| ~ Council approve stone cladding and new clubhouse an attraction for tourists ~  Concra Wood Golf and Country Club has been able to realise its ambition of developing a state-of-the-art clubhouse that matches the stunning setting of the course, thanks in large part to architect Brendan Cashell’s imaginative use of stone cladding from local firm Fernhill Stone. Nestling on the shores of Monaghan’s Lough Muckno in Castleblayney, Concra Wood Golf and Country Club has established itself as one of Ireland’s finest inland golf courses and is listed in the Rolex Top 1,000 World Golf Courses. Opened in 2008, the Christy O’Connor Jnr designed course required a clubhouse which would not only meet the needs of its members and the thousands of visitors from Ireland and abroad who come to play each year, but would fit in sympathetically with the local environment and meet the strict requirements of Monaghan County Council in that regard. Designed by former international amateur golfer, Brendan Cashell, the stylish, modern, comfortable clubhouse more than met this challenge and is a stunning addition to Concra Wood. Cashell’s clever use of stone cladding by Fernhill Stone for the majority of the exterior allows the clubhouse to blend in so well to its backdrop that the clubhouse virtually disappears. Products chosen were Bucks County Country Ledgestone and Buck County Southern Ledgestone in a 70/30 ratio. Located at the highest point it offers panoramic views of Monaghan’s stunning scenery and far beyond. Covering 15,000 square feet, members and visitors arrive to find a stylish, modern and comfortable clubhouse. “The clubhouse is a large building and it had to be able to carry out the functions required of it,” said Brendan Cashell, architect. “Using Fernhill Stone products allowed us to create an exterior effect which makes the building become part of its backdrop and very unobtrusive visually.”  “We wanted a rich finish for the clubhouse that would blend into the countryside,” added Sean Donnelly, director, Concra Wood. “We benefited from quick installation as the stone cladding on the clubhouse took only four weeks to complete. We are just delighted with the result and our members and guests really love the look of the new clubhouse.” “The grounds at Concra Wood are fantastic and our stone cladding gives a more country feel to the clubhouse that only adds to the golfing experience,” said Meredith Jackson, managing director, Fernhill Stone. Concra Wood is one of Monaghan’s key tourist attractions and is swiftly becoming talked of as one of Ireland’s finest courses. For the county, it is a course to be proud of and one to be celebrated. Membership is good and Concra Wood is continuing to provide a stimulus to the local economy when visitors come to play and choose to stay in Castleblayney to enjoy other amenities.  (i) Meredith Jackson, managing director, Fernhill Stone and Sean Donnelly, director, Concra Wood pictured at the new clubhouse at Concra Wood (ii) Conor McKenna, PGA professional, Concra Wood, Sean Donnelly, director, Concra Wood and Meredith Jackson, managing director, Fernhill Stone pictured at the professional shop at Concra Wood (iii) Participants in the INLU Interclub Championship which took place recently at Concra Wood |
Thursday, 07 July 2011 11:50