Ballybunion and Ring of Kerry take honours in The Kerryman Challenge

CASTLEGREGORY’S lovely ninehole links on the shores of Lough Gill was once again the venue for the 2019 Kerryman Captains’ Challenge on Saturday last which saw the Captains prize winners from each of Kerry’s golf clubs gather for a shotgun start at 10 o’clock in the hopes of lifting coveted title.

This unique event originated over three decades ago and is a popular end of season occasion for those fortunate enough to have won the ultimate event at their home clubs.

Castlegregory’s Captain John Dillane and President Eddie Hanafin were on hand to welcome the competitors and guests, who hit the fairways in their rain gear and umbrellas, during the constant drizzle, an after-effect of Storm Lorenza but despite the poor weather conditions, the course was presented in excellent condition by head green keeper Sam Leech and his staff.

Having lifted the Kerryman Captain’s Challenge last year, Helen Harty from the host club was seeking back to back victories, but on the day she couldn’t match the form of Colleen Moray, from Ring of Kerry GC, who played some excellent golf to post 36 pts and to capture the title.

Coleen, originally from the USA, is no stranger to the links at Castlegregory having originally honed her skills there before moving to settle in South Kerry and a practice round at the West Kerry links certainly paid dividends as she took the title by seven shots from Killorglin’s Kathleen Cronin who posted 29pts.

Former Kerry Junior footballer Ogie Horgan, representing Ballybunion, won the men’s section, the first player from the North Kerry links to win this event.

The seventeen-handicapper posted a superb 38 points (17 &21) to finish five ahead of his nearest challenger, Patrick Farrell from Ceann Sibeal who scored 33pts.

The guest section was a tussle between the locals as former Castlegregory Captain Tommy King took the honours with 34 points beating current Catslegregory President Eddie Hannafin on the back nine.

Following golf, the prize-giving dinner took place in Tomaisin’s Restaurant, Stradbally, where Castlegrgeory Captain John Dillane took charge of the proceedings.

John thanked The Kerryman for sponsoring, Castlegregory GC for hosting and he congratulated the prize-winners.

So, with the season over, its now time for some winter practice in the hope of winning your captains prize next summer, and maybe teeing it up at Castlegregory in this event next October.

Winners of The Kerryman Captains’ Challenge being presented with their prizes at Tomásins Castlegregory on Saturday. From left: Tommy King, guest winner; Colleen Moray, Ring of Kerry GC; John Dillane, Captain Castlegregory GC; Ogie Horgan, Ballybunion GC, and Castlegregory GC President Eddie Hanafin. Photo Joe Hanley