Mr. Captain, Lady Captain, Rev. Fathers, distinguished guests, members and friends.
It is easy on a night like tonight to let sentiment rule good judgement, but I’ve had the privilege of knowing Alan for many years, in fact since he was about 9 stone and played off 24, so I promise not to let that happen.
We were both members of Macra na Feirme together and on route to winning All-Ireland titles in Public Speaking and Debating and a 3rd place in Drama I learned what every one in this club appreciates that not only is our Captain extremely competitive but also he gives 100% commitment to anything he takes on.
Winning the All-Ireland debating title typified his attitude, we were severe underdogs going into the final as we were 3 young fells and a young one as it were, while they had a Barrister and Solicitor on their team and they were at home for the final. I remember his saying at one practice session – simply we are not going to be beaten. So we prepared, we went and we beat them senseless and I can tell you it felt good.
Of course as we got a little older particularly him for football because in meantime he had won a Senior County medal and was secretary of the Fechin’s our attention turned to golf.
Back then for a man who had been a junior in Co. Louth it was a difficult decision and we had more than one conversation on where he might pursue his golfing interest. I’m very proud to have played some small part in convincing where those talents would best be put to work. (and I’m still not sure which side Billy was voting for)
Even I could not have foreseen the tremendous contribution that he would make to this club, but I really should have. To say that he took to it like a duck to water would be to do ducks a dis-service. He found his second love called Bertha, or the Great Big Bertha to us, his handicap tumbled and I was just glad Jenny was still talking to me.
As he had done in Macra and the Fechin’s his desire to contribute brought him to the committee in 1999. In later years the professionalism and commitment he brought to the job of Competitions Secretary marked him out as an obvious future Captain.
We all know his achievements as Captain and I was struggling for a means to sum them up till I was reminded of a simple wish I saw somewhere.
To remember the past, to live in the present and to shape the future.
Golf is a game where history, tradition and values are extremely important.
We admire the achievements of our long established neighbours Co. Louth, L&B and Ardee. The principles of honour, trust, good etiquette as well as playing it as it lies are indeed timeless.
Alan has always been an upholder of all the best traditions of the game.
But we must live in the present, too many organisations are imprisoned by history and crippled by a mantra of ‘this is how it was always done’ We have a responsibility to make the most of the opportunities that present themselves and have the courage of our convictions to act. I think it fair to say that our Captain always lives in the present and is not afraid to take decisions.
And to shape the future, a year passes very quickly, and there is only so much that can be achieved in that time. So to me an important part of any Captaincy is their vision of the future and the foundations they lay to allow that future be realised.
I don’t think we ever had a more forward thinking Captain than you or one that was more concerned at ensuring we progress as a club. The changes you began in terms of how we prepare for InterClub competitions, the professionalism you brought to the role and the work you are involved with on Joint Club all will bear even more fruit in the years to come and I believe will be your true legacy as Captain.
Ladies and Gentlemen, may I ask you to charge your glasses and drink a toast to an outstanding Captain Mr. Alan O’Reilly
Thank You