Our History
The prime movers in developing the course were Dan Archibold, Brendan Walsh & Dan Byrne. All three were responsible for the design and layout of the initial 9 holes. The first committee was led by John Archibold as Chairman and Liam Sherry as Secretary. Referring to the founders in his first secretaries report Liam Sherry prophetically wrote
“Only time will tell how much Kilcullen will owe these men”
Within a short period of time the committee quickly realised that an 18 hole layout was necessary. A plan was hatched to transform the adjoining swap lands and fundraising began with a series of ballad sessions, poker classics and dances.
Within a relatively short period of time funds were raised with course equipment being purchased, hedges cut and the swamp land was ditched and drained. A tree and shrub planting season followed and a pair of precast bridges were installed over the Pinkeen Stream to facilitate the 18 hole layout.
The club was first affiliated to Pitch & Putt Ireland in 1988 and by 1991, after a design by Pat Doyle of Athgarvan, the club opened its full 18-hole course.
On the course St. Bridget’s juvenile policy soon began to reap rewards. The Byrne sisters, Margaret, Chrissie and Marian as well as the Dillion duo, Tara and Ian along with Bernadette Coffee, Jason Hannon and Cathal Dunne all brought success to the club. In 1988 Margaret Byrne captured the first National title for the club when she lifted the Girls National Juvenile trophy.
National senior success soon followed with Eddie Carey lifting the Senior Men’s National Strokeplay title in 2010. Jason Hannon won the Gents National Matchplay title in 1997 with Sean Harkins lifting the same title for St. Bridget’s in 1999.
The Byrne Sisters along with Tara Dillon and Bernadette Coffey dominated women’s Pitch and Putt at both regional and national level over the past decades with no fewer than 15 titles between then from 1998 to 2015 in both the National Matchplay and Strokeplay events. Chrissie Byrne herself lifting no fewer than 7 National titles.
In addition, St. Bridget’s have had constant representation on Kildare teams across all grades with several national titles as part of victorious Kildare Pitch & Putt teams over the past 30 years.
Why Join St. Bridget’s Pitch & Putt Club?
- Vaue for money: With very affordable memberships on offer, you have the chance to play as much pitch and putt as you can over the course of the year. Pitch and Putt is much cheaper than most other sports and is also much more accessible.
- Outdoors: Pitch and Putt is a great outlet to allow you to get out of the house in the Spring, Summer, Autumn, and even Winter for the more dedicated players. Our idilic location in Kilcullen with unlimited free parking also provides the perfect area to get away from the usual hustle and bustle of daily life.
- Family Game: We pride ourselves on providing an amenity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. We cater to people from as young as 8 to some people older than 80.
- Social: Pitch and Putt is the perfect sport for those who want to be active and to have a bit of craic with their friends. Whereas golf tends to be an all day affair, two people can complete a round of pitch and putt in one hour.
- Competitive: From March to the end of October, competitions are always taking place around the country. Club competitions tend to be more social while more competitive people can hunt for glory on County, Provincial, and National stages.
- Not for Profit: All the money we take in gets put straight back into improving the course. We are also completely run by our members, volunteers who spend their free time working on the course.
Gents Captain 2023: Joe Mallon
Ladies Captain 2023: Gabrielle Sweeney