McDonnell wins second Kerry Boys title

Cian McDonnell (Monkstown) with the Kerry Boys Trophy.

Monkstown’s Cian McDonnell put together six impressive rounds last week to win the Kerry Boys Championship for the second time. The 2024 winner went to Ballybunion last week hoping to do well, and he started very smartly shooting rounds of 70 and 71 to lead the field of over 135 golfers. He was the only golfer to finish under par after two rounds on the Cashen.

From there he put on an impressive matchplay performance, winning the first and second round matches after building a lead. He had to come from behind to beat Kinsale’s Adam Barr on the 18^th, and in the final he closed out the match on the 16^th when his scorecard read -4.

The Monkstown member also did something unique, he was the first person to win the event in non consecutive years. In its history, only five golfers have managed to win it more than once. Needless to say, he was delighted with the win.

“It feels brilliant to win the Kerry Boys” said McDonnell. “It’s a competition I really wanted to do well in, so to come through and win it again is a great feeling. I felt confident going into the week that my game was in good shape, and I knew if I could play my own game and stay patient, I’d have a very good chance.”

“I played well in the qualifiers and got off to a good start in the matchplay, but the semi-final against Adam, who I played Interpros with the week before, was a real battle. I found myself behind and had to stay patient and keep believing I could turn it around. It was tough to come from behind, but I managed to dig in when I needed to and get myself into the final, which was a great feeling.”

The Monkstown member has a few more important events this season, including an All Ireland final in Moate this week. “I’ll be playing for Monkstown in the Junior Foursomes Irish finals this week and that will be the focus. After that, it will be the Munster Under 18’s and some local scratch cups to finish off the season.”