A round-up of today's other stories in brief
McGuinness brothers triumph
IT was a memorable Sunday for the McGuinness brothers who claimed monthly medals in different clubs on the same day, something that no doubt is a rare occurrence.
The Island’s monthly medal on Sunday was claimed by Ciarán McGuinness.
Playing off a handicap of 11 he was the winner with a nett score of 71, one shot better than the rest of the field.
However, not to be outdone, Colm McGuinness, who plays off a handicap of four, wasn’t going to let his brother take all the limelight.
So also on Sunday in neighbouring Beaverstown Golf Club, he won their May monthly medal with a score of 68, one better than Shane O’Sullivan (6) and Gerry O’Connor (15).
In fact, Colm’s score was also good enough to claim the gross prize on the day as well.
DUNMORE East Golf Club held their Captain’s Prize to Ladies last week, but in many ways it is becoming an event which seems to bring out the best in one of the club’s golfers.
Winning this year’s event was Marian Heffernan, who scored the best round of the day in recording 37 points and amazingly, it was her fourth year to win the Captain’s Prize.
Howth Walk for children's hospice
THE 23rd annual Howth Walk will take place on Sunday, May 22nd, and organisers are hoping to raise more than € 20,000 this year. Women golfers in and around Dublin along with the Irish Hospice Foundation (IHF) are involved in the annual event which is a great family day out. Since 1989, the Howth Walk has raised in excess of € 605,000 for the Children’s Hospice Home Care service.
The event involves a walk from Howth Dart Station to the Cliff Summit, with refreshments and “goodie bags” for all participants. More than 200 golfers representing clubs in Dublin and surrounding counties take part in the event each year.
All are very welcome to join in. Pick up a sponsorship card from your local club or the Irish Hospice Foundation at 01-6755977, then meet at the car park beside Howth Dart Station and register anytime between 10am and 1pm. The IHF has committed € 2.5 million to the implementation of the Children’s Hospice Home Care programme.
McCormack up to scratch in Athlone
THE Athlone Golf Club Senior Scratch Cup took place on Sunday and despite the very tough and testing conditions, scoring wasn’t bad at all.
Making the most of the conditions was current Irish international Eddie McCormack (right), playing off plus-two, as he put together two steady rounds of 76 and 75 to claim the Maurice De Lacy Staunton Cup.
Gerry Deegan (1), with rounds of 81 and 74 claimed second spot, while another Athlone member, Thomas O’Connor, finished third with rounds of 75 and 81. Special mention must also go to Cathal O’Malley of Westport who stormed up the leaderboard with a fantastic 72 in the second round.
FRANCISCAN College, Gormanston, emerged victorious from a dramatic final with Presentation College, Bray, to take the Leinster Inter-Schools League title at Carton House last week.
Played in testing conditions over the Montgomerie course, the teams were tied after 18 holes. The second pairing from each side entered sudden death play-off and it took a birdie two on the par-three third hole to decide matters in Gormanston’s favour.
In the morning semi-finals Franciscan College, Gormanston, defeated the holders, St Michael’s College, and Presentation College Bray defeated Moate Community School.
Co Louth, Kilkenny and Claremorris make finals
CO LOUTH, Kilkenny and Claremorris have booked their places in the All-Ireland finals of the ILGU Irish Senior Cup where they will join Munster winners Douglas and the holders, Royal Portrush, in Malone GC on August 12th and 13th.
In very difficult, windy conditions at the Castle, the East Leinster District final saw Co Louth edge out The Island 3-2, with two matches being decided on the 18th.
The Co Louth winners were Deirdre Smith, Oonagh Purfield and Sarah Murray.
Kilkenny took the Mid-Leinster title at Bunclody with a 4-1 win over Enniscorthy. Mary Dowling, Eileen Rose Power and Bridie McGarry securing the winning points for the champions, while Mary Leahy Browne and Margaret Cuddihy halved their matches.
In Connacht, Claremorris were surprise 3-2 winners over Roscommon at Portumna. The Claremorris winning points came from Sarah Helly, Sarah Gallagher and Emily McHugh.
Last week, defending champions Royal Portrush retained their Ulster title with a convincing 3½-1½ win over Malone in the final at Kilkeel, while at Castletroy Douglas were 3½-1½ winners over the host club.
There is some consolation, however, for The Island, Roscommon and Enniscorthy as they will join the five winners in the finals at Malone as the three best losing teams in the district finals on handicap.
Coote's seniors amateur success
MICHAEL COOTE, from Tralee Golf Club, picked up the Munster Seniors Amateur Open Championship with a three-shot victory over Maurice Kelly, Killeen Golf Club, in what were extremely tough playing conditions over the Tralee links.
Trailing Kelly by three shots overnight, Coote calmly plotted his way round his home track to shoot an impressive 76 to claim victory. Hugh Smith from Mourne took third place, while Michael Stafford (Bandon) and Noel Patterson (Milltown) nearly upset the odds to claim fourth and fifth places respectively. However, the day belonged to Coote who will defend his title at West Waterford next year.
Friends of Dublin Hurling Golf Classic
THE sixth annual Friends of Dublin Hurling Golf Classic will take place in Forrest Little Golf Club on Thursday, May 26th. A team of four costs € 400, while tee sponsorship is also available at € 200. E-mail your entry to fodh@eircom.net or contact either 087-2331983 or 087-9783735.
WHITEHALL Colmcille GAA club will hold their annual Classic in Corrstown GC on Thursday, June 2nd. Cost is €450 per team of four. Entries to 087 2431522.
TO coincide with Barack Obama’s visits to Ireland and Offaly there will be a singles Stableford competition at Mount Temple Golf Club offering Offaly or USA golfers at a special rate of € 10 for green fees.
The prize is dinner for four at the Motte and Bailey restaurant at Mount Temple. This competition will also be available for all other golfers on their green fees for the week and a special rate of € 10 on the Wednesday.
