Monkstown’s Shane Irwin captured his first professional win on Monday when he won the Morgan O’Donovan Perpetual Trophy at his home course.  The Limerick native shot a 65 to claim the final event in Munster PGA winter series.  Irwin had a great start, he had a birdie on the second, and the had four in a row from the fourth to the seventh.  Two more birdies followed on the back nine but he also had two bogies.  Holding the lead from the back nine was crucial as he had one shot to spare over the holder David Higgins.  Cian McNamara was third a further shot back.  It was a double win for Irwin, he partnered Monkstown President Ada O’Sullivan won the pro-am competition.  The pair scored 47 points to finish three points ahead of the field.  Needles to say, Shane was delighted with his win.  “It’s always nice to win, especially against such good players that were playing today’s event” said the Monkstown assistant.  “To win is always great no matter what your playing.  I didn’t except to have any great intentions as myself and Cian had so many things on our mind regarding the event.  I must say that today’s event was a great success for everyone the club, and it was a great day to remember Morgan O Donovan and what I’ve been told a humble and great man he was not only in Monkstown but everywhere he worked and played.”  The Monkstown pro-am marked the start of a busy summer season for PGA Professionals and Shane is looking forward to the season.  “I’ll be trying to qualify for the PGA Assistants Final tomorrow, and then after that I will enter any PGA events that I get into as well as the Irish Assistants also.  I’m just looking forward to playing a good bit of golf and enjoy the summer as well with lessons and working in the pro shop with Cian.”

The event marked the final competition in the Munster PGA winter series.  The Order of Merit was sponsored by Premium Golf Brands, and the title went to Cian McNamara thanks to his two wins and several high finishes in the six events.  It was a very positive year for Cian and he was keen to thank all of those involved with the winter series events.  “Yesterday’s prizes were sponsored by Titleist, Puma Cobra, Taylor Made, Ping, Jerry Greene, Paul McCabe and Mark Wyse.  We played on some great courses too and the course in Monkstown was in superb shape thanks to Martin Travers and his course staff.