Galway Bay celebrate winning their first AIG Men’s Jimmy Bruen Shield at Thurles Golf Club. Photo: Inpho | Dan Clohessy
Galway Bay ended the heartache of two previous All-Ireland defeats by claiming their first AIG Jimmy Bruen Shield victory at Thurles.
As Fortwilliam secured a first Women’s All-Ireland title in their 135-year history in a thrilling AIG Minor Foursomes final, Galway Bay beat Tipperary 3-1 in the Jimmy Bruen decider.
Ian Folan’s Connacht champions had reached the All-Ireland semi-finals in 2024 and 2025 and made no mistake at the third time of asking.
Against Tipperary, who were also chasing a maiden Jimmy Bruen title, the early matches were tight.
Sean O’Gallchoir and 15-year-old Callan Dolan won the bottom match 7&6 before Trevor Horan and Garreth Glynn’s 5&4 win in match four left Galway Bay half a point from victory.
Paul Glynn and 13-year-old Conor Mannion then sealed it on the 17th in the top match.
“I’m so proud and relieved,” said Folan. “We were beaten in the last two All-Ireland semi-finals, and those lads have battled and battled.
“They really deserve it.”
In the Women’s Minor Foursomes, Fortwilliam edged out Westmanstown 2.5-1.5.
Eilish Rutherford and Liz Lamont won 4&3, Mary Higgins and Mary Walshe replied 3&2, and Jo McKenna and Mandy Mills put Fortwilliam ahead 3&2.
Match two came down to the 18th, where Joan Campbell’s six-foot putt earned the half point after Westmanstown had led 1 up through 16 holes.
Campbell’s putt ended Fortwilliam’s long wait for a Women’s All-Ireland pennant.
“The girls were wonderful,” said captain Alan Rutherford. “Both days it went down to the 18th hole, but we are absolutely delighted.
“It’s massive for our club and ladies’ section. The Ulster side had never won it before.”
