24th November 2008: Erry v Tullamore Ryder Cup Update!!

Over the past few weeks a new and exciting competition has unfolded in Offaly between two of the top clubs in Offaly and Leinster, Erry and Tullamore; it is the inaugural Erry v Tullamore Ryder Cup. This winter focused competition was put forward and implemented by William Buckley Jnr. and Billy Buckley (Erry) and Mick Hogan (Tullamore). The goal of this endeavour ultimately is to develop the game at club level, increase the interest in the game and keep our players competing during the off season winter months. This is a competition that that has has its moments of seriousness and rivalry but it is played in the best competitive spirit possible keeping the 'fun' element of the game alive!

The format of the competition which covers a 5 week span has taken the form of four weeks of Doubles 36 Hole Matchplay (2 weeks of Scotch Foursomes and 2 weeks of Fourballs) with the deciding final week consisting of 12 Singles 36 Hole Matchplay. The top players from both clubs are involved in this event which has proved to be a great success so far, the interest was so high in one club that trials took place for their 12 spots! The following are the results from the past four weeks:

Week 1, 36 Hole Fourball at Erry, Result Tullamore 3 Erry 2
Mick Hogan & John Fleming BT Eamon Kidney & Sean Dunican 4/3
Mick Byrne & Joe Gorman BT Joe McGrath snr & Tracey McGrath 3/2
Anthony Galvin & Ronnie O' Shea BT Billy Buckley snr & Mick Devery 3/2
Lorcan Bracken & Eddie O' Connell LOST TO Joe McGrath jnr & Ger Walsh 3/2
Vincent Murphy & Darren O' Connell LOST TO Larry Maher jnr & Larry Maher snr 10/9

Week 2, 36 Hole Scotch Foursomes at Tullamore, Result Erry 3 Tullamore 2
Larry Maher snr & Larry Maher jnr BT Mick Hogan & Lorcan Bracken 7/6
Larry Maher snr & Larry Maher jnr BT Mick Hogan & Lorcan Bracken 7/6
Joe Egan & Joe McGrath snr BT Joe Hogan & John Fleming 7/6
Joe McGrath jnr & Tracy McGrath BT Vincent Murphy & Ger Palmer 3/2
Willam Buckley jnr & Billy Buckley snr LOST TO Mick Byrne & Joe Gorman 6/5
Mick Devery & Ger Walsh LOST TO Anthony Galvin & Ronnie O' Shea 2/1

Week 3, 36 Hole Scotch Foursomes at Erry, Result Erry 2 1/2 Tullamore 2 1/2
Ger Palmer & Joe Hogan LOST TO Larry Maher snr & Larry Maher jnr 3/1
John Fleming & Mick Hogan HALVED WITH Joe McGrath jnr & Ger Walsh
Mick Byrne & Vinnie Murphy BEAT William Buckley jnr & Billy Buckley snr 1/0
Anthony Galvin & Ronnie O' Shea LOST TO Joe Egan & Joe McGrath snr 8/7
Darren O Connell & Eddie O Connell BEAT Eamon Kidney & Sean Dunican 6/4

Week 4, 36 Hole Fourball at Tullamore, Result Erry 2 1/2 Tullamore 2 1/2
Vincent Murphy & Anthony Galvin BEAT William Buckley jnr & Eamon Kidney 3/2
Lorcan Bracken & Joe Hogan BEAT Joe McGrath snr & Joe Egan 2/1
Mick Byrne & Joe Gorman A/S Mick Devery & Sean Dunican
Mick Hogan & John Fleming LOST TO Joe McGrath jnr & Tracey McGrath 6/5
Eddie O Connell & Darren O Connell LOST TO Larry Maher snr & Larry Maher jnr 3/2

So the scene is now set and it coulld not be any tighter as the overall running total stands at Erry 10 points and Tullamore 10 points, the final week of 12 Single Matchplay games promises to be a cracker. All are welcome to come to support the final day.

Please note that the inaugural presentation of this great competition will take place straight after the days play at 2p.m. in the Clara Sports & Leisure Centre, one of Offaly Pitch & Putt's top sponsors. A presentation will be made to the winning team including the impressive and precious Ryder Cup style Trophy, which comes complete with bragging rights for an entire 12 months! Hot food will be provided. All players and friends are encouraged to attend!!!