Since the foundation of Portarlington Golf Club, I suppose it was only natural that successive Captains in co-operation with their respective Committees should have wished to make their distinctive contribution to the continuing development of the Club.
The extension of a small gate lodge to the spacious Club-house which we enjoy today, the building of tees, the installation of a watering system for the greens and many other projects are evidence of their achievements.
When I was elected Captain in February 1987, I felt that the cumulative effort of the successive generations of Captains, Committees and members which shaped and moulded the culture and ethos of the Club should not go unrecorded. The "Genius Loci" which presides over Garryhinch and gives it that intangible distinctive character should not be allowed to disappear.
When the Committee (1987) agreed to appoint Richard Mullins to undertake the task of researching and recording for future generations the history of Portarlington Golf Club, it made a wise decision. He undertook his task with skill and enthusiasm, and spent countless hours during the past year poring over newspapers, delving into the forgotten corners of libraries both public and private, and chasing the elusive but relevant fact among musty records.
He assembled, 'chewed and digested' an accumulation of facts and produced a work which captures the character of 'Garryhinch' in prose both simple and artistic.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to Richard and to all who, in any way, contributed to the successful production of this book.

E. BOLAND