Barry Reddan is the king of Lahinch after Southern title win
August 1987
‘IT was a bit disappointing that Charlie did not come by helicopter.” This remark, made in jest, was the first by Barry Reddan, the 27-year-old Co. Louth golfer from Baltray and captain of the club, when he was called on to receive the magnificent South of Ireland Open golf championship trophy at Lahinch last week.
He had just completed a five hour final in which he beat his lifelong friend and clubmate Mark Gannon at the 20th or second tie hole.
Both finalists wore the red Baltray club pullover for it was the first time in the 92 year history of this, the oldest of the four provincial championships, that two members from the same town and club contested the decider. Forty years ago when the former secretary-manager, Brud Slattery (Lahinch) won the ‘South’ his opponent in the final, John Burke, although a member of Lahinch, lived in Limerick where his home club was at Ballyclough.
The Drogheda man was overjoyed with his win. He jumped high in the air when he sank the 15 foot birdie putt that gave him victory on the 20th green. It was only 30 yards from the third tie hole where I saw his mother, Clarrie Reddan, 41 years earlier beaten in the final of the Irish Womens Close Championship by another Co. Louth player, Philomena Garvey. She was beaten by what was called a ‘stymie’, a rule removed from the game of golf five years later. Ever since a player may ask the opponent to lift and mark a ball obstructing the line to the hole.
Barry Reddan had no time for history at Lahinch last week. It was next month he was thinking of and hoping that the selectors will this time pick him to represent his country and thereby accord to him the long overdue recognition of the talent that has won him three provincial championships. The home internationals are to be played over the same Lahinch links on September 9-11 next.
Making his victory speech he spoke of his delight at winning and admitted that he was somewhat overcome with emotion. “I might start crying at any moment,” he said to the amusement of the crowd. He commiserated with his friend, Mark, and added “I thought he had me beaten after nine holes.”
Amongst the supporters who had left Baltray at 4.30am that morning to drive to Lahinch was Barry’s father, Val. After the match he said “that puts the icing on the cake now.” He was referring to the fact that his son had won the West of Ireland title in 1978 and the ‘East’ at Baltray in 1984 and yet had not been selected to play for Ireland. He now joins the select company of Joe Carr, Arthur Pierse and Mark Gannon as the only persons to have won three of the four Irish titles. His wife, Valerie, was there to suitably greet the winner, as was his sister, Valerie Breen.
June 1984
Barry Reddan left a star studded field trailing in his wake as he won the East of Ireland Championship by a clear six shots at Baltray last weekend.
This.was Bary’s finest reminiscent of his win at Bettystown some weeks back when he shot five birdies on the last six holes. On this occasion he was out in front and he consolidated his position for a total of 293.
Conditions were most difficult especially on Sunday. So that the qualifying cut off 159 was the highest ever. The back nine was unbelievably tough so that double bogeys were common place.
Joint runners up were Mark Gannon and Liam McNamara on 299 with Tom Corrigan on 300. Other home scores were Val Smyyth 311, Finbar Ronan, Philip Lush and Ray Moore 312, Tommy O’Brien 314, Declan Branigan 315 Michael McLoughlin, Frank Flynn and Ray Smyth 316 and Jimmy Clynch 317.
The Carberry Cup was won by P. Lyons (Nenagh) and the Agnew Trophy was won by Barry Reddan.