Town team fall at final hurdle in Senior Cup

Despite their defeat Lurgan emerged with great credit and their fine display over the two days was well recognised.

In the Friday semi-final they recorded an excellent win over Leinster opponents Kilkenny. In their inaugural appearance at this level of competition they fashioned out a very creditable 4-1 victory.

In the opening match Francie Tallon was out of the blocks fast and led all the way in his game against Kilkenny’s Graham Nugent. Francie won by 3/2 and set the victory wheels in motion.

Steve Kelly was second out and he defeated Craig Martin by 2/1. In the third match Dave Sutton pitted his skill against former Irish international player Eddie Power. In an excellent encounter Dave won by a great score of 4/3.

With three results in Lurgan’s favour Kilkenny’s interest in the event ended. In the final two matches Lurgan’s Gary Clarke and James Horan were up over Richard Walsh and Paul O’Hara when they were called in as halves.

As a result Lurgan made it into the final at their first attempt. In the other semi-final after a shaky start against the favourites County Sligo the Bandon club from Cork finally eked out a great victory to reach the final.

On the Saturday final both teams had to face dreadful conditions as each club sought out their first ever win at this level of competition.

In the opening singles Francie Tallon was pitted against Bandon’s Brian O’Donovan. After a gritty display Francie lost out by 4/3.

In the third match on the course Lurgan’s Steve Kelly took on Kieran Hurley but had to concede victory on a score of 5/4.

With matches two and four very close affairs around the course the game ultimately was decided on the fifth and final game. Again it was nip and tuck between young James Horan and Donal O’Donovan. It came to an end at the par three sixteenth where the Bandon golfer hit his tee shot some 25 feet from the pin whilst James found the bunker. At this juncture James was dormie three down. The Bandon player made his regulation three and Bandon were crowned All Ireland champions.

In the other tight games between D. McCarthy and Dave Sutton and Dwayne Twomey and Gary Clarke they were declared halved matches. As a consequence Bandon took the final by 4-1.

It was a long, hard campaign for Lurgan and they proved worthy ambassadors for Ulster golf. It was so near and yet so far. They have represented the club exceedingly well in their inaugural appearance at this All Ireland level.

All the team, panel and team captain can be extremely proud of their magnificent achievements.

The experience gained will stand them in good stead in the future. They have put Lurgan on the golfing map and the silver medals earned are some reward for their gallant efforts.

Well done to all the supporters who made the long trip down to Connaught as they certainly made their presence felt.

It was also hard luck for neighbours Tandragee as they lost out in the Jimmy Bruen final. Ulster’s only winners on this golfing week were Dunmurry in the Barton Shield.