Chapter name:LADIES BRANCH

The Ladies have held an honoured place in the Club since its institution. Marjorie Mulvany was Hon. Secretary for a number of years from 1910. Mrs. Margaret Farrell was Vice-President from 1928 to 1945
and presided over many Club Committee me~tings during that period.
However, prior to 1934, they did not have power to elect their own committee, although over the years consideration and discussion had been given to that eventuality. The matter was before the Club's Annual General Meeting of 1933; -"Discussion as to the advisability of allowing the Ladies form a committee of their own took place and it was decided to follow the usual custom of the Club and not allow the Ladies to have a separate committee. But one Lady and one Gentleman to be elected to the vice-presidency annually. .."
The decision was reversed in 1934 when a proposition was carried allowing separate committees. The proposal was:
"That the Ladies appoint their own committee and elect their own officers.That a sum of 5 guineas be given annually to the Ladies Committee to provide prizes for their competitions. That the entry fees for all competitions should go to the General Fund and all expenses be paid out of General Funds.
That no Lady other than the Lady Vice-President be eligible to act on the General Committee".
It seems that the Gentlemen parted with power only grudgingly. In 1936, the Ladies requested "That we should have one Saturday every month for a Ladies competition and also to have more mixed Foursomes allotted", On this matter the gentlemen resolved that the Ladies should be allotted one Saturday every two months for their competitions and mixed Foursomes to be arranged on the alternate month.
The Ladies application for mixed Foursomes to take the place of the usual Xmas Hamper Fourball was not granted. However, this was not to prove to be a handicap, not only did the Ladies Branch survive, it grew and developed Into the very hIghly organised section.which exists to-day. Their Fixtures Card for 1986 shows the extent of that development and how full their golfing year is; a tribute indeed to their dedication and sacrifice since the separation.
The Irish Ladies' Golf Union was founded in 1893 "To promote interest in women's golf in Ireland.

LADY PRESIDENT 1987 -Mrs. Maureen Cribbin. Maureen was born in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Later she moved to Portarlington where she met her future husband Councillor Ray Cribbin. They both manage their business establishment at Main Street. She joined the Club in 1973 and plays off 20 handicap. Deeply involved in the affairs of the Club, she was captain in 1984.Her favourite course is Carlow.
HON. SECRETARY -Mrs. Maura O'Callaghan. Maura is a native of Kilmallock, County Limerick. She joined the Club in 1981. Married to a bank official, she has played lots of courses but her favourite is the old course at Ballybunion. Her lowest handicap to date is 15. Husband.. Barry is a splendid golfer and for years played off 4 handicap.
HON. TREASURER 1986/87 -Mrs. Marie Walsh. Marie joined the Club in 1982. Born in Mountmellick, Co. Laois, she plays off 25 handicap. She is the in-coming Vice-Captain and her favourite course is Portarlington. She is married to Competitions Secretary, Seamus Walsh.