Ballinascorney Golf Club

Ballinsacorney Trophy - Ladies

So what of the Ladies? Well they were likely watching Rory on Sky Sports on Friday because the key action in their Trophy challenge happened on Saturday. Doreen Dempsey and Val Carrigan had set the pace on Friday with 38 and 37 respectively. Walking off the 15th following yet another par Doreen was dreaming of 40+ points and another major title. Val could have had similar dreams but the 16th proved to be her Waterloo.

The challenge on Saturday morning was “hit the 40’s Ladies”. A casual observer around the car park would have spotted the signs of real preparation. Monica Flood was working hard on her soft wedge shots, Annabelle Simons was in the net driving like Leona Maguire but ominously Maureen Coughlan was stroking putts around the practice green with the putter going like a metronome fired on jet fuel.

Annabelle struck first with two three pointers on 1 and 2 and a total of 12 points coming off the 4th green. A wondrous drive down 6 was just right of the bunker but a majestic wedge and two putts brought a par and four points. The 7th proved difficult but nevertheless Annabelle found herself out in 21 points. Monica was thriving and coming on to the 8th tee at least 20 points were within her grasp. But the 8th can be unforgiving and Monica had to settle for an outward 9 of 18 points. Remember I said Maureen’s practice putting was ominous? Well, she had only one glitch on the way out on 5 and reached the turn with 19 points. The putter was on fire with nothing missed and points were being covertly gathered.

So, at the turn Annabelle was edging it from Maureen with Monica in third and still battling. Monica though turned with purpose. A brilliant six iron to 10 found the front fringe of the green. A sparkling putt across the green ascended to the second tier from the left and settled agonsingly on the lip, a tap in par it was and the race was well and truly on. Eight points were amassed through 12. Another three pointer on 15 and a blemish free run for home produced a homeward nine of 21 for a 39 point total. The target was snatched from Doreen. But Annabelle wasn’t finished either. She had settled into Nick Faldo mode and was keeping the errors off the card. A marvellous drive on 15 set up another three pointer. Annabelle glided onto the 18th with just one error on the way home and an opportunity to get to 40 points. A perfect draw down the right found the centre of the fairway. A lay up just short of the bunker lay the foundation for a brilliant three points and the outright lead. But then of course there was Maureen’s putter! Remember the car park observations? Well, that metronome was eating jet fuel. With her irons working overtime Maureen time and again found herself perfectly placed on green after green. Three pointers emerged on 12, 14, 16 and brilliantly on 17 and Maureen found herself a point clear on the last tee. Major winning nerves set in however and the trek down the last fairway was as tension filled as the English World Cup team with a 1-0 lead! Thankfully though, Maureen found herself on the green with two putts for the overnight lead, albeit on countback. The metronome duly delivered and Maureen hit 40 points, ahead due to her back nine of 21 points.

On to Sunday then. The new target was set. Who would make a run? Well, the sun was splitting the stones, yet again. AND it wasn’t raining, so Joan Keegan had a real cut as the morning evolved. A blistering start saw three points on the first hole. Further three pointers on 5, 6, 8 and 9 followed for 20 points with Joan ruing the 7th which may have cost her the title. A smashing drive down 15 left her with a long birdie putt which just lipped out. But a tap in par earned her four points and possibly a strike for glory. A hooked approach on 16 cost her a point and in the end she came home in 19 points and an overall 39.

The title was Maureen’s! A super win Maureen, well done. Runner up spot for Annabelle and Monica finished in third on countback. The gross prize went to Mary Fetherston. Well done all.

The Class prizes were won by Doreen Dempsey, Joan Keegan and Teresa Flynn (thankfully still ignoring David’s golfing advice!).

The prizes for the nines went to Rose English and Ita Ryan.

Congratulations and well done to all that participated!

Ballinascorney Trophy - Men

On Friday afternoon last in Scotland Rory McIlroy was taming the Renaissance Club and heading to -9 and a tie for the lead. However, across the Irish Sea Gerry McLawlor was completing a renaissance of his own as he tamed the Ballinascorney fairways and greens with a display that could have been written in the real Hollywood. I’m not sure Kevin Costner would have played Gerry though………too tall!

