Munster won the senior inter-provincial title last week and two debutants were key to Munster’s success.  Robin Dawson from Waterford made the successful transition from the boys team to the senior team, while Cork’s John Hickey came in with three wins and a half in his five matches.

Hickey joined fellow Cork members Gary O’Flaherty and Ian O’Rourke as they team recaptured the trophy they last won in 2012.  Munster’s title decider against Ulster was ultimately decided by two Cork GC members.  Munster needed a draw to win the title and it was neck and neck through the morning foursomes and the early singles matches.  Gary O’Flaherty provided a huge boost to the team when he beat Chris Selfridge 2&1.  At the same time Hickey was two up on the 17^th tee.  He was guaranteed a half and that was enough to secure a win for Munster.  In the end Hickey went on to close out his match and win by two holes as Munster celebrated regaining the title.

Hickey is no stranger to senior golfers locally, the Cork GC member started the year with a flourish when he won the 36 hole Muskerry Senior Scratch Cup.  He took that title by one shot from Keith Crowley and Gary O’Flaherty.  He followed that with a top five finish in the Munster Strokeplay.  Although he missed out on automatic selection from the order of merit, he was selected by Munster Captain Phil Cooney as one of his four picks.  Hickey justified his selection with a great display of golf in foursomes and singles over the three days.

James Sugrue and Cathal Butler have been named on the Irish Boys team to play in the home internationals in Scotland next week.  While Sugrue was almost guaranteed his place after recovering from a back problem, Butler is set to make his first appearance in Irish colours.  The Kinsale member made an in several boys competitions over the past few months and was impressive during the boys interpro’s.  Butler was joined by Gary Ward as Kinsale has two members in the Munster team for the first time.  Sugrue and Butler along with Team Manager Jim Long travel to Western Gailes from 5^th -7^th August as Ireland try and retain the trophy they won last year.

Castlemartyr will be a busy place this weekend as they hold their annual scratch cup weekend.  In the past the event has attracted over 400 golfers and the last few places are still available for all three days.  Castlemartyr Captain John Paul Twomry is looking forward to the weekend: “It’s a great event on the Castlemartyr club calendar which is always looked forward to.  We have great prizes on offer in each category thanks to McCarthy Insurance Group and the winner has the added bonus of inheriting a great cup to display for the following 12 months.  The course at present is playing very well with the ball running extremely well on fairways.  We are delighted with the playing conditions at present and expect visitors will be happy with the course.  Again this year club members will assist over the weekend on the course to speed up play and assist participants”.  The timesheet is available from the club.