary. Eamon, thank you for everything you have done for me and for this club. And on a lighter note, please don’t turn off your phone, your guidance will continue to be sought. Jerome Ryan, thank you for your dedication and support over the past three years. Kay Brennan, our Secretary, thank you for your quiet efficiency, professionalism, and support. We are delighted that you are staying on for another year. Tony O’Toole, our PRO/Communications officer, keeping us all informed. Pat O’Connell, thank you for your many years of service as Children’s Officer and for your continued commitment to the club.
Looking Ahead and Challenges.
The club plans further course improvements, including additional drainage works, water conservation measures, new tee boxes, and a reduction in the number of bunkers. However, many of these projects will be heavily dependent on securing grant funding. The club also faces increasing governance and compliance obligations, which are complex and time-consuming. While progress was made during 2025, further work is required in 2026. We welcome any members with relevant skills who may be willing to assist the club in meeting these obligations.
Closing Remarks.
Overall, this has been an excellent year for golf. The weather was favourable, playing conditions were superb, and the course never looked better. Membership and revenue increased, and our competitions and social events further strengthened the sense of community within the club. As I step down from office, I want to sincerely thank everyone who has supported me over the past four years. I may not have always gotten everything right, but I can honestly say that every decision I made was in the best interests of Templemore Golf Club. It was a demanding role, but one I am very glad I took on. I am proud of what we have achieved together in a relatively short period of time.
Thank you all for your continued support, dedication, and love for Templemore Golf Club. This club’s success is built on its members, and I am confident it will continue to go from strength to strength.
Thanks to all the members.
Declan Kennedy Chairperson.