August 2012

Inniskeen, Co. Monaghan, Ireland

Patrick Kavanagh (21 October 1904 - 30 November 1967) was an Irish poet and novelist. Regarded as one of the foremost poets of the 20th century, his best known works include the novel Tarry Flynn and the poems Raglan Road and The Great Hunger. He is known for accounts of Irish life through reference to the everyday and commonplace. His grave is in a churchyard in Inniskeen Co. Monaghan adjoining the Patrick Kavanagh Centre.

Just across the road from the churchyard is Inniskeen Pitch and Putt club, which lies in a fine pastoral setting alongside the River Fane, famed for its fishing.

The course gets off to a relatively gentle opening. There's a village green feel to the Index 17 2nd. A flat assignment (see above) measuring 36 metres, the view from the tee includes a church and a round tower.

In the original Irish, Inniskeen means "peaceful island" and the the riverside setting is tranquil. Mind you, left handers in particular, will find the holes that run along the river somewhat daunting!

The 5th at Inniskeen is a Pitch and Putt rarity - a blind teeshot (see below). The 59 metre pitch must carry the River Fane and several tall trees to find the green.

The 42 metre 12th requires the pitch to carry two matching trees.

Inniskeen course features mature bushes and trees and a pagoda style teebox at the 16th.

Another aspect of the Patrick Kavanagh Centre is the Poet's Rest Coffee Shop, just across the road from the Inniskeen course. The 'Poet's Rest' operates as a Tea Room under the management of Lorna Faul. It's another appealing characteristic of Inniskeen Pitch and Putt club.

Course address is:
Inniskeen
Co. Monaghan