Life of former City of Derry professional celebrated

2001 IPGA Captain, the late, Bobby Browne, presenting the late, Michael Doherty (left) with the Golf Professional of the Century Award at the IPGA's Centenary Dinner. 

Michael Doherty's contribution to the welfare of golf in the Northwest corner of Ireland is legendary. When the universally-liked head pro at City of Derry Golf Club and former Captain of the Irish PGA died in December 2016 he left a huge gap in the lives of the many who knew and respected him.

Losing Michael inspired one of his best friends, the former Ulster interprovincial and South of Ireland finalist, Colm McCarroll, to pen a fascinating and wide-ranging account of Michael's extraordinary life which is packed with written reminisces and photographs.

Michael joined North-West Golf Club in 1957 as an assistant professional under Norman Drew. He was there for 15 years before joining City of Derry in 1972 where he stayed until 2008 when illness finally won the day.

Peter Alliss said of Michael: “He was the sort of professional who made our (PGA) association splendid and worthwhile. He cared about everybody. He tried his best. He was honest and true, knowledgeable wasn't jealous in keeping information and ideas to himself - he passed them on to others. He was a man for all seasons and a stalwart of the game.”

When the PGA celebrated its centenary in 2001, Michael was the popular winner of "Club Professional of the Century Award."

He was chairman of the Ulster Branch Professional Golfers Association for many years and served a long stint on the Executive Committee of the PGA.

To receive a free copy of the book, e-mail: camccarroll@btinternet.com stating which newsagent in your town or village you would like it delivered to. Please be specific regarding your name and the exact address of the newsagent's store. This service is also free of charge to donors.

Michael's later life was blighted by the dreadful arthritic disease, Ankylosing Spondylitis and Parkinson's Disease. All proceeds from the book will support 'patient comfort' at Nazareth House, Fahan, Co. Donegal, Arthritis Ireland and Parkinson's Ireland.

Any voluntary contribution you may wish to make should go to The Michael Doherty Fund c/o First Trust Bank, Meadowbank, Derry A/C No: 21070054. Sort Code: 93 84 83 IBAN: GB31FTBK93848321070054 and/or c/o Allied Irish Bank, Buncrana. A/C No: 12735181. Sort Code: 93 72 90. IBAN: ie18ATBK93729012735181.