The man Tom Craddock played football with Malahide United in the 50’s and 60’s and played a crucial role in bringing the club through that era resulting in where we are today. He was also an exceptional golfer and returned to many a celebration in Malahide with another trophy in hand. His trophies included both the Irish Open and Close Amateur Championships. He played at an international and interprovincial level and was twice a member of the Walker Cup team. He was also a famous golf course designer/architect, with the likes of Druids Glen to his credit.

Dicey Reilly recollects a critical Malahide United make-or-break situation during the 70’s that was only resolved when Tom put his professional name forward on behalf of the club. Tom’s unselfish course of action led for a favourable outcome for the club and yet again we continued on through the 70’s to where we are today. (Talk to Dicey – he can fill you in with more details!).

Since 1944, so many people over the years have provided incredible service to Malahide United, have contributed the effort to get where we are today. There are people with us at the moment that will bring us even further into tomorrow. Looking back on Tom’s achievements in life and more importantly his contribution to Malahide United, it is only fitting that the Club Man of the Year award is named after someone like him.

Golf Course Design Credits

1995 – Druids Glen, Wicklow (Tom Craddock and Pat Ruddy )
1995 – Ballyliffin Glashedy Links, Donegal (Tom Craddock and Pat Ruddy)
19xx – Connemara Golf Club, Galway. (Original design by Eddie Hackett but completed by Tom)
19xx – Castlewarden Golf Club, Kildare. (Original design by Tommy Halpin but completed by Tom)
19xx – St Margarets, Dublin (Tom Craddock and Pat Ruddy)
19xx – Carnbeg Golf Course, Dundalk. (Tom Craddock and Eddie Hackett)
1998 – Clontarf Golf Club, Dublin. The 12th hole also known as “The Quarry Hole” redesigned by Tom
1998 - Claremorris Golf Club, Mayo. (Tom Craddock and Pat Ruddy)

Newspaper/Article Quotes

Druids Glen as described by Golf Link Travel.com (click here)

“Opened in 1995 and host to the last three Irish Opens, the course was designed by Pat Ruddy and Tom Craddock, veteran Irish designers who were heavily influenced by both St. Andrews (the par 3 2nd in the walled garden mimics #17 of the Old Course) and Augusta National (the 12th and adjacent par 3 8th, both of which lie in the glen).

Colin Montgomerie is among a group of players who have privately criticized the course for its unfairness, and it is true several holes could be improved. However, the course couldn't be too unfair. Sergio Garcia blistered it in the 1999 Open (just a week after I was there). The 19-year-old Spaniard, in only his sixth tournament as a professional and fourth on the PGA European Tour, shot a 16 under that included a final round 64.

Overall, the design makes masterful use of the natural contours and elevation changes. For example, the 461 yard (from the whites) 120 degree dogleg right 13th (below) is THE best parkland par 4 that I have ever seen. The tee box is enclosed in woods and sits high above a stream that zigzags the entire length of the hole, emptying into a pond that guards the green left and features a tiny island, allegedly used by the Earl's family as a place to swim and sunbath. From the high tee box, the fairway looks impossibly narrow. It is tightly framed by high mounds on both sides that are thickly planted with trees and plants. In addition, on the right side 200 yards out is a granite outcropping 60 feet high that looks like a miniature El Capitain. This natural framing gives the hole a valley-like feel. It's as if you are golfing in a miniature Khyber Pass. Once you've cleared the crossing stream some 40 yards in front of the green with your very long approach shot, you cross over a stone bridge reminiscent of the bridge at the 18th at St. Andrews.

In several years, Druids Glen will expand to include a medium sized hotel and second golf course to be designed by Tom Craddock. Like the existing course, it will feature panoramic views of the sea and the spectacular Wicklow Mountains including Sugarloaf Mt., a towering conically shaped mountain to the northwest”.

Claremorris Golf Club ushers in new era and honours course designer

Quotes from an article in the Archives of the Western People 28/05/2003 (click here)

The President of the Golfing Union of Ireland, Michael P. O’Donoghue presided at the official opening of the new dressing rooms and showers at Claremorris Golf Club last Friday evening. A special plaque in honour of the late Tom Craddock, Malahide, Dublin, the designer of the Claremorris Course, was also unveiled on the night. The late Mr Craddock’s wife Nola was in attendance for the unveiling, together with their son Christopher and his wife and family. Canon Dermot Maloney, the Parish Priest of Crossboyne, blessed the building.

Other Officials of the Connacht Branch of the G.U.I. to attend were Dan Clarke, Tommy Basquille, and Enda Lonergan, the Secretary of the Branch. Mrs. Patricia Hunt represented the I.L.G.U. Minister of State, Mr Frank Fahey, was in attendance, together with Deputy John Carty and Councillors Richard Finn and Pat McHugh. The new facilities were part funded by Lotto funds together with funding from the Club’s own resources. The facilities are delightfully finished with the most up to date equipment available and the work was carried out by Vincent Walsh who is a prominent member of the Club.

Club President, Robert Cosgrove, referred to the fact that the Club had purchased the land of the old nine hole course from Lord Oranmore and Browne in 1961. “On an occasion like this we thank these members and all the members and officers since then for the wonderful contribution to the development of this Club. “In 1995, five members of the Club were mandated to try and acquire sufficient land to make an 18 hole course. Due to their negotiating skills, they succeeded and the late Tom Craddock of Malahide designed the course and since it was opened in 1998 the name and fame of the course has travelled far beyond the length and breadth of Ireland”

Mr Cosgrove thanked Minister of State Frank Fahey for his help in securing Lotto funds for the Club and also for attending the opening. He had a special word of thanks for Mrs Nola Craddock and other members of the Craddock family who travelled from Dublin for the unveiling of the plaque to the late Tom Craddock.

Lady Captain, Phil Townley, thanked everyone for coming especially the members of the Craddock family. Mary Keane, Lady President, praised everyone for their efforts which culminated in the new facilities at the club. Chris Craddock, on behalf of the Craddock family, thanked Claremorris Club for the honour afforded to their late father in unveiling a plaque in his honour.