19th June 2008 Offaly Ladies' Historic Hat-trick - Leinster Strokeplay Championships Review

The Lely Ireland (Nurney, Co.Kildare) sponsored strokeplays got underway bright and early Sunday morning in the surroundings of the Curragh, Co. Kildare. The Leinster Finals were an all Kildare event with the gents playing at the St Bridgets course in Kilcullen and the ladies playing at Mc Donagh in the Curragh but it was Offaly players that would grasp most of the limelight on the day.

The ladies senior event featured many contenders for the crown including 2007 winner Tracey McGrath (Erry), Margaret Hogan (Tullamore), sisters Chrissie and Marian Byrne (St. Bridgets) and clubmate Tara Dillon. The championship was highly contended for and it was last years champion Tracey McGrath (Erry) who quickly marked her intentions on retaining her title. Tracey led through round one with a score of 4 under par then put together a stunning 7 under par round for a total of 97 which was 5 shots clear of nearest rival Chrissie Byrne (St Bridgets). Also one shot behind Chrissie were clubmates Marian Byrne and Tara Dillon (St Bridgets) both on 103. The top 12 went out for a final 18 holes and the cut was set at 111. After an amazing turnaround Marian Byrne caught up with Tracey when she shot an equal best of the day 7 under par to give a total of 150 tying Tracey who's 1 under final round put her also on 150. A nine hole battle ensued and the valiant effort of Marian Byrne was just a couple of putts short of the consistent form of the winner for a second year in a row Tracey McGrath (Erry). Tracey won the 9 hole playoff by 3 shots shooting an impressive 5 under.

The victories did not stop for the strong Offaly contingent present in the Curragh. The ladies intermediate title was won by Ann Marie McCabe (Ferbane) on a score of 111 Carol o Brien (Kells) beat Ann Minogue also Ferbane on a back 18 hole countback both sharing a score of 113. When it seemed that the day couldn't get any better Zita Galvin of Tullamore made it a hat-trick for the Offaly ladies by winning the junior title, in second place was Siobhan McDonnell(Lucan) and third was Catherine Fox (Glenville). Congratulations to Tracey, Ann-Marie, Zita and Ann Minogue for making it a fantastic day for Offaly pitch and putt! Well done to all who travelled and took part also and supported all our players in both venues all day.

The gents senior event featured 2 locals Ian Dillon from the host club and Athgarvan hot shot Eddie Carey .Last years champion William Buckley (Erry) would put up a stern defence for the title along with Sean Downes (Stackallen) who has had a number of scratch cup victories recently. With such a strong field of 48 players and the top 12 qualifying for the final round it was hard to call any favourites on the day. The final round of the Leinster senior Strokeplay at St Bridgets was a tremendous spectacle of top class pitch and putt ,especially so for the gallery of supporters that lined the finishing holes in support of their local hero Eddie Carey(Athgarvan). Amazingly showing great tenacity and determination Eddie although in the first group out and in last position on 13 under par going out hit a course record equalling 13 under par final round which included a hole in one to finish clubhouse leader and 26 under par. Sean Harkins was next in with 46 for his final round and 22 under in total. As the rest of the players filtered in scoring no better than 21, it left only two players within striking distance of Carey, last year's champion William Buckley Jnr (Erry) and Sean Downes (Stackallen). Buckley was very impressive and although he made some excellent birdies from off the green, he left too much to do in the final 18 holes finishing his last round 8 under par he overtook Harkins on a back six countback. It was indeed a valiant defence of his Leinster title. Sean Downes in the final 3 ball was making chances but ran into a dry spell in the middle of his round when the putts wouldn't drop. He rallied to finish strongly and added a 48 to finish in second place . Eddie Carey was the popular 2008 Leinster Strokeplay champion and received his Lely Ireland sponsored winners prize to great applause from all present. Winner: Eddie Carey (136), Runner-up: Sean Downes (138) Third: William Buckley jnr (140). Offaly also added a final 3rd spot position in the form of Tullamore's young gun Mark Hogan. The gents Leinster Intermediate Strokeplay title was won by Bobby o Neill (Athgarvan). Bobby had 2 shots to spare in the end when Seamus Reilly (Stackallen) set the mark leading home the first group out with a score of 100 in total. Mark finished in third place one shot behind on 101. The Junior prize was secured by Glenvilles Alan Flanagan over St Patricks player Jonathan Freeman who just beat St Bridgets player Declan Callopy on a countback. Congratulations to William and Mark on their fine performances and also to our other Offaly representatives on the day who just fell short of the final 18 hole cut of 12 under in the senior grade; Mick Hogan, Anthony Galvin, Paul O'Gorman, Joseph McGrath Jnr., William Kennedy, Patsy Reams, Mick Sullivan and Larry Maher Jnr. Also, to Darren O'Connell who shot 4 under in the gents inter grade.

Dates for you diary: The qualifying rounds for the Leinster Matchplay to be played in Erry in June will be held in Tullamore from Monday to Wednesday night, please revert to your clubhouse fixture board for times and matches. The Offaly Strokeplay Championships take place next Sunday, May 25th in Tullamore. All are welcome and encouraged to take part in the event, best of luck to all over the coming week!!

Picture 1: Leinster Ladies Prize Winners: Ann-Marie McCabe (Inter Grade), Tracey McGrath (Senior Grade), Zita Galvin (Junior Grade) & Ann Minogue (Inter Grade).

Picture 2: Leinster Gents Prize Winners: William Buckley Jnr. (Senior Grade) & Mark Hogan (Inter Grade).