The bridesmaid tag is one Maurice Kelly would dearly loved to lose. However, the plus-one handicapper from the Killeen club will have to wait another year. For the fourth time in five years Kelly finished runner-up in the East of Ireland MidAmateur Trophy at the Grange last week.

This year it was Elm Park two-handicapper John Curran who deprived Kelly of his first success in the competition. Curran shot a two-over-par 146 for the two rounds - three ahead of Kelly on 149 with former Walker Cup player David Sheahan (Grange) two shots back in third place. Michael Ruane (Rathdowney), Chris Hurst (London) and Tom Fox (Co Louth) filled the minor places after each finished on 152. The nett was won by Colm Browne of Beech Park with 142 from Martin Kelly of Forrest Little.