Mitchelstown’s Maguire wins in Muskerry

By Niall O’Shea

Mitchelstown’s John Maguire added his name to the prestigious Ford Junior Scratch Trophy at Muskerry last weekend.  As most golfers were sitting down to their Easter Sunday dinner, John was facing his sixth round of golf.  He faced Muskerry’s John O’Mahony in the final of the unique matchplay competition, as the pair were the last men standing from the 64 matchplay starters on Good Friday.  Over 250 golfers took part in the qualifiers, meaning the finalists played a total of seven rounds in the competition.  Although playing against a home club member, Maguire raced into an early lead.  After some very tidy par golf he was five up after seven holes.

Muskerry’s O’Mahony battled back and recovered three holes on Maguire before the 13^th.  The next three holes were halved and the scene was set for an exciting finish.  The match was finally decided on 16^th when O’Mahony failed to get up and down and with Maguire close to the hole, O’Mahony conceded the putt and the match.  The final score was a 3/2 win to the Mitchelstown member who can now add skill, endurance and patience to his golfing CV.

Mahon’s Brian Hogan won the Douglas Minor Scratch Cup on Friday with 45 points.  Paul Hallissey (Raffeen Creek) was second with 42 points and Kevin Collins (Douglas) was third with 40 points.  This weekend there are three scratch cups to be won, Bandon hold their Junior and Senior scratch cups on Saturday.  Douglas have their Senior Scratch Cup taking place on Sunday, the 36 hole competition is sure to attract a strong field.