Cork’s Tom Cleary heralded the start to his season when he took second place at the Connacht Seniors today.  The former Munster and Irish Seniors winner shot a par par 73 today in Claremorris to jump up the leaderboard and take the runner-up spot.  Cleary had three birdies on the back nine to get back to level par for the day.  He finished one shot behind winner Nigel Duke (Killiney) who retained the title he won last year.  Cleary was the only golfer to match par over the two days as the golfers struggled in testing weather conditions.

Pat Lyons (Cork) and Donie O’Donovan (Bandon) both finished in a tie for 11th place.  Both golfers put in a challenge on the front nine today but they faded on the back nine as they dropped a number of shots.  Michael Quirke (Doneraile) was in contention after his 76 on the opening day but a disappointing 84 today saw him finish just inside the top 20.  George Mellerick (Fota Island) was also in contention after round one but a non return today ruled him out.  Dan Murphy (Youghal) and Jerry Crean (Kinsale) were also competing but finished down the field.