Historic win for Mulranny golfers
GOLFING history was made when Mulranny’s Jack O’Sullivan team captured their first Connaught pennant this weekend.
Leading 5-0 from the first leg, Mulranny needed only one away win to secure the title in Ballinasloe on Saturday. However, the Ballinasloe outfit were up for a fight and when they won the first three matches and were dormie in the remaining two, the storm clouds were gathering for Mulranny and it looked like a sudden death shoot-out going down the 19th would settle it.
However, up to the plate stepped Michael Joyce and Alan McAdam. Dormie two in the second last match on the course, they pared the short 17th to cut the deficit to one heading down the par 5 18th. Michael was bunkered greenside in two but he got a glorious up and down birdie to square the match.
Down the 19th they went and it took a majestic second shot by Alan McAdam to give Mulranny the advantage. Despite narrowly missing his birdie putt, Alan’s conceded par was sufficient to give Mulranny the trophy as the Ballinasloe pairing both missed their par putts.
The team were swarmed by the large travelling support and great scenes of jubilation followed.
A very enjoyable presentation and celebrations followed with congratulatory speeches by chairman of Connacht GUI, Michael Heaney, Mulranny captain Colin Cooney, captain of Ballinasloe GC, Johnny Farrell, and Mulranny’s team captain, Richard Keane.
Richard thanked his extended panel of players for their commitment and determination throughout the season and thanked all who supported the team. He said it was a fantastic occasion and achievement for a small club and would enhance the image of Mulranny Golf Club.
Other members of the Mulranny team were Eugene McCormack and Eamon Mongan, J.J. Kelly and Fergus Rothwell, Richard Keane and Shane McDermott, and Martin Moylan and Christy McDonnell.
* Pictured is the Mulranny Golf Club team, winners of the Jack O' Sullivan Trophy 2018. At back, from left: Colin Cooney, club captain, Padraic Rice, Martin Moylan, Shane McDermott, Alan McAdam, Michael Joyce, J.J. Kelly, Eugene McCormack, Tony McDonnell, Eugene Patten Jnr. and Bernie Masterson (vice-captain). At front: Christy McDonnell, Fergus Rothwell, Michael Heaney, GUI, Richard Keane (team captain) and Eamon Mongan.