The first Saint Patricks Day (or as we say in Ireland, La Feile Padraig) was celebrated on the 17th March in 1601 with a parade in St. Agustine, Florida. Now, over four hundred years later, on the 17th of March, Saint Patricks Day is celebrated around the world with marching bands, huge parades, rivers dyed green and a longstanding Irish tradition, "The Wearing of the Green", wearing a Shamrock or green ribbon in ones hat or lapel
In Silves Golf Course, SICG members celebrated Saint Patricks Day in true style and spirit.
Captain Brendan and his wife Breege were at the first tee passing out the early morning drinks, the goody bags and a piece of green ribbon for the golf bag and encouraging each group of players as they stood on the tee box for their photograph as they waited to drive off under a beautiful blue sky.
There were 74 SICG members in the field last Friday, playing for the Saint Patricks Day trophy and a host of other prizes. The first tee time was at 07.57, and players fortified by measures of Jameson Irish Whiskey and in many cases accompanied by further measures of Baileys Irish Cream, drove off in 7 minute intervals in an effort to get such a huge field through in time to make the festive apre golf lunch in Brasserie Rosal. It was amazing in that most of the 74 golfers had completed their round by 2 pm.
After the golf competition, 64 members and partners headed out to Brasserie Rosal and the drinks reception which was set for 1.30pm
Vice Captain Margot welcomed all to the lunch and then handed over to Captain Brendan who gave the running order for the afternoon and also a short story about Saint Patrick wherein, the answers to the after lunch table quiz could be found!
President Tom said "Grace" and then everybody settled down to what has been described by many on the day as a fabulous tasty lunch. Over lunch there was the usual high pitched chatter and laughter from friends and colleagues who were enjoying stories of huge drives, chips around the green and that missed putt!
The fine lunch was followed by the presentation of prizes to the winners and also a special prize to Anders Lijsing for his earlier course record score of 67. This was followed by the table quiz and some great fun.
The winners on the day were:
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Dean Merrick and David Charles with 47 points
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Arne and Pia Berglund with 44 points
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Antje and Volker Lankenau 44 points
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Max Nyman and Richard Harling 44 points
Longest Drive Ladies Jane Williams Barth
Longest Drive Gents Petter Barth
Nearest the Pin Ladies Tuula Nurmi
Nearest the pin Gents Geoff Nevin
Best Saint Patrick Outfit Jan Vango
The lunch and chat ended around 6pm when people made their way home after enjoying yet another great days golf, food and SICG company.
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