Political players trying to hit the greens

BIG DAY for the Oireachtas Golf Society next Friday when Cathaoirleach of the Seanad Paddy Burke hosts his captain’s day in Castlebar golf club.

The Taoiseach, if his engagements allow, is expected to tee off at some stage in the day. Enda plays off a useful 14, and will be no stranger to the greens on his local course.

Club secretary Donie Cassidy will be stalking the fairways with some of his Fianna Fáil chums from the last government, while Minister Phil Hogan will be hoping he doesn’t insult anyone on this particular outing.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan, who is a former captain of Luttrelstown Golf Club, will be hoping to make the winners’ podium, but FG Senator Terry Brennan, just back from at trip to Augusta to watch the Masters, is one to watch.

Also expected to figure is Labour Senator Lorraine Higgins, the incoming captain, who plays off an 11 handicap.

Lorraine came in for mention this week in her local newspaper, the Tuam Herald, courtesy of Colm Keaveney, who is Labour Party chairman and the sitting Deputy in Galway East.

Keaveney is withering in his assessment of barrister Higgins in an interview with Tony Galvin, who writes: “When asked whether he felt threatened by Senator Lorraine Higgins barking at his political heels in Galway East – another bone of contention between Keaveney and Gilmore, who appointed her in Keaveney’s backyard despite his strenuous opposition – he brusquely gives her the red card, saying the height of her political achievement to date has been securing a post in the Oireachtas golf society.”

Ouch! Charming.