Mark Shanahan pictured after winning the Castlemartyr Senior Scratch Cup last September.

Mark Shanahan had two impressive wins in Tramore today as he negotiated his way through the first day of Matchplay at the Irish Close Championship.  Shanahan recorded strokeplay rounds of 72 &75 to finish in the top 30.  This morning he drew Gavin Young from Birr GC and beat him 3&2 on the 16th.  The 16th was again the final hole for Shanahan in the afternoon as he recorded a 4&2 over Conor O’Rourke (Naas).  The Castlemartyr golfer will now face Daniel Holland in the last 16 of the competition.  Holland had to go to the 20th this morning to see off Pat Murray and this afternoon he beat Kevin Power.

Golffile Gallery :: Irish Close Matchplay Day 1

None of the other three Cork golfers could make it through to the second day of matchplay.  Ian Spillane, Ronan Twomey and Sean Barry all exited this morning in the first round.