Patsy Noone talks returning from the brink

'You could only see the tip of the flag on the third green. It had come in and covered the course. At the low point on the course there was six or seven feet of water.'

READY FOR THE FUTURE: Patsy Noone receives his award from Jimmy Duggan.

Storm Christine had just caused damages of an estimated €70 million on the Atlantic seaboard, the third green and half its fairway were completely under water, the world-renowned nine-hole treasure was on the brink.

The history of golf in the area dates way back to the summer of 1897 and located between Clew Bay and Blacksod Bay it presented a serene outlet for a blissful links – locals coined it the Pebble Beach of Mayo.