managed the construction of the course.
We have since purchased 16 acres of
additional land and carried out various course
enhancements including reconstructing some
holes.
Over our history, there were a number of events
influenced the composition of our membership.
• Gaining our Independence as a State
• The closure of both the Malahide Golf
and Athletic Club in the village, and the
Riverside Club in Portmarnock
• Admission of Artisans into the club in the
late 1950s
• The move to Beechwood. This was our
biggest challenge as our membership more
than doubled. The integration process was
very successful thanks in no small measure
to the generosity of spirit of the members of
the old club.
• And Granting Full Membership to Ladies in
2001
Along the way, we have produced some great
golfers, none better than Tom Craddock.
Tom was one of 4 golfing brothers. It is quite
amazing to think that the combined handicaps
of the four brothers was scratch. Joe was
scratch, as was Mick, Tom was off plus 2, a
Paddy was a 2 handicapper. Tom won the
prestigious Caltex Award for Golf in 1965, and
played on 2 Walker cup teams. He won many
titles including the Irish Amateur Open and the
Irish Close Championships. His rivalry with the
great Joe Carr was legendary.
Also, etched in Malahide memory is the day
Philip Walton sank the winning put on the 18th
green to win 1995 Ryder Cup for Europe. Well I
remember the celebrations here when Dermot
Cassidy led members in singing Molly Malone,
as ITV filmed proceedings.
Our Ladies have always been prominent in
Malahide GC. From the foundation, they were
full members. Members are well aware of the
little hiatus which occurred from April 1947 to
August 1948 when we were expelled from the
G U I for this very reason.
The Ladies section has always been a vibrant
and active one which has helped to make
Malahide one of the most social clubs in
Ireland. They have had more than their share of
fine golfers and in recent years have brought
great honour to the club by their exploits at the
highest level.
In 1892, we were set up to be a golf and a hub
of social activity in the area. This we continue
to be. For in addition to a full range of golfing
activities within the club, we also offer many
other social activities.
I thank the management committee and
Strategy committee for their work on behalf of
you the members.
As with all golf clubs, we face the challenge
of membership renewal. We are confident
that based on our polices to encourage the
conversion of Juniors to Intermediates and on
to full membership, and the number of new
families coming to live in the area, we will be
able to successfully renew our membership.
Our location also gives us a unique advantage.
We are happy to maintain close links with
all the local sports clubs in the area, from
where we source many members. Every Year
6 Malahide Sports clubs compete at Malahide
GC for the Malahide Inter Sports Club Golf
Trophy. We also compete annually with the
Cricket Club in cricket and golf for the Geelan
Slippery Catch and Jack O’Brien Trophies.
If our founding fathers, the artist, the clergyman
and the Baron were here today would they
happy with the progress we have made, and
the manner in which we have honoured the
club motto- a Light Heart and a Gentle Spirit. I
would like to think so.
Many thanks for reading this little run through
some of our club history and I hope you can
attend the midsummer night on Saturday June
17th, our central “125” evening.