AN HISTORIC CLUB WITH A MAGNIFICENT GEORGIAN PARKLAND SETTING SINCE 1893

Kenny Edgar took up the reins as County Armagh Golf Club Captain last month, and he is keen for 2019 to be another very enjoyable and productive year in the esteemed history of the Cathedral City club.

Edgar addressed a busy clubhouse at the New Year's Day inauguration ceremony that also saw Moya Brady assume the role of Lady Captain and, with characteristic good humour and humility, articulated his pride at this appointment.

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County Armagh Golf Club's 2019 Captain, Kenny Edgar, is presented with his club blazer by outgoing Captain, Colm Shannon.

“It is a great honour to be given the chance to captain our fine golf club. It is not something I ever envisaged, especially since moving to Belfast a number of years ago. But I am truly delighted to follow in the footsteps of my brother Bill, who captained the club back in 2001.”

The new Captain remarked upon the oft-commended warmth of County Armagh Golf Club. “I've been a member here for a quarter of a century. A few years ago, some friends of mine tried to convince me to follow them in leaving to join courses closer to where we live in Belfast. But I'm really glad I didn't because this is an especially friendly and welcoming place.”

Paying tribute to his predecessor, outgoing Captain Colm Shannon, Kenny commented, “Colm will forever be my captain and role model. If you want someone to show you the ropes in how to captain a golf club in a professional manner, Colm should be top of your list. In fact, if his putting was as half as good as his captaining, he'd be one hell of a golfer!”

The affable six-handicapper thanked Colm for offering him this opportunity and indicated how he sought the blessing of his wife, Roisin, and the advice of, among others, his long-time friend and cricketing colleague, Andrew Rennie, before gratefully accepting it. 

Looking ahead, Kenny outlined how 2019 will be another hectic chapter in the life of CAGC. “Following the success of the 125th anniversary celebrations, which were coordinated so expertly by Colm and last year's Lady Captain, Elizabeth Mawhinney, Moya and I have a lot to live up to in the months to come.

“With the help and guidance of our dedicated committees, I know we'll give it our best shot. Indeed, it will be a privilege to work alongside Moya, my deserving Vice Captain Declan McReynolds, and our President Gerry McCreesh, who I wish all the very best for his big day on 27 July.”

Turning to the club's assets, CAGC's new Captain said, “We have a great setting. This is one of the best courses around and, led by our greens convenor Davy Baird, Ian McCarragher and his team have done a wonderful job keeping it in tip-top condition.

“We have excellent bar and restaurant managers in Damian and Joey respectively, and we are also extremely lucky to have the services of a very enthusiastic and knowledgeable club professional in Will Carey. His obvious desire to grow the club, and especially our junior section, is most encouraging.

“I hope we all have a brilliant year ahead, that the club goes from strength to strength, that our teams do even better than last year, and that we all retain the health to relish our wonderful club — and maybe even to shave a shot or two off our handicaps!”

Almost immediately on conclusion of the new Captain's speech and toast, the builders moved in to start renovation work on the clubhouse bar. The extensive refurbishments are expected to be completed by the early spring and this modernisation can only serve to create an even better environment for Kenny to thrive in his 2019 captaincy and for everyone to enjoy CAGC for many years to come.

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County Armagh Golf Club's new Captain, Kenny Edgar, and new Vice Captain, Declan McReynolds, are pictured with outgoing Captain, Colm Shannon, and President, Gerry McCreesh.

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County Armagh Golf Club's new Captain, Kenny Edgar, is pictured with his brother and Past Captain, Bill Edgar.

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County Armagh Golf Club's 2019 Captain, Kenny Edgar, celebrated his appointment with his mother Doris, brothers Robert and Bill, and Bill's wife, Karen, at the Captain's inauguration ceremony.

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County Armagh Golf Club's 2019 Captain, Kenny Edgar, is pictured with his wife Roisin at the Captain's inauguration ceremony.

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Family and friends joined County Armagh Golf Club's new Captain, Kenny Edgar, and his wife, Roisin, at the Captain's inauguration ceremony.

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Celebrating with County Armagh Golf Club's new Captain, Kenny Edgar, and his wife, Roisin, at the Captain's inauguration ceremony.

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Proud mum, Doris Edgar, is pictured with sons Kenny, County Armagh Golf Club's Captain for 2019, and Bill, who was Captain in 2001.

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The Edgar brothers: County Armagh Golf Club's 2019 Captain, Kenny Edgar, is pictured with brothers Bill, a Past Captain, and Robert, at the Captain's inauguration ceremony.

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County Armagh Golf Club President, Gerry McCreesh, and outgoing Captain, Colm Shannon, were among the first to congratulate new Captain, Kenny Edgar, on his appointment.