SEAN Finlay is relishing the next 12 months as captain of The Mere Golf Club.

He has chosen a charity to support during his 12 months in the position.

Sean enjoyed his captain’s drive-in day, which had to combat some horrendous overnight weather before his arrival at the first tee.

Seven-handicapper Sean, a chartered surveyor specialising in the development of apartments for young and vulnerable adults with learning difficulties and physical disabilities, had launched the day with a superb straight drive of well over 200 yards down the middle of the fairway on the first hole.

The afternoon luncheon had a terrific attendance of over 270 enjoying the Mere cuisine, Sean’s speech and a Jersey Boys tribute band to conclude a memorable day.

Sean said: “Our head greenkeeper John Quinn and his staff did a great job on the drive-in and they together with The Mere Resort have invested a lot of time, effort and money into the course over the past three years.

“Together with the planned redevelopment of the clubhouse and complimentary facilities at The Mere, as members, it will be a golf facility to be truly proud of in the years ahead.

“I have been a member for 13 years and my favourite hole on the course is the 11th because it is just before the halfway house!"

He added: “My favourite course other than The Mere is Adare Manor in County Limerick – it has gone through an amazing transformation and will be a superb venue for the 2026 Ryder Cup.

“I play twice a week if my wife lets me get away with it….and I follow most sports, particularly Irish Rugby and I support Blackburn Rovers and the charity I will be supporting is Brain Tumour Research.

“My golfing highlight was to win the Club Championship at Tytherington in 2009 and if I could choose three players to join me in a four-ball they would be my dad – he was my inspiration – Rory McIlroy, just to hear his club strike the ball, and Shane Lowry for the craic."