The Emerald Golf Society was founded in 1978. The idea originated as a result of an invitation received by Michael (Mick) Morrissey to participate in The Hurlers’ Golf Society’s Tournament held at Thurles, Co. Tipperary, in September 1977. This annual event brought together many of the past and current great hurling personalities for a day of golfing, socializing and reminiscing. Mick, who had won All-Ireland Hurling medals with Wexford, was so impressed with the atmosphere of friendship and goodwill generated by this reunion that the thought of a similar society in New York occurred to him.
In discussing his experience with some past and then present New York Gaelic hurling and football players, the favorable reaction and genuine interest the exchange provoked convinced him that such a society was, not only possible, but very much desired. As a result, a few preliminary informal meetings were held, and in March 1978, the Emerald Golf Society was formally organized, and, most appropriately, Mick Morrissey was unanimously elected its first President, a position he held until his untimely death in 1993. Officers also elected at this meeting were, Patrick McMahon, Vice President; Stephen King, Recording Secretary, Martin Murphy; Corresponding Secretary, Daniel Fitzgerald; Treasurer, Stephen King; Public Relations Officer, John Byrne; Sergeant-at- Arms, Michael Donovan; Chairman Greens’ Committee, Sean Walsh; Chairman Handicap Committee, Ambrose O’Connell; Chairman Social Committee, James O’Connell; Members of the Board of Governors, James Reape and James Smith and Chaplain, Msgr. John J. Barry.
The intentions of the founders were to form a society which would provide an outlet for active and former Gaelic sports people and their families to get together on a regular basis and share in a continuing friendly relationship of golfing competition, other sporting events, and all of the social amenities attendant thereto. Over the years The Society organized many ambitious projects, such as Emerald Sports Days at Mt. St. Michaels, and trips to various places, including Bermuda, The Bahamas, Mexico, The Dominican Republic, Hawaii and New Zealand. Members of our Society have also made golfing trips to Ireland, annually since 1979, where a wonderful bond of friendship has been developed, and still continues, with The Callan, Co. Kilkenny Golf Club. Emerald Day at Callan is always the highlight of the tour. Members of our Society have also participated in The Hurlers’ Golf Society’s Tournament in Ireland in September each year since inception.
The Society has also supported various charitable organizations as well as Gaelic Hurling and Football Clubs along with the functions of our kindred golf clubs.