The eighth running of the East of Ireland Mid Amateur championship will attract a top class field to the Grange on Friday next for the ICC Bank-sponsored event. And looking forward with great anticipation will be Maurice Kelly of Bodenstown, who has been runner-up on no fewer than three occasions. With the holder, Frank Gannon, not defending after turning to the professional seniors tour, Kelly will be among the favourites to lift the trophy in the 36-hole event. With alterations ongoing because of the extension to the M50, the Grange have set out a 72-hole course of testing quality.