GOLFER BARRY ANDERSON FOLLOWS IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GREATS
ROSSES POINT MAN WINS THE WEST OF IRELAND CHAMPIONSHIP
“THIS time last week I was an accountant, now I count myself lucky to have my name on the West of Ireland trophy, it’s a dream come true,” Barry Anderson told the Sligo Champion. For years, 67 to be precise, locals were trying to clinch the coveted golf championship and it took the steely determination of the Ballincar native, 26, to finally bring her home. “As a kid I was going down to watch all the players who have won, Harrington, Lowry, McIlroy, then you see the likes of McIlroy going on to win Majors, it makes the West so so special.
“It’s a springboard for them to go on and do so well. I’m lucky to have my name on the same trophy as these guys who have become household names,” Barry said. He admitted he was not even contemplating making it to the final so he didn’t even have the day booked off work. “I work with UDG Healthcare in Citywest and I had no idea I would be in the final so I was rushing on Monday evening to get cover!,” he laughed. Barry said he had no expectations going into the West championship and this proved a huge factor as he wasn’t feeling any pressure. “I hadn’t been playing that much golf in comparison to some of the lads who play full- time. I didn’t think I had the best chance and my expectations were low so I didn’t feel much pressure and was able to play more freely.” This was his tenth West and Barry admits it’s wonderful to finally break the hoodoo becoming the first local winner in 67 years. “There were some top class players out there, it was great to see locals Gary McDermott and David Brady also in the quarter- finals and I was lucky I was able to get my name on the trophy.” Barry played solid throughout, defeating Close champion Alex Gleeson and in the final, he never gave opponent Jack Pierce an inch. “It’s just about sinking in. Everyone is delighted, the well wishes have been flowing and I am a bit shell shocked. Mum and dad were there along with my sister, Amy. My uncle, Aidan, is one of the stalwarts of Co Sligo Golf Club, he was nearly more happy than me!,” Barry said. It was straight back to Dublin Tuesday evening where the young accountant, and now West of Ireland champion 2017, was welcomed back to work with a cake and rapturous applause from his colleagues.