The Club &History
A Century of Golfing Excellence in Tipperary
Governing Body
Captain – John Fitzgerald
Lady Captain – Gráinne Moore
Vice President – Brian O’Dwyer
Vice-Captain – Noel Burke
Lady Vice-Captain – Laura Ryan
Hon. Treasurer – Evan Long
Seanie Mockler
Johnny Fogarty
Ann Slattery
Ladies Committee (Coiste na mBan)
Captain – Gráinne Moore
Vice-Captain – Laura Ryan
Hon. Secretary – Ann Slattery
Hon. Treasurer – Tina Loughman
Committee;
Bridget Gleeson
Maria Dempsey
Breda Stakelum
Kay O’Dwyer
Dolores Stakelum
Ann Burke
Bridie Ryan
Men’s Committee
Captain – John Fitzgerald
Vice-Captain – Noel Burke
Hon. Secretary – Johnny Fogarty
Hon. Treasurer – Pat Foley
Ex. Officio – Johnny Fogarty
Committee;
Niall Prendergast
Seanie Mockler
Brian O’Dwyer
Eddie Maher
Chris Gooney
Paddy Dwan
PJ Mackey
"A choice Residential Holding, with all the advantages for up to date farming…. well worthy of inspection."
Turtulla House and 218 acres were being offered for sale, in the 5th of February, 1944 issue of the “Tipperary Star,” by the representatives of the late Michael Barry. Among those who inspected it, were leading members of Thurles Golf Club, then sited at Dovea, following earlier periods at Leugh and Loughtagalla.
The initial affiliation to the Golfing Union was in 1909. The Dovea course – nine holes, later twelve – was laid out by Lionel Hewson, about 1932, on the lands of Captain Trant.
Turtulla was at once seen to be an ideal location for the club’s next and final abode. On the verge of town, it was prime parkland, well stocked with mature timber, draining readily towards the Suir – and even adapted by nature for two separate nines, divided by the road.
Their minds quickly made up, the golfers deputized the Hon. Secretary P.J. 0’Meara, Solr., to bid for them. He went, under the pressure of the bidding, somewhat above their agreed limit and the property was theirs for £6,100. Part was recouped by the sale of the portion to the left of the 7th and 8th holes to the Pallottine Order.
History of Turtulla House
The golfers were moving into a house and lands of ancient and colourful history. A military map of 1755, drawn to delineate an army encampment in the area, shows a house where the club still resides. A 19th century map indicates another army camp in the area of the 17th fairway. It shows a roadway below Turtulla crossroads and probably following the ridge, along the l0th, 12th and 15th towards the Mill Road and passing by the mysterious remains known as “Jack’s House,” on the 11th hole.
Family surnames Nicholson, Bailey, Maher and finally Barry designate previous owners. It was in the Maher period in the 19th century that the house held its most famous guest, Daniel O’Connell. He was on his Repeal Campaign, early in 1843, when he addressed a “monster meeting” on the hill of Knockroe, less than a mile from Turtulla, and was entertained by the Mahers. During that era the house was renovated by Clonmel-born architect William Tinsley, as was another Maher property, Tullamaine House, near Fethard. The Barry family came from Co Limerick and took over Turtulla from Valentine Maher in the 1880’s.
The house was occupied until 1927. During the “Troubles” of the early twenties the family coachman, Denis Regan, was shot and left for dead by the “Black and Tans” near the bridge on the entrance road. He survived to become in later years the hearse driver for the undertaking firm of W H Ryan. Local superstition used to maintain that the premises, empty from 1927 until the golf club took over, were haunted. Nowadays, the “spirits” are strictly confined to the club lounge!
Course Development
The laying-out of the new course was entrusted to Mr. J McAllister – terms £5, plus expenses! His design has stood the test of time as making best use of the terrain – new tees at several holes are the modern variations. The original wide-open farmland was gradually altered by judicious tree planting, giving individual character to each hole. It is today a well-respected test of golf, host to national and provincial championships at many levels and very popular with societies. Recently a development plan for the first nine has been commissioned and will shortly be submitted to the Members for their approval.
Clubhouse amenities were the object of improvement in various stages. For more than three decades the changes were of modest scope. By the end of the 1970’s the structure had deteriorated to the point where radical action was needed. An original decision to replace it with a modern-style clubhouse was later reversed and a large scale reconstruction skilfully preserved its’ rare and admirable character. This was opened in 1981. The most recent phase giving the club its present unique and individual ambience was opened in May 1993.
Modernising the Fairways: 2004-2007
The journey toward our modern layout gained momentum in 2004, following an extensive consultation with our members to shape the future of the club. The vision was to enhance the front nine by incorporating the scenic “Island Field,” a move that received overwhelming support from the membership.
Renowned architect Mel Flanagan of Irish Golf Design was commissioned to lead the project, with his plans officially endorsed in late 2005. Construction began in January 2006, handled by European Golf Services. Despite some challenging weather conditions, ingenious course management allowed members to continue playing a full nine holes throughout the build. The project was successfully completed and the new course officially opened in July 2007, marking a premier upgrade to our golfing experience.
2024 Renovation
As part of Thurles Golf Club’s ongoing commitment to honouring its rich heritage while embracing the future, the clubhouse at historic Turtulla House underwent a tasteful renovation in 2024. Led by long-standing member and designer Ann Slattery, the refurbishment introduced a fresh, modern colour scheme and a series of warm, welcoming design touches — all while preserving the elegance and character of the original 19th-century building. The new décor reflects the club’s official colours of green and gold, bringing visual identity in line with tradition. The clubhouse is now home to the Daniel O’Connell Bar, named in honour of the Liberator’s stay at Turtulla in 1845, and features historic artefacts and framed documents dating back to the 1950s. The result is a space that not only celebrates the club’s proud past but also creates a relaxed and inviting environment for members, visitors, and families to enjoy for generations to come.
