Although the Douglas team is earning a name for itself as the young guns, there are one or two “not so young” ones on the squad.  Philip Quinn was the only member of the playing team in Dugarvan that was over 21, although he points out that he’s not on his own: “John O’Mahony and myself are the ‘older’ members of the team.  Unfortunately for John he injured his back on the Sunday morning in Cork while warming up, so he has missed out on a few rounds.  However, the team spirit we have is shown by the fact John then caddied for some of the younger lads to bring his experience to bear.  At least we now have John available for the All Irelands.  It’s unusual for two guys in their mid-thirties to be “old men” of the team but it’s a reflection of the strength of the youth golf in Douglas.  Over the past number of years, the club have put a huge amount of time into young members in the club.  Between my dad (Ray Quinn), Tony Keegan, and Stephen Hayes, a lot of time and effort has gone into the juveniles and that is now paying off.”

Gallery: Douglas Junior Cup Munster Final

Philip is very familiar with sport at the very top level.  Working for Munster Rugby he’s seen how Europe’s elite sports teams operate from the inside.  And with that viewpoint he can relate the Douglas approach to the Junior Cup team this year.  “Professional sport is at a different level” said Quinn, “but the preparation, both from a golf and mental perspective from Derek and his team of selectors has made this feel like a semi-professional team to be honest.  The commitment demanded from everyone on the panel has been significant but everyone has bought into it.  Every member of the panel is in constant contact with Stephen Hayes and Davey Barry with a view to ironing out any weaknesses in their game.  We receive individual feedback after all matches and then we work out a plan how to address any issues.  Yes it is a pressurised environment, but this is what we all strive for.  And having been around for over 20 years playing competitive golf, I am cherishing every moment.”

As well as being busy at work Philip is also a busy man at home.  With two small kids, a demanding job and a busy golfing schedule, time is at a premium for Quinn: “The major challenge for me this year has been trying to balance golf with home life and work.  We have two kids under the age of three, with the youngest only 8 months old.  When I told my wife in January that I wanted to be part of this panel, she agreed on the basis that it would be over by July anyway because we never go beyond the first weekend!  It is down to her fantastic support that I have been able to put in the necessary time to be able to compete with all these young guys!”