A year ago Irish Golf lost one of its greatest ambassadors with the tragic death of Connor Mallon, PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Narin & Portnoo Golf Club in West Donegal, on March 15th 2012.
The “Big Man” epitomised everything a golf professional should be. He had a genuine charm, wit and friendliness which warmed the hearts of those he met.
He always had time for a chat and enjoyed the convivial banter – people gravitated to Connor and his zest for life.
Even after the briefest of encounters, Connor was always generous with his time and people felt they had made a lifelong friend, such was the impact Connor made on the many thousands of golfers he met in his career.
Beneath the jovial exterior was a dynamic and driven young man who never settled for second best and was continually striving to innovate and improve. This determination and ambition was evidenced in his time as PGA Professional and Director of Golf at Narin and Portnoo GC where he made an immediate and lasting impact. Connor Mallon put the club firmly on the agenda for visiting golfers from all over the world.
His proshop at Portnoo became the social centre of the club and Connor’s death has had a devastating impact on the members and colleagues at the club and at his previous club, Ballyliffin.
Connor served his time as an Assistant Professional at Ballyliffin and this was a place most dear to his heart. His commitment to Youth Golf at both clubs made for a superb introduction to the game for hundreds of kids throughout Donegal.
As one of the best players on the Irish Circuit he won many times including capturing the Irish Club Professional Championship at Enniscrone in 2004.
Connor Mallon was one of the most popular and respected players amongst his peers in the tight-nit community of the Irish PGA Circuit.
He was a prolific ball striker with an exceptional touch and natural talent for the game. It mattered little what your playing ability was, Connor treated all golfers with equal respect and consideration, offering nuggets of advice and uplifting words of encouragement at all the right times.
Connor was also one of the leading lights in marketing Irish Golf on the international stage and his charismatic personality made him one of the most popular characters.
His exceptional talent as an ambassador for Irish Golf and for links golf in the North West was evidenced in the outpourings of affection and messages of sympathy from every corner of the world.
Irish Golf has lost one of its greatest foot-soldiers and one who convinced many to make a golf trip to Ireland in the hope of meeting characters like Connor Mallon. Those of us who were privileged to have known him can attest that Connor was one of a kind and a man who filled all our lives with happiness and memories which will be cherished forever.
Our thoughts today are with his wife Shawna and the 4 children Connor, Cillian, Fionn and Darcy, and by his father and mother Seamus and Nuala and four brothers, Neil, Garrett, Seamus and Kealan.
Today, please stop and remember...
