Davey Barry continued his solid run of form with a top ten finish at the Irish PGA Championship in Bunclody.  After a very impressive 68 yesterday, the Douglas Pro finished with a one over par 73, which saw him claim 7th place.  It’s his fourth top ten of the season after positive results in Dromoland, Malahide and of course his win in the Conor O’Dwyer Pro-Am in Kilkea Castle.  There were two birdies on Davey’s card today, bringing his total for the week to 10.  At the start of the season he committed to give €10 to charity for every birdie he had in competition.  He already has close to 40 birdies in the bag for the season and with a few more events left on the calendar.  He’s headed for Derry this evening for the City of Derry Pro Am which takes place on Saturday and Sunday.  Padraig Dooley closed with a 73 to finish in 22nd place, Cian McNamara was 34th and Jack Howard finished 41st.

Carlow GC Professional Damien McGrane cruised round in level par to edge out Michael McGeady (Evolve Golf Coaching) who posted a best of the week round of 64.  McGrane, the 2016 Irish PGA Champion, started the day with a four-shot advantage and showed all his experience, crafting a round that featured one birdie, one bogey and 16 pars to finish the tournament on seven under par.  “I’ve realised that some of my colleagues might never win this trophy so when you do win, you need to be mindful and respectful of that fact,” said the 48-year-old.  “I’m glad to win it for a second time. It’s a stepping stone. I’m nearly 50 – a year and a half – and I’m hoping I will be in good shape to be able to compete on the Seniors Tour.”  This success was built on a brilliant second round 67 (-5) from Damien that included a closing run of five birdies in a row.  He added; I know which holes you need to respect around here. I know 15, 16 and 18 are pivotal. I gave those huge respect this week and in general, they were very good to me.  “I felt that at any moment I could reel off three or four birdies just like I did yesterday.  I just had to hole one or two putts and it would all happen very fast but today I didn’t hole anything. It is very pleasing to play decent and obviously win the trophy and it was nice to do it with so many of my club members around.”  Second-placed McGeady was left to rue a poor opening round 77 (+5) that left him playing catch-up.  “Day one cost me here. I just got into a run of bogeys on the back nine,” said Michael who is chasing a hat-trick of wins at the City of Derry Pro-Am this weekend.  “If you are going to win Championships you can’t be doing that. In fairness, it’s been good apart from that and it’s nice to find a bit of form going into my home event.”  Richard Kilpatrick (Banbridge GC) closed with a 66 to claim third place on five under par while Nicky Grant (Knock) secured fourth on three-under.

109th Irish PGA Championship Sponsored by TLC Nursing Homes
Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club
1 D McGrane  (Carlow GC) 70 67 72 -7
2 M McGeady  (Evolve Golf Coaching) 77 69 64 -6
3 R Kilpatrick  (Banbridge GC) 72 73 66 -5
4 N Grant  (Knock GC) 71 72 70 -3
T5 J Bolger  (Kilkenny GC) 69 73 72 -2
T5 T Rice  (Limerick GC) 69 72 73 -2
T7 B McElhinney  (Evolve Golf Coaching) 70 73 72 -1
T7 D Barry  (Douglas GC) 74 68 73 -1
T9 S Thornton  (Tulfarris Golf Resort) 71 72 73 Lvl
T9 S Quinlan  (SQ Golf) 68 74 74 Lvl