Monkstown Golf Club Pays Tribute To Hilary Madden
Writes Leo McMahon
Glowing tributes were paid to Kinsale based Hilary Madden at a special reception recently to mark his retirement after 16 years as manager of Monkstown Golf Club.
Fellow golfers, officers and managers; his wife and accomplished golfer Jeanne; family and friends from all over Ireland gathered at the club where both the function and a tournament earlier in the day, was at Hilary’s request, a fundraiser for Casa Nana Nagle, a charity set up and run by his cousin Sr Mary Moloney in Chile.
President of Monkstown GC, Ada O’Sullivan said Hilary had, in his own unique way, expertly worked alongside six chairmen, three PGA club professionals, over 50 officers plus members and staff and earned the respect of all as he steered the club through challenging and exciting times, most notably the superb new clubhouse, the centenary (2008), the economic crash and several damaging storms.
On the course, Ada pointed out, Hilary represented Ireland in the Millennium Trophy and annual matches against England, Scotland and Wales and in the Captain, Professional Secretary Golf Trophy. He was also a former treasurer and president of the Irish Golf and Club Managers’ Association (IGCMA) while his encyclopaedic knowledge of the sport and green-keeping was incredible.
‘Hilary, you will be missed here at Monkstown GC. We wish you every health and happiness and a long retirement. Thank you for all you have done’, said Ada on behalf of the club which, in its 110th year has over 1,000 members.
There were tributes also from long-time friend and past president Brendan Mulcahy, MC; Matt Sands, manager, Cork Golf Club, Little Island (and on behalf of the IGCMA) and chairman Rob Andrews.
Lady captain Brenda O’Riain presented a cheque on behalf of the members to Eileen McMahon, representing her sister Sr. Mary Moloney of Casa Nana Nagle, who returned thanks on her behalf. Prizes in the team competition in aid of the charity and played that day were presented by captain Jamie O’Mahony.
The large attendance of well-wishers included Hilary’s sisters Mary and Joan and brother Connie, his niece Eilish and cousins Bernadette McCabe and Joan Moloney. Excellent fare was provided by club caterers Alan and Debbie Field.
Hilary and Jeanne Madden are members of Kinsale Golf Club. Hilary was on the centenary committee and new course (Farrangalway) committee and is past treasurer and captain.
Presentation Sister Mary Moloney, a native of Ballinlough, Cork has been working in Iquique, northern Chile since 2000 supporting around 200 women who are invariably the main breadwinners in an area where poverty is rampant. The charity Casa Nana Nagle has a holistic centre for women with self-help programmes that have helped educate, develop skills and generate employment and income for mainly women to support their families.
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