Victory for Mullingar’s ‘Chicks with Sticks’
MULLINGAR won the delayed AIG Intermediate Cup and the first green pennant for the ladies in the club’s 125th anniversary year with a 3-2 win over Loughrea.
It all came down to Emma Duffy Kenna, who was four up with four to play but taken to the 18th by Noreen Treacy where she lagged a 45 footer dead to secure victory with an excellent par three.
“It’s wonderful for Mullingar Golf Club,” Emma said. “We are all so proud. They have been working towards this for years and years.
“The club is 125 years old, and we have never won a national pennant, so I am so happy for the club. It’s a wonderful club.”
Mullingar pulled out the stops, calling in ILGU coach Donal Scott at the start of their campaign to give them tuition.
Former ILGU Chair Brege McCarrick, who played on the winning team, said: “We had sat morning practice – Chicks with Sticks – and we counted our putts every week, and that was huge. You need to play good matches, but you also need some luck.”
Mullingar’s Lady Captain, Fiona Burke, was proud of the team and the captain, Aideen Kellaghan, and thankful to the likes of Westmeath camogie star Pamela Greville, who works in the club office, and her brother Johnny for their advice.
“They were a huge inspiration,” she said. “Our professional, James Quinlivan, has been unreal and gave us a brilliant inspirational talk.
“Every one of the girls has put in a brilliant effort. We are on cloud nine. Emma hit some shot and some putt. What bottle!”