MIRIAM LORD'S WEEK:CONGRATULATIONS TO Labour Senator Lorraine Higgins who was elected vice-captain of the Oireachtas Golfing Society at its agm in the Dáil bar on Wednesday night.

Under existing rules Sen Higgins will automatically become captain next year, and will become the first woman captain of the society in its 42-year history.

Paddy Burke, Cathaoirleach of the Seanad, takes over the chain of office for this year. His first big event will be his captain’s prize outing, which will be held in his hometown of Castlebar on

May 4th. No surprises for guessing that Taoiseach Enda Kenny – Paddy’s big buddy – is down to tee off on the big day.

There were only two names in the running for vice-captain, and it fell to the Labour members of the society to choose the lucky golfer. Barrister Lorraine won out over Arthur Spring, who is the nephew of former captain Dick.

Sen Burke made a speech to mark his elevation. “It is the most prestigious golfing society in the country, if not in the world,” he told his audience, tongue firmly in cheek, citing its many illustrious members past and present.

Outgoing captain, independent TD Noel

Grealish, proposed that Labour’s Jack Wall continue as their PRO “because we need a man to keep us out of the press”.