Royal Tara young guns shoot their way to All-Ireland gold

Tom Gannon

Royal Tara were recently crowned the u-18 All-Ireland Interclub champions.

The competition began last March and initially over 1,400 kids started out all trying to win this competition for their respective clubs,

Royal Tara's squad comprised eight members who competed throughout the year in the Stableford format.

Guided by the team management of Ruth Kerrigan, Gary Clynch and Johnny Byrne (PGA Professional), the team qualified for the finals held at Warrenpoint GC, located just outside Newry.

The management had the difficult task of picking the five players that would line out in the finals.

The team made numerous trips up to Warrenpoint to give the boys the best opportunity to play their best and to allow the management to work out which style of golfer was best suited for this difficult layout. A lot of strategic thinking was required in order to overcome the various challenges that were presented to them.

After a lot of consideration, the team was chosen, and consistent, measured, skilful performances were put in on the course, contributing to a successful outing for the Royal Tara selection who brought home the coveted pennant and the beautiful trophy which will take prime position in the large trophy cabinet in the clubhouse.

Head professional and coach Johnny Byrne spoke about how proud he is of the players' achievement.

"I don’t think they realise exactly the scale of what they have won and it’s that innocence and naivety in the game that makes them such a great team and more importantly a super bunch of kids who represented our club, their families, and most importantly themselves in a manner that we should all try to emulate."

Team - Aaron Roche, Conor Flanagan, Alfie Kellet, Conor Giles, Thomas Weldon, Scott Anderson, Charlie Sherry, Eanna Holland.

HEADFORT

The Headfort Senior Scratch Cup was played over the Championship course. Players enjoyed a very calm morning with plenty of sun while the first group teed off.

The pins were positioned in the round four locations from last year’s Challenge Tour event testing the players ability to attack them.

Round one saw the Headfort native Evan Shipp record the lowest round of 75 with two others one shot behind. Players recharged their batteries for the second round in the afternoon.

Weather stayed consistent for all during both rounds. With a lap previously that morning players improved their scoring with three players shooting 73 in the afternoon.

Shipp was leading for most of the afternoon until winner Robbie Hynes from The Royal Dublin returned a fantastic second round of 69 to go with his morning’s 77 to win the event by two shots from Shipp.

Jack Blake from The Island in Donabate was third with a total of 149 (76 &73).