Tom Cleary (Cork Golf Club) retained his Munster Seniors Amateur Open title.  On a day when the wind played a significant part in the story, Cleary shot the low round of the day to overhaul a two shot deficit from overnight leader, Tramore’s John Mitchell.

Cleary’s three over par 75 was the low round of the day, which was affected by 30 mph gusts sweeping through the links course.   Four bogies and a double on the opening nine threatened the holder’s chances but these were offset by two birdies for an outward total of 39.  Cleary bogeyed the difficult 10th and 11th, both playing into the stiff wind.  Birdies at 13, 14 and the par five 18th brought him back in a one under par 36 and a total of 75 strokes for the day.  His winning total of 149 (+5) gave him a two stroke margin of victory.

Overnight leader John Mitchell (Tramore) had a tough start, dropping six shots in his first ten holes.  He dropped another three shots but two birdies on the back nine helped to rescue his card and his total of 79 meant that he took second place overall.  Grange’s Pierce Morgan was the most consistent golfer of the Championship carding successive 76’s.  He took third place ahead of Gareth McGimpsey.  Bangor’s McGimpsey shot a second round 79, not helped by three bogies on his opening three holes, he took fourth place one shot ahead of Billy Donlon (Birr) who was fifth.

This is Cleary’s third time winning the championship, he first won it in 2009, and again last year when he needed a playoff in Thurles to seal the win.

Munster Branch Chairman John Moloughney thanked the directors of Waterville Links for making the prestigious course available for the tournament and the sponsors Clarion Hotel Limerick for their ongoing support for golf in the province.  He also paid tribute to the staff and Club Officers of Waterville for the warm welcome they extended to the competitors and for their help during the two days of the Championship.