2 minute read
Interview with Kanturk Golfer, Mairead Martin
By KEVIN O'CONNOR - 2003 & 2023 Special Olympian World Athlete
Mairead Martin is a local golfer from Kanturk. She was the highest-rated recruit from Ireland in the class of 2018; ranked as the No. 9 amateur in the country. She has competed in various tournaments around the world.
When you were growing up, did you always want to be a golfer?
I never really had a passion for anything specifically growing up but when I started to play golf I found my passion and became addicted to getting better.
When you were in school, did you take up any sports?
I played basketball and I used to do Irish dancing as well.
What kind of college is Louisville Kentucky?
It is a public University just outside the city of Louisville, Kentucky. They are a division 1 University and they compete at the highest level at 21 different sports both men’s and women’s.
When you were starting out for the first time playing golf, who did get you into it?
My dad Brendan played golf at a pretty good level and he was eager to get myself and my two sisters into it but I was the only one in the beginning that got hooked to it!
Up along when you played in Kanturk golf club, did you travel locally much?
From an early age, I travelled around Ireland playing first in the provincial championships and then that expanded to around Europe and eventually America.
When you played in America, what is your favourite golf course?
Winged Foot.
When you travel across the world, do you find the flight long?
Sometimes travel can be long but when it’s with other people, I enjoy the journey.
What is your favourite golf club you ever played?
Winged Foot golf club or Ballybunion.
If you organise a golf charity event, what charity will it be?
Marymount Hospice or the Air Ambulance.
What year is your favourite Ryder Cup, and who is your favourite Captain of all time?
I would have to say this years captain, Luke Donald; he seemed like he did a great job in the role and it resulted in a victory.
