British Prime Minister's secret visit to The Island ends in tragedy

Andrew Bonar Law (1858 to 1923) was elected leader of the Conservative Unionist Party in England in 1911. The Canadian born son of a Scottish Clergyman played a pivotal role in Llyod George's 1st World War cabinet and was elected Prime Minister of Britain in 1922.

His connections with The Island first surfaced on Saturday, May 17th 1913, when he played the links accompanied by Lord Glenavy (J.H.Campbell MP) - who later served as Lord Chief Justice from 1916 to 1918.

Also on the links that Summer's morning was the Very Rev. Reginald Godfrey Michael Webster, Dean of The Chapel Royal -Malahide, who was playing a match against the Honorary Secretary, Mr. J.R.Blood.

The syndicate, who controlled The Island at that time, had close ties with the British Army and often held social functions in The Clubhouse to raise funds for the many Irish born soldiers injured during the 1st World War.

With tensions high in Ireland at the time, Bonar Law's visit was shrouded in secrecy, and fears for his safety were paramount in the robust political circumstances that prevailed in Ireland in the early part of the Century.

However, during the course of their round-played in benign conditions over a much different links than today-the Reverend Webster became ill and despite efforts to save him, he died on the Eighth tee.  Word spread quickly throughout the nearby village of Malahide that Dean Webster had died on the links and that Bonar Law and Lord Glenavy were also in attendance at The Island. The Royal Irish Constabulary arrived at the scene and Dean Webster's remains were transported to Blood's house at Ballykeilty, Malahide.

The Irish Times carried the story on their front page the next day:

"Saturday was a particularly fine day and a large number of golfers were here and there on the links-among them being the Unionist leader, Mr.Bonar Law MP and Mr.J.H.Campbell MP.

The Coroner for North Dublin, Christopher Friery was communicated with. It happened that he had just left his house in Dublin for Raheny. Some of the party then drove in Mr.D.M. Wilson's motor car to Raheny, and the motor car was placed at the disposal of the coroner.

Mr.Friery returned in the motor car to Dublin for the necessary papers and was on The Island links before 5 o'clock- two hours after Dean Webster's death."

Bonar Law-who died 6 years later- remains the only British Prime Minister to have visited The Island.

The legacy that Dean Webster left The Island is in the shape of a splendid silver trophy, commissioned in his memory by the syndicate shortly after his untimely death.

Each year "The Webster Cup"-a keenly contested singles competition- signals the start of the Men's golfing season and serves as yet another reminder of the fascinating history of The Island Golf Club.