We had our match play finals in Portmarnock yesterday Sunday 30th August. We had anticipated a great occasion but we got much more than that,it was one of our best day’s of pitch and putt.The standard shown in all matches was of the highest quality and the sportsmanship shown was exemplary.The Portmarnock club produced the course in its usual pristine condition and even Mother Nature was on our side.
The senior gents set off at 930 and for mer winner Keith Redmond played local veteran Dave Poole in a match of the highest quality.Keith prevailed after an epic struggle and it was great to see Dave back in the limelight once again.The second semi saw Eoin Mithen also a former winner take on an improving Joe Joyce and again it was a top class match.Joe showing great grit powered to an impressive victory.The stage was set and we hoped for a close encounter.Keith exploded out of the traps but Joe got to grips with him and led after 18.Joe then opened up a big lead and was looking a likely winner but Keith had other idea’s.He produced some great pitches and he came down the 35th one down, he holed his tee shot here and after Joe salvaged a par on the 36th tie holes were required. They both missed birdies on the first and on 2nd both pitched to 5 feet approx. Joe putted first and it just slipped by leaving Keith a chance for victory which he duly dispatched. Well done lads for a tremendous game.
The lady seniors were next out and here we saw local legend Ger Ward pitted against Marie Shiels again Ger’s local knowledge was to prove vital and despite Marie’s best efforts Ger prevailed.The other semi saw local hero Sheelagh Elmes against a rejuvenated Helen Greagsbey and in another top class battle Sheelagh edged Helen and another epic was in store for us.The early exchanges saw Sheelagh take control over an edgy Ger but the more Ger settled she closed the deficit. Sheelagh held her nerve over the second round and heading to the last was 1 up. She landed big but safely secured a par Ger faced with a difficult chip holed it as all great champions do and again we headed to tie holes.The momentum had changed in Ger’s favor and she cemented victory on the first tie hole.Well done ladies on a great match.
The gents inters were on the tee next and the first semi saw the wily Anthony Carroll against local lad Simon Lenihan. The early exchanges saw Simon take control and he held on to gain a final berth.The other semi saw Jamie Power and Glenn Woodward of our winning Dublin inters do battle.The fledgling Power showed his undoubted skills and he subdued Glenn’s efforts to secure a place in the final.Simon and Jamie both former under 16 inter co players set out in the final and with Simon bringing his A game he opened up an unassailable lead.Jamie tried all he knew but ran out of holes and the match finished on the 29th hole with Simon an impressive -16.
The ladies first inter semi saw Dublin inter captain and former winner Carol Tracey take on Muriel Tobin.The game was close but Carol showing good form ran out a decisive winner.The other semi saw an all northside battle with Nuala O Gorman and Susan Crinnon do battle and despite Nuala’s best efforts Susan proved too strong.The final proved a titanic struggle and going down the last Susan was 1 up and a well played par secured victory and it meant the cup was back in CY for another year.This was Susan’s first championship victory and well deserved and i’m sure Carol will challenge again in the future.
The junior gents saw John Byrne in his first semi against the overwhelming fav Ryan Cooney.Ryan in tremendous form lately produced a masterclass of pitching and John valiantly tried to stay with him but in vain.The other semi saw local Noel Harney against Jack King of our junior inter co team.This match ebbed and flowed either way until Jack edged ahead on the 18 to give him a berth in the final.The final saw Ryan produce shots worthy of the senior final over the first 9, to take a lead which Jack tried to peg back but alas for him the damage inflicted early on left him a gallant runner up.Ryan is a top class prospect and will hopefully prove this in the next few years.Well done to both players on a sporting game.
After a long wait the lady juniors commenced their semi finals and first match saw Laura Murphy against Evelyn Woodward and with Laura settling the better she proved too strong for a gallant Evelyn.The second semi saw Marie Dooley versus Breda McLoughlin and this match proved nip and tuck until Marie got the upper hand on the back 9 and so reach her first final.The final was a close affair after 18 and with neither player backing off it looked like going the distance.However Marie produced great pars on the tricky 14th and difficult 15th to go 3 up with 3 to play.She pitched the 34th green and when Laura missed her birdie it was game over.Well done Marie on your maiden victory and it won’t belong before Laura reaches the winning enclosure with the form she showed over the weekend.
Our thanks to Portmarnock who proved once again perfect hosts also Erin Isle and Ringcommons for hosting our earlier rounds with all courses in top class condition it made the weekend most enjoyable.
Thanks to all who helped over the weekend and all the players who entered and competed.