Golf:The Castle's Dara Lernihan was crowned the new Irish Close champion after his 3 and 2 win over Banbridge's Rory Leonard in today's final the Royal Dublin Golf Club.
Lernihan made a dream start to go two up after a pair of opening birdies and though Leonard fought back, the Dublin golfer maintained the two hole advantage by the time they reached the turn.
Lernihan went three up with a par at the short 12th and victory was now within sight.
However Leonard pulled one back at the 14th before another birdie at the next put Lernihan three up with as many to play.
The 2008 finalist sealed the win when the 16th was halved in pars.
In the morning semi-finals Lernihan defeated Dunmurry’s Stephen Crowe 6 and 4 while Leonard defeated leading qualifier, Luke Lennox (Moyola Park) 3 and 2.
Irish Amateur Close Championship
The Royal Dublin Golf Club
Final
Dara Lernihan (Castle) bt Rory Leonard (Banbridge) 3/2
Semi-Finals
Dara Lernihan (Castle) defeated Stephen Crowe (Dunmurry) 6 and 4
Rory Leonard (Banbridege) defeated Luke Lennox (Moyola Park) 3 and 2