The Athlone Senior Scratch Cup, sponsored by Elan Pharmaceuticals Operation, has been switched from May 10th to Sunday May 20th because of a clash of dates with the Irish Amateur Open at Royal Dublin.

Inaugurated in 1964 when Royal Dublin's Noel Fogarty was the winner, the Athlone Scratch Cup, a 36-hole competition, has always attracted strong fields. Last year was no exception when Stephen Browne (Hermitage) just pipped local Colm Moriarty by one shot. Padraig Harrington was victorious in 1985 and Richie Coughlan had his named engraved on the trophy in 1989. Current Irish amateur team captain, Eddie Dunne, an honorary member of Athlone is the most prolific winner of the event. Dunne captured his first title in 1973 and after wins in 1977, 1979 and 1980 he brought his victories to five when winning again in 1983.