Irish title for Navan golfer

Promising golfer Brian Casey, a member of the Headfort club, gave an impressive final day display to win the Irish Youths Amateur Close Championship at Tramore Golf Club on Friday finishing with a course record 66. Casey, who is from Navan and is the son of former Navan O'Mahonys footballer Joe Casey, trailed by 10 shots behind overnight leader Stephen Barry (Laytown/Bettystown) going into the final day. A third round score of three-under-par 69 resulted in Casey closing the gap to five as Barry faltered. The Laytown/Bettystown golfer dropped four shots over the last two holes on his way to a 74. Casey covered the last nine of his third round with a highly impressive 31 and equalled the feat in the afternoon to run out a two-stroke winner. Barry closed with a 73 to take the runner-up spot. Last May Casey also completed an impressive comeback to win the Leinster Youths Amateur Close Championships at Knightsbrook, Trim. Casey shot a final round three under par 69 to force a play off against Shaun Carter of Stackstown. The young Meath golfer then held his nerve to win in a sudden death situation recording a birdie three on the par four first hole at the Trim venue. Another Headfort golfer, Pauline Walsh took the runner-up position in the Irish Seniors championship last week.