The Leinster Inter County was a challenge for organisers this weekend as the extreme weather conditions meant changes all round.
Firstly, the Junior Ladies and U.16’s in Navan on Saturday had to be called off – they got started but it quickly became apparant they were not going to get too far.
It was the same scenario in Castletown for the Gents Inter and Juniors. We had an Inter team competing and we were due to tee-off around midday but that competition was also abandoned. Thankfully for us, we were only on route when we got word so we made a U-turn and headed home ready to fight another day.
The Senior Ladies & Gents were due to be in Castletown on the Sunday and a decision was made early that also was unplayable. However, the organisers played a blinder and found a new venue in Royal Meath to keep things moving. Tough decision but probably the right one – it was a suprise to everyone but a level playing field for all involved.
The Dublin Ladies battled all day with great 46 from Glenda & Pauline in the doubles and a super 50 in the singles by our Captain Ger Ward. Philo also got under par. Solid scores came in from the rest of team, however, we were to fall agonisingly short losing out to Kildare by two shots. Well done to Kildare. We re-group and get ready for the Nationals in a few weeks tme.
The men started slowly from the high standards they are capable of and that may have cost us in the end. A total of -19 from all three doubles left us 10 shots behind Meath and one or two short of other teams. That said, Meath were to drop away in the singles and we started to make some ground. We were hearing Down were in on -52, a tough target but attainable and then we heard that Wexford just posted -57. That was also attainable but it left little margin for error with only 6 holes remaining for the players involved.
Chris Gallagher played great pitch & putt and posted a superb 46 with a couple of bogeys on the card – on another day, it could have been a 42. George Mcgreal didnt seem to get a putt all day but still posted a 48. Jason Larkin who played his first Inter County for us was up for it all day and produced a lovely 47. Next up was Paul Nolan and Junior Smith who shot 52 & 51 respectively. JR was coming up the last and although it was now clear we couldn’t catch Wexford, the true professional he is, hit the middle of the green and rolled in the putt for the birdie and a 47. We were to be beaten on back 9’s for 2nd but thats the way it goes. Well done to Wexford and we go again in a few weeks time for the Nationals.
Thanks to all the players and supporters for the effort that was made. Very much appreciated by all in Dublin pitch & putt.
Saturdays re-arranged fixtures were also announced on the Sunday. The U.16’s are back in Navan this Friday at 4pm. The junio Ladies play in St Bridgets on the 24th August with the men playing the same day back in Royal Meath. Same time sheet applies. Best of luck to the teams again in these re-arranged fixtures.