By Brian Keogh
Cahir Park Golf Club were crowned All-Ireland Mary McKenna Diamond Trophy champions after a dramatic 3-2 victory over Loughrea in the final at Woodenbridge Golf Club.
The Munster club, appearing in their third final, clinched the trophy on the fifth match with the last putt on the 18th green, bringing a tense conclusion to the tenth staging of the over-60 ladies’ Scotch Foursomes Matchplay event.
The all-Ireland competition, which promotes competitive dynamics between the four provinces and gives clubs from different regions the chance to meet, attracted 99 clubs this year.
The finalists were Loughrea (Connacht), Kilmashogue (Leinster), Cahir Park (Munster) and Bangor (Ulster).
The semi-final draw was made at Friday evening’s opening ceremony and in warm weather on Saturday, Cahir Park beat Bangor 3-2, while Loughrea defeated Kilmashogue 3-2, winning on the 18th in the fifth match.
Sunday was a balmy day at the south Wicklow venue. Bangor took third place in the play-off, with Kilmashogue fourth, before Cahir Park and Loughrea served up a final worthy of the occasion.
The high standard of golf over the two days drew praise and Mary McKenna MBE, who attended throughout the weekend, was on hand to present the trophy.
Players said they were thrilled and honoured to be in her company.
The event concluded with a gala dinner hosted by Woodenbridge for all four teams, attended by McKenna and sponsors Catherine and Don Arnold of Nurse On Call, Woodenbridge Hotel & Lodge and Cassidy Wines.
Thanks were also expressed to Lee and his crew from HC Culinary Solutions.
Woodenbridge Lady Captain Liz Elkinson said: “The members of Woodenbridge Golf Club are very proud to host this prestigious event in the golfing calendar along with the JB Carr Diamond Trophy for men over 60.
“Woodenbridge is a gem of a golf course in south Wicklow since 1884, and has a rich heritage and beauty which our members and many visitors love and enjoy.”
