Three away teams win in Dr Billy Shield first round

THREE away teams successfully came through the opening round of this year’s Dr Billy O’Sullivan Shield but surely the surprise result was the defeat of Tralee in Barrow by neighbours Ballyheigue Castle.

Ceann Sibéal were another side who had victory on the road with a win in Killorglin while Ballybunion travelled to Castlegregory and came away with the win after clinching the deciding match on the 20th hole with a par.

There were home wins for Castlerosse over neighbours Ross, Ring of Kerry over Dooks, Beaufort over Parknasilla, Waterville over Castleisland and defending champions Kenmare over Killarney.

The draw for Round Two which must be completed by August 13th, sees Castlerosse host Ceann Sibéal, Ring of Kerry host Ballybunion, Beaufort host Kenmare and Ballyheigue at home to Waterville.

As there are just eight teams left, its maybe time to have a look at the potential winners for this year.

I think Ceann Sibéal will rack up another away win at Castlerosse and I’m tipping Ballybunion to win in Ring of Kerry having won the final there in 2014.

I also fancy defending champions Kenmare to win away at Beaufort and Ballyheigue to record a home win against Waterville.

The semi-finals are fixed for Ballybunion’s old course on Saturday September 1st with the final two weeks later at the same venue.

If I get all four predictions correct, the semi-finals would see Ceann Sibeal against Ballybunion and Kenmare against Ballyheigue, so with home advantage, it’s hard to look beyond Ballybunion.

However, there is still a lot of golf to be played and there’s the matter of their next round game against Ring of Kerry who might just surprise them yet.