Former National Matchplay champion Derek Courtney powered Dublin to their first Inter-County pitch and putt title since 1991 when they won the Paintworld-sponsored event by five shots from Cork at the Waterford Crystal course on Sunday. Courtney finished 16-under par for the 36 holes to tie Paul O'Brien (Tipperary) for the best individual score. He was well supported by Brendan O'Shea (14-under), David Hayden (13-under), Denis Mongahan (9-under) and Hubert Kelly (9-under). The big surprise was the poor showing of 1998 champions Meath, who were relegated. Kildare finished strongly to take the women's title for the second time in three years. They were four shots off the pace after the first 18 holes, but Marian Byrne, Tara Dillon and Margaret Byrne all carded five-under-par 49s in the afternoon as they edged out Dublin by a single shot.