The defending champions Munster were 3-1 ahead after the morning foursomes – helped through wins by Castletroy GC’s Stephen Moloney & Karl Bornemann (Douglas GC) and Pat Murray of Limerick GC and Gary O’Flaherty (Cork GC) – but matters gradually turned in favour of Leinster who picked up the necessary six out of nine victories in the afternoon singles. 

Centenary celebrating Monkstown GC will stage the Munster Finals of the Bulmers sponsored Cups and Shields the weekend after next, with no shortage of Limerick interest.

Limerick GC compete in the Barton Shield; Adare Manor GC are in action in the Junior Cup and Castletroy GC will attempt to defend their Senior Cup title. The last national pennant to come to Shannonside was thanks to Limerick GC, winners of the Senior Cup in 2002.

Competitions like these stand out like a beacon, an ongoing tribute to all that is good in the amateur ranks. They are undoubtedly the biggest championship of their kind in Europe.  It is estimated that 20,000 players and 1,500 teams compete at the first round stage and close to 500 players and 20 clubs at the latter stages, including provincial finals.

The championships have been supported by Bulmers since 1992.

Cian McNamara partnered his close friend Ross Higgins (12) to victory in a mid-week fourball during Open Week at Limerick GC – the newest professional around was in top form and the pair coasted to victory with a stunning 48 points.
Supported by Ulster Bank, the Open Week was rounded-off with a Father & Son competition won by Pat and Mike O’Kelly with Siobhán and Sinéad Conway winners of the Mother & Daughter equivalent.

An Open Singles in aid of St Vincent de Paul will take place at Limerick GC next Saturday (061/412492).

[with pic — Golf-Short Game 01 single col-Cian.tif: caption:
Victory partner: Cian McNamara.]

Limerick GC’s Tim Rice narrowly missed the cut at the European Tour’s Lexux Open – he added a brilliant 69 to add to a disappointing first round of 74 for a 36 hole aggregate of one under 143, just two strokes outside the mark for weekend action.

[with pic — Golf-Short Game 02 single col-Tim Rice.tif: caption:
Near miss: Tim Rice.]