2023 Golf Ireland AGM: Jim Long to succeed Golf Ireland's first female president Kay O'Loughlin

Monkstown and Dooks member Jim Long was appointed the new Golf Ireland President at the 2023 AGM this weekend. 

The third Golf Ireland AGM took place on Saturday at the Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar in County Westmeath. 

Long was appointed President where he succeeds the outgoing Kay O’Loughlin (Castlerea GC), who was the first female president of the national governing body for golf.

Carlow GC’s Rosemary Tully took over as President-Elect and she will succeed Long at next year’s AGM. Jane Joyce (Gort GC) was re-elected to the Board as Regional Director - Connacht, with Fiona Scott (Dun Laoghaire GC) appointed as a Nominated Director. Both have earnt four-year terms. Speaking after the AGM the new Golf Ireland President, Long, said it is a big honour for him and his family. 

“I have been playing golf for 40 years and it’s a huge honour for me, my family, and Monkstown Golf Club and Dooks,” said Long. 

“It’s a daunting task, it looks as if the commitment will be huge but I am looking forward to it. I am looking forward to meeting an awful lot of golfers, officers in various clubs and going to visit the clubs.  

“It will be busy but I am really looking forward to getting stuck into it.” 

During the meeting, there was a presentation from R&A Director of Sustainable Golf, Arlette Anderson, who talked about the need for clubs to take action now to ensure golf is thriving in 50 years' time. Claire Bates, Director of Handicapping from the R&A, also presented on the day sharing information about the World Handicap System. 

Inaugural Golf Ireland Club Volunteer of the Year

Alma Morrison from Bushfoot Golf Club

Later, Ulster representative, Alma Morrison, was announced as the winner of the inaugural Golf Ireland Club Volunteer of the Year at the AGM. 

The Bushfoot GC member has dedicated much of her life to helping women get into golf in her local club and she was thrilled to pick up the award. 

“It was an honour and a privilege, especially when the other three were such worthy candidates as well,” said Morrison. 

“I love what I’m doing, I have volunteered on Monday nights for about 20 years and then Get into Golf from 2015. I am women’s president at the minute as well.  

“But I am still doing it this year and I will see where my health takes me, I will still be involved anyway.”

For more information please visit the Golf Ireland website