Brian and John Cahill with Eileen Dowling (Lady Captain) and Teresa’s grandchildren Clodagh, Cora, Jack and Rory

THE name of Teresa Cahill is well known in Rathdowney Golf Club and now thanks to the generosity of her family it will be forever remembered.

ON Saturday 25 September John and Brian Cahill presented – on behalf of the Cahill family, Annmarie, Paula, John and Brian – the Teresa Cahill Perpetual Cup in memory of their late mother, Teresa to Rathdowney Golf Club.

Teresa was a life-long member and loyal supporter of Rathdowney Golf Club. John and Brian presented the cup to Lady Captain, Eileen Dowling and spoke humorously and warmly of their parents, Jackie and Teresa, and the attrition of family life, business and golf and of Teresa’s  achievements in all three.

Teresa joined Rathdowney Golf Club when the 1950s were drawing to a close.  Her husband Jackie was captain in 1958/59. In those days ladies were only associate  members, it took  a few  more decades for this to change.

Back in the ’50s ladies golf was only considered a leisure pass time, and primarily by the so-called ladies who lunch. Teresa transformed all that, with the help of Jackie. She quickly introduced competitions  and inter-club matches. In other words, she put in place a blueprint for the present Ladies Club to build on.

Inter-club  matches also involved catering, which was carried out by ‘The Ladies’ for the men also. This continued apace until the  end of the ’90s. Not only did Cahill’s Butcher Shop supply the meat but Teresa also cooked it, accompanied by delicious her gravy.

She was a tireless  worker and displayed great energy. Her golf continued apace. For many years she was the lowest handicap  player in the club. She was a member of the victorious Midland Trophy team who were successful against Mountrath in the 1984 final. This was a great achievement for a 9 hole course.

Teresa was a winner of the Junior Scratch Cup in 1988, which was also a superb accomplishment. She was well known and greatly respected on the  golf circuit and encouraged her fellow golfers to give Rathdowney a try.

She was Lady Captain twice and also Lady President. In appreciation of all that  she  had given the club, the title Honorary Member was duly bestowed on her in 2019, which also coincided with her membership of  60 years, and not forgetting she was also a trustee for many years.

Teresa will best be remembered  for her charm, friendliness and  encouragement that  she  gave to all of us and above all her elegance and poise.

Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.

The Cahill family would like to thank all who helped with the event, especially Ann Creagh.

A collection was taken up on the evening in aid of Conquer Cancer  which realised €1,420.