Knightsbrook Golf Club began with a bold vision that quickly took root near the banks of the Boyne in the historic town of Trim. From the earliest days Oliver Perkins—later club President—was intimately involved. In March 2006 he accepted John Cusack’s invitation to become the first Captain of the Men’s Club, bringing his hard-won experience from The Heath Golf Club to membership learning the ropes of running a new club. Fionnuala O’Byrne became the first Lady Captain and Gerald Reilly served as the club’s inaugural President.

Organisation followed ambition. Under the first Director of Golf, Gavin Hunt, Knightsbrook secured affiliation to the Golfing Union of Ireland. A Men’s Club committee for 2006–07—led by President Gerald Reilly and Captain Oliver Perkins—set the governance and culture that would shape the club: Thomas Renehan, Rory Dowling (Treasurer), Des Keegan (Vice-Captain), Steve Scully, Brian Heffernan (Secretary), Jonathan Cusack, Eddie Canty and James Canty formed the founding committee..

The course itself is a Christy O’Connor design and was officially opened on 6 May 2006. Former President, Oliver Perkins recalled that “Christy O Connor’s preferred location of the third and fourth holes spanned the proposed Trim Outer Relief Road and needed a material revision of the County Plan to move the road. A material revision of the county plan, supported by Meath County Council, preserved the holes and allowed the championship layout to remain true to O’Connor’s intent”.

Captains

Former President, Oliver Perkins remembers that “the location of the third and fourth holes was occupied by the proposed Trim Outer Relief Road and needed a material revision of the County Plan to move the road.

Captains

Oliver Perkins was succeeded as captain by Des Keegan in 2008. The first elected men’s committee took office in 2009 under the captaincy of Steve Scully. In 2010 Liam Mc Menamin took the helm as captain and nominated Jonathan Cusack to be the captain in 2011 when Knightsbrook hosted the Junior Solheim Cup. That was a historic year; fittingly, the son of the club's founder, John Cusack, represented the club with distinction that year. In 2012, Sean Ó Diomasaigh, former secretary became captain, followed in 2013 by Frank Leonard, who previously served as competitions’ and handicap secretary. Majella (Gerry Ryan) succeeded Frank in 2014 and the then competitions' and handicap secretary Colin McAllister assumed the mantle of captaincy in 2015. Former secretary, Thomas Renehan was captain in 2016 and succeeded by the club secretary, Seamus Lanney in 2017. The following year, 2018, former treasurer, John Tobin took office and in 2019 Damian Mc Donnell (RIP 2020) became captain. Richard Wheeler assumed responsibilities as captain in during the Covid 19 pandemic in 2020. Captain for 2021 was Gerald Reilly, founding member and former President. Gerald was succeeded by Raymond (Dicey) Murray in 2022 and in 2023 Alan Codd took on the role of Captain. Alan was succeeded by Leonard Fynn, who sadly passed away in office in October 2024. Will Murray assumed the role for the remainder of 2024 and was elected Captain in 2025. Thomas Conaty is the captain for our 20th anniversary year 2026.

Lady Captains

The Ladies’ Club has been equally vibrant. From founding Captain Fionnuala O’Byrne (2007) through Dorothy Scully, Lynda O’Brien, Pauline Rayfus and Angela Reilly—who led during the Junior Solheim Cup year with Marie Cusack as vice-captain—the ladies have sustained competition, camaraderie and leadership. Mary Higgins, Marian Buckley, Elva Leavy (2015–2016), Jodie Coughlan, Marie Gordon, Anne Geraghty, Mary Mahon, and the recent line-up including Mary Higgins, Jane Molony and Leslie Hamilton (Lady Captain for 2026) demonstrate continuity and commitment across two decades.
Membership flourished, with a notable influx in 2012 pushing numbers to a steady base of roughly 250 members. Regular club competitions and active inter-club participation established Knightsbrook as both a social hub and a sporting force in Meath.

Presidents

Since its inception, Knightsbrook Golf Club’s membership has grown exponentially to its present level, with new members joining every year. Regular club competitions are played and major club competition days attract a large number of members. The club also takes part in a number of inter-club competitions each year. A significant number of new members joined Knightsbrook Golf Club in 2012 and membership figures have continued at around 250 each year since. Oliver Perkins (RIP 2022)  served as President from 2009 to 2012. Liam Mc Menamin was president from 2012 to 2013. Jonathan Cusack, proprietor and former Captain (2011) served as President from 2013 to 2017. Seán Ó Díomasaigh, former Captain (2012) was appointed President in 2018 and was holder of the office until the end of 2023 when the Club had its first Lady President, Jodie Coughlan. Liam Grant was appointed to te role of President in 2026.

Proprietor, Mr Peter Igoe with President Sean O Diomasaigh (2018-2023)

2017 was a pivotal year off the course as well as on it: ownership passed from the founding Cusack family to long-time member and proprietor Peter Igoe. The change marked the end of one era and the beginning of another, yet the family legacy endures—Denise Cusack remains CEO, maintaining the link to the original vision for Knightsbrook Hotel, Golf Club and Spa.
Two truths define Knightsbrook’s story: it is a championship course born of thoughtful design and civic cooperation, and it is a community forged by volunteers—captains, secretaries, presidents and members—whose steady stewardship has made the club a lasting part of County Meath’s sporting life as it moves into its 20th year.