Mayo clubs shine at underage All-Ireland inter-club finals in Ballina
There was agony and ecstasy for Mayo clubs as the underage All-Ireland inter-club finals concluded in Ballina yesterday (Wednesday).
Westport won the girls’ inter-club title but Castlebar were defeated by Royal Belfast in the final of the boys’ foursomes.
Carton House and Carrickfergus were also victorious, winning national pennants.
Westport defeated Doneraile 2-1 in an entertaining final. Coming down to the top match on the 18th green, Mary-Kate Lonergan defeated Niamh O’Sullivan to win the All-Ireland title in their home county.
It is the second All-Ireland title for the four-person team this year after they won the Irish girls' junior schools national finals with Sacred Heart School, Westport, earlier this year.
“It’s surreal, to be honest!” Lonergan said after the win. “It’s a great achievement for the club and the four of us. It’s a nerve-wracking experience. It’s great to play with friends from school. We push each other on.”
Hopes for a Mayo double were dashed, however, as Royal Belfast defeated Castlebar to win the boys’ foursomes by two holes.
Team captain Max Carson said it was a fitting way to end his time in junior golf. “It was a very tough two days, but it was worth it. The course was amazing. The team was brilliant. My partner Ben carried me on a lot. I’ve known these guys since I was seven. It was a brilliant way to end my junior golf career.”
Carton House won the main boys’ competition, winning the Fred Daly Trophy for the first time since 2014. A dominant 4-1 win over Massereene ensured the title, with Nicholas McCormack getting the winning point.
Meanwhile, the boys' inter-club competition was played over 18 holes, and was the only competition played over stroke play. Carrickfergus won the title on 112 points. The team of Luke Weatherhead (13), Reuben McIlwrath (13), Harry Kidd (12), Charlie Arthur (13) and Jack Scott (15) finished four points clear of Tralee, with The Island finishing in third place on 104 points.
The event was the first time Ballina has hosted a national competition, and club chairman Gerry Mulligan said it was a massive honour for the club.
“On behalf of the committee of Ballina Golf Club, I would like to congratulate all the underage inter-club finalists and especially the four winning clubs – Carton House, Westport, Royal Belfast and Carrickfergus.
“Over the last three days we have been delighted to watch more than 160 young people from all corners of the island take to the course to represent their clubs. We hope the teams and their families had an enjoyable week and will return to Ballina in the future.
“Hosting a national event of this scale, particularly for a volunteer-managed club like ours, is a huge undertaking. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of the volunteers who gave up their time in the lead up to this event and throughout the week.”