A Sligo town woman last week marked an amazing golfing milestone.
Pat Kilfeather celebrated the 60th anniversary of being Lady Captain of County Sligo Golf Club, in 1955.
It is a very rare achievement for anyone to celebrate such an anniversary, but then Pat has achieved many milestones during her golfing career spanning many decades, including hitting a hole-in-one when she was 87 on her home course at Rosses Point.
The 92 year-old started playing golf at the age of 12 and has been playing continuously for 80 years. She even played a few holes of golf on the morning of the presentation.
During her golfing career her lowest handicap was 15 in her early years. She played on many club teams, including the Connacht Shield winning team in 1963 and the successful Lena Black team in 1998, 35 years later.
Pat was President of the Ladies Golf Club in 1994 and 1995, which coincided with the Centenary of the club. During her presidential year she met Arthur Jackson whose father donated the Jackson Cup in 1904.
She has been recognised by the club for her longstanding service by being made an honorary life member.
Her mother Gerty O’Hara was also a very keen golfer, having been Lady Captain in 1930 and 1936. She was a very successful golfer, playing off 8 at one stage. She won the Jackson Cup in 1929, 1943 and 1944 and was defeated in the final in 1945 by Sheila Kirby. The Jackson Cup was the most prestigious competition in the golfing calendar. Pat was even beaten by her mother in a Jackson Cup final.
Pat is the mother of 6 children, 5 boys and a girl, and is very proud of all her extended family.
Pat’s son Bryan was also Captain in County Sligo Golf Club in 2012 and she is delighted that her daughter Patricia has also had a hole-in-one in Strandhill GC recently.
Pat also enjoys playing bridge and is a keen poker player. She is full of joie de vivre as her wide circle of friend will attest to.
