Day 127 - Saturday, May 7th, 2011

There is never rest for the socially wicked, so an early reveille ensured that breakfast was enjoyed just after 9am before a quick 1-mile jaunt in Al The Almera to Cahir Park Golf Club, venue for the Cahirygold Challenge Cup between the unbeaten Team Trance, and Team Ski. Despite the downpour the previous evening, conditions stayed decent until the 15th hole which ironically the point at which Team Trance surrendered their unbeaten record to a 4&3 scoreline, thanks to Team Ski's uncanny knack of anti-synchronising their good and bad holes so that one would win the hole with sublime play, whilst the other would have a complete 'mare.

The course is the finest that I have played this year, with water in play for about 7 of the holes, including two where the River Suir, to whom I generously donated two balls, must be negotiated. After the round, Danny The Swede ecided to buy a set of second-hand Titleist irons for a mere €129 in the Pro Shop, causing much stir amongst the locals present. Four hours of sporting drama was rewarded with an ale and a most delicious feast of (giant) sirloin steak, pepper sauce, onions, mushrooms and chips in the clubhouse, served by a surly but aesthetically-pleasing young lady.

Back to Cahir House and its magnificent bar, where multiple hours of dominoes ensued, resulting in another emphatic win for Team Ski. The inaugural Singles championship was also held, with Daniel Goldstein triumphing, winning a giant €8 prize-pot. Onwards then to The Gatehouse - Cahir's closest resemblance to a night-club, where the lovely Gina, our local guide since the previous evening, introduced us to the Cahir cocktail (shot) specialty that is the Body Bag, which is a concoction containing Jagermesiter, vodka and other mainly alcoholic ingredients - bleedin' d'lish!

After closing time, haute-cuisine emporium Flames was visited for a chicken burger and chips, leading to the evening's conclusion back at the resident's bar.


One of the many water-laced holes at Cahir Park GC

                                          3 of the Revelling Party pictured in front of Cahir Castle
Contentment : 16 / 25
Excitement :    4 / 10
Memorability : 5.5 / 15

Overall Score :  51% (15th out of 127)