Rain didn't stop strokeplay

The Kildare County Board Strokeplay Championships took place on Sunday the 25th May at the St Bridget's club in Kilcullen, writes Darren Keogh, PRO of the Kildare Pitch & Putt County Board. First out (in a horrible misty rain) were the Gents and Ladies Seniors.

After 18 holes, Willie Fitzgerald of Ryston had the clubhouse lead on 9 under, Sean Harkins was lying second on 8, with Ian Dillon and Frank Ryan on 7 under. Willie didn't stop there and recorded a superb second round of 42 under to lead on 21 under — leaving everyone else playing for second!

The top eight gents were to qualify for a final 18 holes at 5 o clock. Qualifiers were as follows W. Fitzgerald 87, I Dillon 94, Sean Harkins 94, D. Keogh 95, F Ryan 98, C Dunne 99, J Ronan 100 & J Cullen 100.

In the Ladies section it was really a case of who would come out on top between Chrissie and Marian Byrne? Marian led by 2 after a first round 49. Chrissie however, came back with a second round 48 to clinch the title by 3 shots as Marian could only return a second 18 of 53.

The Gents Inter section provided another very high standard of play. Owen Farrell of St Bridget's had an opening 48 to lead the way by 1 from Christy Hannon. Owen followed up with a 49 to claim a 4 shot victory from John Redmond of Athgarvan who (on a score of 101) beat Christy Hannon on the back 18 for second.

The Ladies Inter section went to 3 hole playoff after Martina Loakman (St Bridget's) and Catherine Smith of Ryston had returned identical scores for their first 2 rounds. Martina prevailed in the playoff to claim the title. The ladies junior title was won by Teresa O'Keffee of Ryston.

There was a great entry in the Gents Junior section and it really was wide open after the first round. However, an incredible second round of 45 (9 under — including ten 2s and a 4) from Mickey Norton of Ryston secured the title with a score of 99. Mickey's victory was all the more remarkable as he had begun the day with a triple bogey 6 on the first, Declan Mulpeter of Ryston finished second, with Eddie Lacey of McDonagh in third.

The Gents Senior playoff commenced at 5 o clock in an absolute downpour — which never relented! Willie Fitzgerald was never really threatened and produced another great round of 47 to claim the title on a remarkable score of 134 (28 under). Well done to Willie on a truly outstanding display of pitch and putt!! Sean Harkins finished second on 19 under, with Darren Keogh 17, Ian Dillon 16, Frank Ryan 15, Joe Ronan 13, Cathal Dunne 12 and Johnny Cullen 9.

Considering how wet all concerned were, a very good crowd turned up in Bardons Pub, Kilcullen for the presentation of prizes. The County Board thanked all concerned, especially the St Bridgets club, whose course was in magnificent order and withstood the conditions extremely well. In particular, the County Board sincerely thanked Bardons Pub for their very generous sponsorship and encouraged all to avail of their facilities.

We look forward to seeing you all at our Matchplay Championships in a few weeks time.