The Ebola Cup


	Although the origins of the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever are unknown, the Ebola Virus was first recognised in 1976 near the Ebola River in the Congo in Africa. A small cup was later established in honour of the first victims. You do not want to get (or win) Ebola. A short incubation period of 2 to 21 days (or 6--8 hours preceding golf) presages symptoms which include fever, aches, sore throat and weakness, followed by diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting and both internal and external bleeding. And then, for 50--90% of victims, death! Because the initial symptoms mimic those of many diseases, it can be difficult to diagnose Ebola correctly. Fortunately, cases occur only annually (unless you are an O'Neil). In several years since 1995 there have been few identified cases, many the result of nosocomial transmission. No Ebolan has ever even understood this phrase, and therefore has no chance whatsoever of avoiding the effects during the Ebola Match itself.


	2004 This year, after a close event Jim Doyle finally overcame his big day Mickleson nerves and after 4 2nd place finishes he finally won, and more importantly, to everyone's relief, he beat Kelly into second place also. Shabby managed to drink 2 burst boils after losing at spoof and flicking a matchbox into the boil glass! Big money was won and lost on the pool table, and Catty wore a smile for 3 days! (Ask him more closely about his nearest the pin award, which he so graciously donated to the kitty and set a ball rolling which all followed willingly (except Shabby, formerly known as Mr WFO.) All contenders agreed that Minehead was full of the ugliest people yet encountered on the tour including us! Disappointingly the tour now seems to have changed to a 2 day tour as the terrible weather on Sunday frightened off many contenders. See the photos to understand how bad this day was. At one point it rained for about 2 minutes and we had to put our sweaters back on. All deserters to quaff an extra rolling flyer 5 minutes before tee of in next years event, wherever it is Jim!


	2004 Contenders Cyril Kelly Paul Keegan John Little Jevon O'Neill Sean O'Neill Michael O'Neill Jim Doyle Carl Shuck Peter Sweeney Paul Sargison IGraham Elvin Kevin "Catty" Parle Andy Thorpe Colin Ashworth Simon Dodd


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