CLOVERHILL
THE May V Par competition saw the good weather return for play on Sunday and the scoring matched the high temperatures.
The regular improvement in the play of Fintan McAleenan (19) from the start of the year came to the fore once more as he produced an evenly matched 4up over both nines to finish ahead of the pack on 8up and claim the winner’s prize. A 7up from Colin Pilkington (3) gave him the runner-up spot over another very consistent performer Shane Toale (15) who finished third. Shane, on 6up, was a countback winner from Declan O Neill (15), Eamon Devlin (19) and David Hamill (11). Last week’s medal winner Liam O’Hare and Colum Quinn (28) were next on 5up.
Next weekend is a 3 Category s/s competition. For the first time ever the opening rounds of the Singles and Pairs matchplay competitions have been completed on time and let’s hope this is the trend for the remainder of the competitions.
Defending pairs champions Liam O Hare and John Kelly relinquished their title at the first hurdle to former winners the Pilkington brothers, Colin and David. The champions exited with distinction as they were hit by a nine-birdie barrage, yet managed to survive until the last green where an eagle put them out of the competition.
There was a second upset as Craig Pearce and Gerard Loye left Daniel Hughes and Mark Shevlin crying into their porridge.
In the singles Miceal Byrne put paid to treasurer Emmett Fearon, Graham Johnston took the scalp of Gerard Loye and David Hamill putt out Colum Quinn. The next round has to be played by June 21st.
Our Seniors were treated to the hottest day of the year so far as they took to the fairways on Thursday morning for a round of the Maritime Trophy.
The 12-hole competitions over the three different course layouts have proven very popular with the Seniors, whose numbers have increased since they have adopted this format for playing.
This week it was Raymond McCumiskey (13) who returned the winning score of 29 points, two ahead of club President Pius Tierney (14). Brendan Hughes (14) beat Raymond Kelly (10) on the countback for third place after they both finished with 25 points.
Edenmore visitor, 2-handicapper David McAllenon became the first Monthly bonus prize winner for the visitor with the best score in Friday’s Open. The €100 bonus sponsored by BC Electrics Dundalk will go nicely with David’s overall win on week 3 where his six birdies helped him to a winning score of 42 points.
Indeed it only took 39 points from Noel McParland (23) to take first prize last Friday as he finished one point ahead of first week Friday Open winner Paddy O Gorman (18). On a day when CSS was 36 points, third place was won by visitor Philip Hughes (16) from Mannan Castle with 33 points.
The BC Electrics Dundalk Friday Open for the month of June, with the added visitors’ bonus prize, begins this coming Friday. Entry fees: Members £7/€8, Visitors £12/€14 (which includes entry to the 2s). You can book online or through the clubhouse.
In the Wednesday Cup, a level-par round over the Front 9 White markers from club Vice-Captain Paddy Malone (6) gave him a winning score of 24 points - one better than both Kevin Haughey (23) and Cathal Hughes (18).
Next in line were Jamie Duffy (6) and James Coburn (17) who both finished with 22 points. Paddy, James, David Rafferty and Seamus McCoy are the leading quartet after two rounds over the Front 9 White Markers. Play this week is the second round of five, off the Back 9 Green Markers.
The club will be holding another Bank Holiday Open off the Green Markers next Monday. Entry fees - Members £7/€8, Visitors £12/€14 (which includes entry to the 2s). You can book online or through the clubhouse.