One of the first out in the first major since the Captains Prize Gerry powered to a brilliant 22 points for the outward nine. Pars on 4 and 7 and three pointers on 8 and 9 saw Gerry establish an early commanding position at the top of the leaderboard. His iron play was exceptional, clearly honed through sessions of warm weather training in Spain while his putting would not have been out of place in Scotland over the weekend. Nine points were gathered through 10, 11 and 12 and McLawlor was really staking his claim. Home in another 22 points and the lead was set at 44 for the eighteen.

He didn’t quite have it all his own way though as Brian McKelleher was also staking an early claim. A brilliant par on 2 following a fairway splitting drive and a 6 iron to the left of the green. Two putts and a simple tap in for four. But out in 19 Brian had a little ground to make up. But pars were earned on 10 and 12 and Brian also picked up nine points through 10 to 12. The 13th proved difficult but a thundering drive down 16 was followed by a pitching wedge to the back of the green. His putt for birdie lipped out but a par brought four points and the charge was on again. Two three pointers on 17 and 18, the 17th notable for a raking 15 foot putt down the green which Scotland would have been proud of. Alas it was not quite enough to manage the 25 points needed to eclipse McLawlor but he slotted into second position overnight just one point behind.

Saturday morning dawned with yet another scorching day in prospect. So where would the challenge come from? Who would make the drive to overhaul the Mc’s? Well, no one actually. Hugh Stafford gave it a decent crack although he still had a big gap to make up after an outward nine of 17. Pars on 3 and 5 were spoiled by a difficult dog leg. But the real Hugh emerged after the turn. A brilliant nine iron to 10 left the opportunity for birdie but it was a difficult putt and in the end although it was tap in par. Another par followed on 12. As he stood on the tee for the dog leg his mind raced back to the issues on the fourth hole. But this time a smashing drive left him with a pitching wedge to the green. With the green duly found his eagle putt was just a little shy but he walked off with a birdie and four points. Another par followed on 14 but more were needed and the putts just wouldn’t drop on the way in. Nevertheless, 22 points home for a total of 39 proved to be the best score of the day. So now it was over to the Sunday heathens!

Another scorching day dawned on Sunday! By this time Rory McIlroy had foundered in the Renaissance Club, but Ballinascorney’s Gerry McLawlor was still hanging in there. If Gerry was anxious over his breakfast he needn’t have been. The golf channel was not reporting any serious charges through the morning, with the notable exception of Captain Alan. Early pars on 1 and 4 promised a glory day and the Captain could be forgiven for thinking that a major was within his grasp as he walked off the fifth green. A big drive left a wedge to the green, a bit over cooked to the back of the dance floor. Whoever made ‘Arry Potters wands obviously created Alan’s putter. A super putt down the green found the centre of the hole and Alan had a four point birdie. Out in 22 points Gerry McLawlor was now in clear sight, but had to do it all over again on the way home. Pars on 10, 11 and 12 brought the leader into clear sight, the Captain was now just one point behind. Unfortunately, the Captains wagon lost all of it’s wheels on 15 and 16 and Gerry’s afternoon was looking exceedingly better, like Mr Kiplings cakes.

So Gerry’s renaissance was complete as he added yet another major to his roll of honours. To prove that Friday was the day to play Brian Kelleher took second place with Captain Alan just two points adrift in third.

Our four Class winners were Hugh Stafford, Thomas Duffy, Tommy Hamill and Paul Gallagher. Sean Moynihan and Robbie Kelly took the best front and back nine respectively with 22 and 21 points.

Welcome back to the winners enclosure Gerry, not often anyone can say that they had a better golfing weekend that Rory from Holywood!

Congratulations to all who participated!

Captains Prize - Ladies

Well the results are out but the story of the Captains Prize to the Ladies has yet to be told!

We left the story with Rosaleen Treacy out in front on nett 68 with five shots in hand on Teresa Flynn and six ahead of Bernie Roche.

If you think the Men are experts at bursting from the pack well the Ladies are past masters ( couldn’t decide if past mistresses was PC or not so I didn’t use it) at upsetting the odds from distance. So we all knew Rosaleen would have to be on her game if she was to prevail.

On the few days in the year that Doreen Dempsey is in the country she certainly makes the best of them. Starting Day 2 on nett 79 our 2025 Captain immediately had Rosaleen in her sights! With her putter operating like Frankie Warners Odyssey on speed the diminutive Doreen was out in 36 and showing real intent. Long putts on 12, 13,15 and 16 maintained the momentum and Doreen came home in nett 71 and a two day total of 150. Coming off the 18th she was happy, but she was sure it wouldn’t be enough, she was right! But Rosaleen was on notice.

