Greystones prove infallible in Metropolitan Trophy thriller
GREYSTONES claimed the Metropolitan Trophy for the second time since 1999 when they survived a spirited second leg fightback by Portmarnock to win 10-8 on aggregate.
The Co Wicklow club built a massive lead after the rain-delayed first leg on home turf, winning eight of the nine matches thanks to victories for James Hoey, Alan Keane, John Egan, Cathal Cooney, Ian Mullaly, Eddie Davis, Paul O’Callaghan, Tom Sheehy and Shay O’Keeffe.
Portmarnock needed a miracle to turn the tie around, but not even the sight of the Papal aircraft flying low over the clubhouse last Saturday was enough to stop Greystones prevailing.
Needing a quick start, the home side won the first five matches with Morgan Dunne, Shane Branagan, Jim Cassidy, Charles O’Callaghan and Paul O’Callaghan all putting points on the board.
When Portmarnock’s Brian Dunnion and Thomas O’Connor also won at the bottom of the order to level the scores at 8-8, the excitement reached a new high.
But Greystones were not done yet, and Shay O’Keefe steadied the Greystones’ nerves when he sealed a vital point with victory over Niall O’Dwyer on the last green in front of a huge crowd.
It was then down to Egan, who was one up on the 18th tee and he brought home the penanant with a great win over Brian Thornes by two holes.
At the presentation ceremony, Portmarnock Captain Tadg O’Dwyer quipped that he saw His Holiness, Pope Francis, looking out his window on the aircraft and winking at him much as to say this might be your day!
As things turned out, it was a delighted Greystones captain Barry Massey who received the blue pennant. Metropolitan Trophy Final, 2nd Leg at Portmarnock Golf Club Greystones 2, Portmarnock 7 (Greystones names first)
Harry Kirk lost to Morgan Dunne 1 down Shay Hoey lost to Shane Branagan 5&3; Alan Keane lost to Jim Cassidy 19th; Cathal Cooney lost to Charles O’Callaghan 2h; Eddie Davis lost to Paul O’Callaghan 5&4; Shay O’Keeffe beat Niall O’Dwyer 1h; John Egan beat Brian Thornes 2h; Tom Sheehy lost to Brian Dunnion 3&2; Ian Mulally lost to Thomas O’Connor 7&6. Aggregate Result: Greystones bt Portmarnock 10-8