New Dunmurry captain hosts first official club function

The Captains table at Dunmurry Golf Club dinner from left: Peter Cairns (Captain, Lisburn). Peter Sinclair (Chairman. Ulster Branch GUI), Brian OConnor (Captain, Hermitage), Lawrence Patterson (Captain, Dunmurry), Brendan Cleary (Captain, Dundalk), Tony Shepherd (Captain, Balmoral), and Ivor McCandless (President GUI), who attended the Dunmurry Golf Club Dinner.

A member of Dunmurry since 1995, he has previously been Match and Handicap Convenor, member of Membership Committee, Captained Ulster Fourball and Pierce Purcell teams.

Recently retired as a School Principal of Antrim Primary School, Lawrence played Irish League football for Distillery FC and Ards FC in the 1970s and early 1980s.

He is an IFA Grade 1 coach with spells at Distillery FC, Portadown FC and Dunmurry Rec FC in the 1980s and 1990s. It was with Dunmurry Rec he is well remembered locally as he steered them to a Steel and Sons Cup and Amateur League double in the 1998/99 season.

Speaking after his election Lawrence stated he was “looking forward immensely to serving Dunmurry Golf Club as Captain,” and recommended anyone considering joining the club to contact the secretary manager, Michael Stanford on 90610834 for further information or check out www.dunmurrygolfclub.com.

Lawrence nominated Sam Blackley, who has served on council as greens and match convenor over the last 15 years, as his vice-captain, while outgoing President Dr Colin Fleming proposed John Neill, who was captain in 1987, as President.

On Saturday night Lawrence presided over his first official Club function, the men’s dinner which was well supported by members and their guests.

The Club also invited officials from the GUI and representatives from Balmoral, Lisburn, Shandon Park, Hermitage and Dundalk Golf Club.

Speakers on the night were Darren Crowe (Dunmurry), Ivor McCandless (GUI), Lawrence Patterson and Adrain Logan who entertained all.