JB Carr Diamond Trophy for The K Club
THE K Club claimed the JB Carr Diamond Trophy with a heart-stopping 3-2 win over defending champions Portumna at Woodenbridge.
A record 186 teams played over 4,500 rounds in the annual seniors event which went to the 19th hole as The K Club claimed the club’s first national title.
A record entry of 186 teams from 31 counties – only Leitrim was without representation – teed it up in the 23rd edition of the event back in April before the provincial champions gathered in Woodenbridge for the All Ireland semi-finals and finals last weekend
Connacht champions Portumna, Munster winners Templemore and Ulster winners Ballybofey and Stranorlar were joined by Leinster winners The K Club and greeted on their arrival for the opening ceremony by a local piper, who led the teams, all flying their provincial flags, across the River Avoca to the clubhouse.
The semi-finals and finals went to extra holes with The K Club securing overall victory over Portumna on the 19th when Arthur French holed a five-foot putt for the title
Templemore secured third place with a 3.5-1.5 win over Ballybofey & Stranorlar.
Mary Carr presented the perpetual trophy to The K Club who had top jockey
Mick Kinane as caddie-inchief.
Gary Owens, captain of The K Club, congratulated Woodenbridge on hosting such a “friendly competition that supports the spirit of the game” and celebrated the club’s first national win at one of the oldest clubs.
The first officially documented round of golf was played at Woodenbridge in 1884 when Col. EAR Bayly invited Sir Stanley Cochran of Woodbrook House to field a “team of gentlemen”. JB Carr Diamond Trophy, Woodenbridge Golf Club Semi-finals: Portumna bt Templemore 3.5-1.5; The K Club bt Ballybofey 3.5-1.5. Third and fourth-place playoff: Templemore bt Ballybofey & Stranorlar 3.5-1.5.
Final: Portumna 2, The K Club 3 (Portumna names first) Gerry Madden (13) & Martin Kennedy (11) bt Brian Rogers (8) & Martin Kennedy (11) 19th; Gene McEntee (18) & Willie Carty (12) lost to Tom Freeman (3) & John Stewart (16) 20th; John Cormican (20) & Danny Losty (10) bt Aidan Brady (10) & Dan O’Gorman (12) 1up; Mike Coniry (14) & Dick Quinlivan (16) lost to Eamon Daly (12) & Tony Kelly (14) 3&2; Matt Donohoe (10) & Mick Keyes (12) lost to Brendan McDonnell (5) & Arthur French (15) 19th.