Chairman is a Jack of all trades as he wins league
GREENHILLS BC members were on the edge of their seats as chairman Jack Howell clinched the Round Robin Summer League Doubles Tournament by the narrowest of margins, holding off strong challenges from Sean Donnelly and Peter Woods last Thursday night.
In the first match Alice Leonard and Bridie Maguire produced a stunning comeback against Gertie Griffin and Val Maguire. Gertie and Val dominated the opening exchanges opening a five-shot lead, but Alice and Bridie stuck to their guns and reduced the gap to the minimum with a one end to play.
Gertie and Val got their act together just in time, however, and the took over again in the final end to win in fine style by five after a few loose ends.
In the second match Josephine Moran and John Hurley took on Peter Woods and Jimmy Flood, with all four players going into this battle in top form.
In a wide open first three ends there were opportunities aplenty for both teams and it was a mystery that they were still level after three ends.
After that cagey start Peter and Jimmy opened a fourshot cushion, but John and Josephine kept their nerve and slowly reeled them back in. Showing their creative skills, playing backhand draw shots to the head, the pair eventually managed to force a draw.
Next up Claire Woods and junior Tadg Reilly were hit by a superb start by Sean Donnelly and Aileen Fitzgerald who opened a four-shot lead after two ends.
Claire and Tadg battled gamely and managed to reduce the gap to the minimum, but Sean and Aileen kicked on again to deservedly take the match by five shots, showing their ability to take their chances when under pressure.
The final match of the tournament pitted Val Haggins and Tom Devin against Jack Howell and the experienced Eugene Mc Kenna. Haggins and Devin could not have any complaints about being four down after three ends as Jack and Eugene made a lightning start.
Val and Tom came back with a decent revival, but Eugene and Jack didn’t panic and they came up trumps in the latter stages to complete a five-shot victory and clinch the overall title for a delighted Jack.
The outstanding performers on the night were Jack Howell, Tadg Reilly, Jimmy Flood, Sean Donnelly and Peter Woods. Presentation of prizes will be held next Thursday night at 8.30pm sharp.
A Club Promotion Day will be held in the Laurence Centre on Saturday 8th September from 9am-5pm. Anyone interested in learning a new sport can talk to club members on the day.
Tuesday night sessions return on 4th September. Times of play: Juveniles on Tuesday from 7-8.15pm and Seniors on Tuesday and Thursday from 8.15-10.30pm.
NUMBERS drawn in last week’s Duleek AFC/SBG FC lotto were 12, 13, 16, 30 and the six €20 prizes went to Juicy, Kyle Mac, Rose Dowd, C Flynn, G & C Finnegan and J Bird, while the jackpot wasn’t won.
Tickets are available from any of the club committee members and the jackpot for this week’s draw - which takes place as usual in the Duleek AFC clubhouse on Thursday evening at 8.30 - is €8,000.
€25 prizes NUMBERS selected in last week’s Seneschalstown GAA Club lotto draw for a jackpot of €1,600 were 6, 10, 13, 20 and the lucky five €25 prize-winners were Tony McDonnell, Breege Conneely, Ollie Curtis, K & E Bennett and Mattie McCabe (Beauparc Station).
Whist results LAST Thursday evening’s results from the Philipstown Whist League were as follows:
Top Tony Sharkey 144, 1st Lady Marie Boylan 142, 2nd lady Mary Murphy 139, 1st Gent Joe Dorian 142, 2nd Gent Mary King 141, Ladies Sweep Kay Mc Auley 15, Gents Sweep Aidan Conlon 21.