Kelly a five-time hero

MAURICE Kelly (inset) claimed his fifth Irish Seniors Close Championship with a six-shot win at Enniscrone.

The Naas veteran Kelly entered the final round with a two-shot cushion but dropped three shots on the front nine to fall one behind Tuam’s Alan Moran.

Disaster struck for Moran at the 10th, however, where he ran up a triple bogey seven and Kelly caught fire on the back nine, finishing on five-under after making eagle at the par-five 14th and birdies at the 13th and 16th for a one-under 72.

Champion in 2009, 2010, 2014 and 2015, Kelly’s fifth triumph makes him the most successful player in the history of the championship, which was first played in 2009. Castlerock’s David Mulholland finished second on plus one having carded a 74 in the final round while England’s Steve Graham posted 75 to finish third.

Tramore’s John Mitchell took the category prize for the over 60s. Tralee’s Michael Coote was best in the over 65 category and Peter Cowley from Cork led the over 70s. The round of the week came from former West of Ireland champion Noel McGrane from Royal Dublin, who carded a seven-under-par, course record 66 which included a hole-in-one at the eighth, in the second round.