FIPPA Newsletter - December 2006.
Welcome to this edition of the FIPPA Newsletter.
AN INTERVIEW WITH MICHAEL MURPHY
FIPPA News spoke to FIPPA Board member Michael Murphy (Ireland) after the proud Dubliner’s exciting Overall Best Nett win at the Italian Open.
Congratulations on your recent Best Nett win at the Italian Open. Could you talk us through your success?
Thanks. Going to Rome was just a bit of fun for us what with no official meetings to attend, meeting old friends, a bit of sightseeing and playing a couple of rounds of Pitch and Putt in late October in shirt sleeves, who would believe you? I was fortunate to play with my good friend from France, John Hudson and a Catalan lady named Maria. We had great fun and a good chat all the way round. To be really honest I was not too concerned with my score. When we heard that the next day’s play was reduced to nine holes, we were delighted as this would give us more time to go sightseeing. After I finished my round I had no idea that my score would have any chance of appearing in the winners enclosure. I was really surprised when I returned to see the winning tankard in the room. We were disappointed to have missed the Presentation.
What were your overall impressions of the Italian Open?
I was surprised to see that so many had travelled to play in the Open. Given the good feeling around the course, I think there is a great future for this type of competition. Also the people at the Real Sporting Village were very friendly and we would go back.
A few words about Sean Breen who was also successful in Rome?
Sean Breen is a great buddy of mine. When we were on Leinster Council (Irish provincial Pitch and Putt administrative body) we seemed to hit it off and this has continued, even though he is a Drogheda (League of Ireland soccer team) fan. As PPUI National Executive level we will argue our points of view but once the meeting is over we are back to being ‘Buddies’ again.
How was your rendition of "Wild Rover" received at the official dinner?
To be really honest, it was a spur of the moment thing as I have not sang a song in public for a long time (1992 was the last time when I sang in Menorca and brought the house down with a Dublin rendition of “Are you lonesome tonight”). I think the assembled gallery enjoyed it.
You are a very dedicated Secretary of the PPUI. What are the current priorities of the organisation?
Thanks for the very nice comment. At the moment the PPUI are in the process of putting together our second “Strategic Plan” which will outline our plans for the next three years. We are also preparing for our Annual Convention which will be held at the Anner Hotel in Thurles, County Tipperary. This is a very important Convention as it is a Rule Change year.
How are you enjoying your role as Board Member of FIPPA?
Since being elected to the Board of FIPPA I have not had time to spend on the role due to the circumstances, which arose in the close family we arrived back from Barcelona in March. I shall be attending to my portfolios in the coming months. I will contact the other members to enquire about their Juvenile set-up and the Special Olympics.
What is your vision for FIPPA?
It was an honour to be elected to the Board and the vision I have for Pitch and Putt and FIPPA/EPPA is that this great game of ours expands and that the comradeship that prevails among the members will continue. I know that both bodies are only in their infancy but we need to get good strong structures in place for the development of the game.
Your view of www.fippa.net?
I would like to say well done to Eero Tarik on the work he has done in developing the website and his other initiatives since being elected to the FIPPA Board.
Will you play in the March 2007 Seniors Open and the President's Cup in Australia?
I would love to play in both but circumstances may not allow.
You were recently recognised by your club Old County for distinguished service. What does that award and the Old County club generally mean to you?
I was totally surprised to receive a nomination for this award and was really stunned to win it. The award means such a lot to me because as anyone who knows me will tell you, I have and always will be an Old County man through and through. The Club has been a great learning curve for the whole family as we have all played at one stage or another. Indeed our second son Neil’s first port of call after being born was a visit to Old County on his way home from the hospital.
How can PPUI generate more members?
We have tried a number of ways over the past few years without any success. We are now discussing some new ways of getting people to join the PPUI. There are a lot of people playing the sport in Ireland outside the PPUI. We need to come up with a way to get these people interested in joining us.
Your wife Joan is obviously a great support to you and an avid Pitch and Putt player herself. How would you sum up her involvement in Pitch and Putt?
Joan and myself have always had an interest in sport. She used to come see me when I was playing and would come to Dalymount (spiritual home of Irish football) to see the Bohs (Bohemians – one of Ireland’s leading soccer clubs). Joan has played quite a bit of Pitch and Putt. She has played on league teams for Old County and together we have reached the finals of the National Mixed Foursomes. Joan has also served on committee in Old County and was Lady Captain in 1998. She has been Treasurer of the Dublin County Board and in recent years has given a lot of time to the development of the Juvenile game in Dublin, which culminated in 2005 when the Dublin team won the National Inter County for the first time since 1995.
How is your own game and what are your playing aspirations for the future?
I did not play a lot this year, but when I did get a chance the game was not too bad. I would hope if everything goes well I will play in the Dublin leagues next year, I have not ruled out the possibility of winning a National title and returning to the Senior grade.
Thanks for asking me to answer your questions and letting me give some of my thoughts, much appreciated.
(with John Manning)
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