Mulranny golfers retain title in cliffhanger
MULRANNY Golf Club's Jack O’Sullivan team are Connaught champions for the second successive year after a titanic battle with Ballinasloe on Saturday.
Leading 4-1 from their home leg, they were forced into a ties breaker by a gallant Ballinasloe side who were also their opponents 12 months ago.
Paddy Chambers/Shane McDermott were first into action, followed by Michael Joyce/Alan McAdam. Next up were Christy McDonnell/Brian Ainsworth with Fergus Rothwell/J.J. Kelly out fourth.
Mulranny were trailing in all four matches and despite the best efforts of all Mulranny pairings, Ballinasloe found themselves in a 5-4 lead with only the last match to come in.
Eugene McCormack/Eamon Mongan are tough competitors, and so it proved. Leading from the start, they held their nerve to close out the match on the 16th for a great victory, which forced the match into a tie breaker.
Team captain Richard Keane made the difficult decision to send out last year’s heroes, Alan McAdam and Michael Joyce, in the play-off. Last year it was Alan who proved the lifesaver. This year it was Michael’s turn to steal the limelight and he did it in some style, driving the first hole an unbelievable 354 yards. Michael proceeded to leave his eagle putt three foot short but with nerves of steel, he slotted the winning birdie putt to the huge relief of his team mates and followers.
This feat will live long in the memories of all who were privileged to witness it.
A delighted team captain Richard Keane praised the durability and commitment of his team over a long campaign and said it was a great success for a small club to win back to back titles. No doubt Richard will be at the helm in the bid for three in a row.
* Pictured are the Mulranny Golf Club team and subs who won the Jack O'Sullivan Trophy. At back, from left: Denis Gallagher, Eugene McCormack, J.J. Kelly, Martin Moylan, Padraic Rice, Brian Ainsworth, Michael Joyce, Paddy Chambers, Shane McDermott, Allan McAdam and Tony McDonnell. At front: Christy McDonnell, Bernie Masterson, club captain, Jimmy Duggan, GUI, Richard Keane, team captain, Fergus Rothwell and Eamon Mongan.