As the storm raged on Wednesday last, the members of Mitchelstown Golf Club were preparing themselves for the worst, but they couldn't have anticipated the trail of destruction that the storm had left in its wake, with 56 trees knocked or damaged around the club and course.

With more high winds expected into the weekend, club officials could see that a lot of damage had been done and they sent out emails, texts and met with members to rally up volunteers for a big clean up operation on Saturday, so that golfing could resume as soon as possible. 

At 9am on Saturday morning, the true spirit of the club shone, as more than 50 men and women gathered together with course manager Micheal English and head green keeper Pat Murphy to take up jobs and start the extensive clean up operation.

"While the work was tough, it was fabulous to see the pride people had in their club and were willing to settle in for the long haul to get the course back to its usual pristine condition," club member Micheal Og Hennessy said, adding that Olive and Breda were on hand to give the hard workers some much needed refreshments. 

A lot of work was done on Saturday, but there was still more timber to clear on Sunday and the members and volunteers who turned up again on Sunday were a credit to the club and the town.

"While the clean up will have to continue for another while, it is hoped that thanks to the power of the members coming together that golf in some form will be played this weekend. We might need to alter the course to avoid some holes, but I am sure people will be understanding and be delighted to be back playing sooner than we had anticipated.

"Once again a huge debt of gratitude to all those who gave freely of their time over the last week, you are the people who make this club the fantastic place it is. You should all be very proud," Micheal said.

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