By Michael J. Tattan
Arriving at Larkspur Park at 6.45am was a challenge in itself, however, a greater challenge was awaiting me on that day, which was the 19th September, 1970. A crisp and calm autumnal morning, the conditions for the greater challenge ahead were ideal. Joe Savage greeted me and informed me that “the man from Birr, Co. Offaly was well on his way.” He had commenced his World Record attempt at 6am, to achieve the highest number of Pitch and Putt holes played in a day. He also had aspirations of gaining an entry into the Guinness Book of Records for the following year’s edition. The stage was set but first allow me the opportunity to clarify the reasons for my presence at Larkspur Park that morning by giving you some background information.
Raymond R. Guest was American Ambassador to Ireland from 1965-69. He had horses in training with Vincent O’Brien at Ballydoyle, Rosegreen, Cashel and both Larkspur and Sir Ivor won the Epsom Derby in 1962 and 1968. Coincidentally, he also happened to own l’Escargot which won both the Cheltenham Gold Cup and the Aintree Grand National. On the 9th June, 1966, a Dinner was held at the Cashel Palace Hotel by the Cashel Lions Club: “To mark the occasion of the election of His Excellency Raymond R. Guest, USA Ambassador to Ireland as Honorary Member of the Cashel Lions Club.” Members of the Cashel Lions Club that spoke on the occasion were Dermot O’Brien (brother of Vincent), Joseph Savage (President of Cashel Lions Club), Incoming President William Ryan and Honorary Secretary, James W. Casey. As Manager of the Cashel Palace for Lord Brocket and also a member of the Cashel Lions Club, I was also in attendance.
Subsequently, Raymond Guest donated a significant sum of money through the Cashel Lions Club to establish a Recreation Park for the people of Cashel. Some four years later Larkspur Park was up and running with Tennis Courts, a Pavillion and an eighteen hole Pitch and Putt Course which were all available for the enjoyment of the inhabitants of Cashel.
To celebrate the launch of the park, the Larkspur Park Development Committee and the Cashel Lions Club invited a gentleman from Birr (mentioned above) to make an attempt on the World Record by playing the highest number of Pitch and Putt holes in a day. To broaden the attraction of the event, both the Larkspur Park and the Lion’s Club submitted a member to participate on the same day. People were invited to sponsor these two players for “a penny a hole” to raise funds for charity.
Joe Fahy and I put our names forward to fill the supporting acts on the programme. We were both golfers and had youth and a certain degree of fitness to compliment the occasion. We were both successful in getting people on board as sponsors, which made us enthusiastic for the task ahead. Between us we also negotiated a side bet of £5.
The Pitch and Putt Course at Larkspur is very attractive, well manicured with all 18 holes offering a variety of shots. All holes were par three and varied in length. As the course was laid out on a hill, some holes were uphill, some downhill and others across the sloping ground.
Fifty three years ago almost to the day, I teed off at approximately 7am and Joe Fahy started shortly afterwards thus completing the three main contenders on the course. It was extremely difficult at the beginning, trying to settle into a rhythm, adjusting to having two caddies, who had volunteered to give of their services for a few hours. Their assistance helped enormously to speed up play. Caddie No. 1 carried the necessary clubs and recorded the score at each hole. He also tended to the pin and when the putt was holed, he retrieved the ball and replaced the pin. Caddie No. 2 had already gone to the next tee box as the player was putting on the previous green. He placed a ball on a wooden tee peg and had the correct club to hand to the player when he arrived at the tee box. There was great interaction and coordination between the caddies and the event would not have been a success without their valuable assistance.
After four hours of play, consisting of at least twelve rounds of 18 holes, I was suffering from cramps. I decided to “take time out” to recharge the batteries with a “cuppa and sandwich” and attention to my injuries. One of the many volunteers told me he would “rub an ointment used for greyhounds onto my legs.” I think it was “Winter Green”. After that break I decided to return to the course but more importantly I decided that I would not take any further breaks during the remaining daylight hours.
The caddies changed a few times but I was now in full flight and regretted having taken the break earlier. I assumed Joe Fahy was going well as we did not cross each other’s paths nor did I meet “the man from Birr” during the course of the day. Throughout the day a large number of people attended to show their support. Dick Ryan with whom I played a lot of golf in Thurles was there. Frank O’Dwyer, Donal Feehan, Jimmy Casey, Seán McCarthy, Christy O’Connor, Tommy O’Connor, Peter Carew, Wolfgang Strohms, Jim Devitt, Paddy Shanahan and Joe Barry along with members of the “110 card game” who met in Nora Henderson’s Pub on Main Street. Many others came to wish us well in our endeavours and we were grateful for their support.
There was a dramatic end to the day when we were informed at 6pm that the World Record was achieved by the man from Birr and that he had completed 666 holes and had departed the course. Joe Fahy and I continued, mainly because there was a “fiver” at stake. We were both prepared to press on as long as daylight was available, however, officials foresaw an embarrassing situation developing as Joe and I could end up threatening the record, so we were almost physically restrained from any further progress. We retired reluctantly having both completed 576 holes (32 rounds of 18 holes).
Because of the kindness of our sponsors we collected £2. 8. 0 from each (€2.40) (576 pennies – 240 in a pound), which was a princely sum for good causes. I received a letter from Larkspur Park Development Committee dated 27th October, 1970, thanking me for my efforts on behalf of Larkspur Park on 19th September, 1970. The letter was signed by Seámus King, Honorary Secretary.
When I look back, the fifty three years since that memorable day, I realise some important disciplines that such days consist of hard graft, pain, team work, determination and above all, banter agus craic. Most enjoyable – that is why the memory has lasted a lifetime.