Ballybunion Cashen

Smooth flight over Boston to Shannon, quick drive to Teach de Broc, hosted by Aoife "Considine" Broc and her affable husband Seamus, not to forget Wendy our dinner waitress. Teach de Broc (House of Brock) is located directly across the entrance to Ballybunion Golf Club. Cashen, designed by Robert Trent Jones in the early 80's, is the sister course to the famous Old Ballybunion and the site of our initial round during our return of the Southwest. Rain-less day, but the wind was relentless. 25 mph on front nine; 30-35 mph on back nine. Cashen is a hilly course and uniquely features several par fives and par threes. Tight lies, along with the strong winds, were the order of the day.

We decided to pair off with best-ball four-ball matches throughout the week. Luck of the draw had Considine-Healy facing off against Haggerty-Farrell. C-H won the front side 4 up, and withstood a late rally to prevail handily. (For the record, H-F did not win a hole until lucky #13.) Considine was medalist for day with 88, with rest of field registering in the low 90's. Interestingly enough, each golfer scored a birdie today.

Many firsts on initial day: 1st pre-round Guinness - Haggerty (no surprise there!); 1st seafood stew - Considine & Farrell; 1st ball in dunes - Healy #1; 1st par - Considine #1; 1st lost ball - Farrell #2 (it didn't take long...); 1st trolley tipover - Considine #5; 1st birdie - Healy #11; and 1st Unnecessary Whining Penalty - Farrell #7 (booming drive thought to be in gorse but wind carried it to middle of fairway).

We are tired after the transatlantic flight, long day on the windy links, and sumptuous dinner courteous of Chef Seamus Broc. More info (and photos!) later when we figure out how to access and upload the blogsite in Eire. Yes, we four aging blogging dolts are technologically challenged in Eire!

The classic Old Ballybunion course is next with little/no rain in forecast!