Donaghadee Golf Club celebrates 50th anniversary of RNLI lifeboat trophy competition

Donaghadee Golf Club has recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its prestigious Lifeboat Perpetual Challenge Trophy competition in aid of Donaghadee RNLI.

Originally presented to the Ladies' Branch Committee of the club in 1972 as a token of gratitude from the Coxswain and crew of Donaghadee Lifeboat, the trophy was contested for the very first time in 1973, marking the beginning of a tradition that continues to thrive today.

Leading local estate agent John Minnis, who is a native of Donaghadee with over four generations of family history and has sponsored the tournament for over a decade, commented:

“The Lifeboat Perpetual Challenge Trophy, or ‘wee lifeboatman’, holds a significant place in the heart of Donaghadee Golf Club, and John Minnis Estate Agents is honoured to sponsor this cherished annual competition.

“As an avid sailor and member of one of Northern Ireland’s top racing teams, I recognise the significant role the RNLI plays in helping to save lives at sea and it is great to be able to support the work of this very important organisation.

“Making a positive contribution to our local community is something which is hugely important to us, and it is wonderful to sponsor an event which represents the rich history of Donaghadee Golf Club.

“On behalf of the John Minnis team, I would like to extend my congratulations to this year’s winner, Nicole Lyons - here’s to the next 50 years!”

The Lifeboat Perpetual Challenge Trophy is presented to the top lady player at an annual open tournament hosted by Donaghadee Golf Club, with all funds raised donated to Donaghadee RNLI.

This year’s event saw the ladies branch of Donaghadee Golf Club donate £460 to Donaghadee RNLI.

The open competition format allows female golfers from various clubs to participate, provided they have a handicap from their respective clubs.

This year's winner was Nicole Lyons, with Kerry Gooding as runner-up, both of whom are members of Donaghadee Golf Club.

The best gross score was achieved by Nikki Currie from Clandeboye Golf Club.

Lady Captain of Donaghadee Golf Club, Cynthia Smith added:

"Donaghadee Golf Club is very grateful to John Minnis Estate Agents supporting this event over the past decade, ensuring that the Lifeboat Perpetual Challenge Trophy continues to be a tradition that attracts talented golfers from both our own club and others in the region.

“Over the years, this trophy has become a symbol of our club, etched with the names of countless skilled golfers who have competed in the tournament over the 50 years since its inception.

“With barely any room left for names on the trophy, it's evident that this occasion has made its mark on Donaghadee's history, and we look forward to many more years of celebrating this iconic tournament.”

Chairperson of Fundraising at the Donaghadee Lifeboat Station, Evelyn Bennett, said:

“We at Donaghadee RNLI are delighted to receive this cheque for £460 from the Ladies Branch of Donaghadee Golf Club.  

“Since the “wee Lifeboatman” Trophy was presented to the Ladies Branch Committee of the Golf Club in 1972 there has been a close relationship between Donaghadee RNLI Lifeboat Station and the Club for which we are very grateful.  

“We appreciate that each year the Ladies Branch of the Club kindly organize a competition, the proceeds of which are presented to our volunteer Fundraising Team.  We would also like to thank John Minnis for his sponsorship and support of this competition for the last 10 years.”

John Minnis Estate Agents, which is the exclusive Guild of Property Professionals Member for Donaghadee, specialises in residential sales and lettings, property management, new developments, land consultations, and valuations.