After a somewhat barren run lasting one whole year, the Lucan Scratch Cup for the 15th time in 16 years was wonderfully kept within the surrounds of the 12th Lock as Damian Creevey put on a masterclass performance in the final playoff to run out a superb victor over a high class chasing pack.
Early in the morning a few decent scores came in with -10 from Loughlinstown man Gary Healy and Navan’s Anthony Gibney. The Lucan contingent, so comfortable around their home terrain started to show their teeth as Darren Kane, Michael Ahern, Damien Creevey alongside Glenville’s Joe Joyce all posted 2 round totals of -12 to give them a little daylight over a pack on -10 now containing defending champion JR Crangle, Shandon’s Dennis Monaghan and Anthony Carroll of Old County who produced a brilliant 46 2nd round. William Buckley Jnr matched Anthony’s 46 in his first round and he followed that up with another sub 50 round to take the lead on -13. As the final groups started to come in that total was looking good for the lead but it was soon joined as the mercurial Sean Goggin’s put in a superb 2nd round of 45 together to join William on -13. John O’Leary in 1983 won an All-Ireland Matchplay title and all that class he has, shone through within his family as his son David O’Leary put in a sparkling first 36 to take the outright lead on -14.
Before the playoffs began we knew the victors in the other grades with home wins for Tracey Smith in the Ladies while Michael Morris took the Junior honours with a super 52 in his 2nd round taking the prize on the back 18. Michael Ahern was in a win/win situation in the playoff as he knew he was guaranteed a prize when his -12 was just too good for the rest of the Intermediate field.
Out in the first group of the playoff and sitting only 4shots behind, Gary Healy got himself off to a flyer with birdies on 3 of the first 4 holes and that was the catalyst for a brilliant final round of -8 and putting a respectable target for the players behind to catch. Anthony Gibney and Joe Joyce couldn’t keep up their early scoring and they couldn’t break the 50 mark despite their best effort’s. Dennis Monaghan put in another round of -5 for the 3rd time on the day showing his superb consistency. Out with Dennis, JR Crangle despite a good start was struggling after 6 holes but he burst into life on the final 12 birdieing 8 of them and posting a -19 target for the rest to catch and overtaking his clubmate Healy in the process.
That score though was not to be enough as the fireworks were happening just behind. Damian Creevey got off to what can only be described as a dream start as a couple of superb chip ins added to brilliant pitching lead him to -8 thru 8 holes and therefore taking the competition by the scruff of the neck. William Buckley was out playing with Damian and despite some superb pitch and putt by him, Creevey was just too good on the day. Michael Ahern and Darren Kane were just ahead and although Michael struggled somewhat he can still be happy to take home the Inter prize. Darren showed his prowess around the Lucan course as he shot a final round of -7 to join Crangle at -19 and a tie for 4th. Sean Goggin’s in the final pairing with David O’Leary just ran out of steam especially watching the Creevey train take off just in front of him. Sean will be disappointed with his final round return but will be happy to get back in the mix once again.
O’Leary himself though was quietly going about his business and was putting in a decent finish himself. A final round 47 though was not to be enough for the young Ballinlough man as he was edged out of a runner up spot by a superb finish by William Buckley Jnr. Willie was spurred on by the round of Damian and birdies on 15,17 & 18 took him to -21 and 2nd place. In all honesty though, the playoff was only about 1 man, Damian Creevey. He produced a pitch and putt masterclass, finishing with a 42 and -24 total in which he missed a few really good chances to extend that total. Damian though will not be bothered by that as he has added his name to a list of Lucan Legend’s to lift the title he so greatly wanted and deserved. In Cunnigar 2 years ago, Damian took the All-Ireland Intermediate title after a break away from the game, his game has now gone up another notch and the Senior Grade is well and truly where he belongs. Congratulations to Damien Creevey, the Lucan club were fantastic hosts as always and a special thank you to all of the 111 people that played or paid for cards, a superb turn out.
LUCAN SCRATCH CUP RESULTS:
Winner: Damien Creevey Lucan 138
Runner Up: William Buckley Jnr Erry 141
3rd : David O’Leary Ballinlough 141
Final 18 JR Crangle Loughlinstown 45
Intermediates: Michael Ahern Lucan 96
Junior: Michael Morris Lucan 113
Ladies: Tracey Smith Lucan 113