After Day 1 the writer (me) challenged Marian Molloy to make a run from 77, and her response was “you cheeky rip I’ll show you”. A brilliant drive on 2 split the fairway. The second was laid up leaving a tricky pitch to the green. A little too much on a slick green left a long putt for par, which just slid past. Nevertheless, a really good start and the hunt was on! With Marian out in 37 Rosaleen’s elevenses were not going so well. Unfortunately for Marian a difficult 11th hole proved to be a setback and she had to settle for a nett 37 on the way home for 74 and a 151 finish. Not quite enough but the challenge was accepted in true Marian style.

Marie Byrne sat just one shot ahead of Marian at the start of the day, on 76. She had a steady outward nine reaching the turn in nett 38. Not really making inroads but the back nine would be explosive. Word on the course was that Rosaleen might be feeling the nerves and that was Marie’s cue to strike. A brilliant drive on ten to the fringe of the green, a gentle chip and two putts and the chase was on. Shots were saved to handicap on 10, 11, 15 and 17. Every aspect of her game clicked into place on the way home to an inward 34 and a two day total of 148. Rosaleen now knew her target score!

As Wyndham Clark will tell you, it takes a special talent to win wire to wire and real character to protect a big lead. Rosaleen has both talent and character in abundance as many inter club opponents have found. The first few holes were tense though and it took until the 6th for a “settle me down” par to emerge. Out in 39 Marie was becoming a feature in her rear view mirror.

Rosaleen battled hard for every shot on the way home. As she teed off on 18 it was clear that bogey was needed to clinch the title. Her approach came up a little short but a dainty chip over the bunker trundled about twelve feet past. Two uphill putts needed and when you have two to win………you take them! Exactly as Rosaleen intended, the first was rolled up to the lip of the hole and the Captains Prize was won with the simplest of tap ins. A superb win Rosaleen and fully deserved over the two days in true Wyndham style. Congratulations!!

Well done to the Class winners Marian Molloy, Miriam Duffy and Linda Sweeney, great performances Ladies!

The first and second day 18 hole prizes went to Teresa Flynn and President Catherine Plunkett. Well done both!

Prizes for the respective nines fell to Bernie Roche, Ashling O’Neill, Mary Fitzgerald and Catriona Plunkett.

Finally, the nearest the line prize went to Rosaleen McGarry-Lynch, neatly bookending the Prize winners list.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Thank you again Captain Alan for hosting a superb week of fun and some special golf. With some brilliant inter club performances thrown in for good measure. It truly was a special time for all the members and we hope you enjoyed it too!!

Captains Prize - Men

The Captains Prize never fails to provide exceptional golf and more drama than you’d find in Fair City on Christmas Day. Captain Alan’s prize was no different, as you’d expect.

We left the story with Frankie Warner and Declan O’Leary out in front on nett 68 and just ahead of Silky Shane Mallen. As the week evolved we began to wonder who the sun would affect the most? Who would cope with the cool down on Sunday. Would Declan get his grass cut? Would Silky Shane bring a ribbon for the trophy? Or, was Frankie’s odyssey more Ulysses (all done in a day) or Wyndham Clark?

Of course, we knew the dark horses, cavalli nascosti, would emerge. This year from the early starters it was Eddie McNally that entered the great pantheon of cavalli nascosti (alongside luminaries such as E.S.B. (Barry McCall will know), Leicester City, the Irish Cricket team and Vinnie Byrne plus as we would learn Paddy McGrath). Eddie teed off at 8.40 after a first day 77. He lit the fuse early with shots picked up against his handicap on 6, 7, 8 and 9 to be out in 33. On the back nine it was holes 10, 15, 17 and 18 that saw him home in 33 and posting the clubhouse target at 143. With the leaders just heading off as Eddie sugared his coffee, suddenly high sixties looked like the target for a wire to wire win! By the time the lads came off the third green Eddie didn’t need so much sugar in his coffee!

Of course, the other famous cavallo oscuro, aka Vinnie Byrne, was making his traditional Captains Prize charge. Teeing off 30 minutes behind Eddie and two shots lighter from Day 1, Vinnie matched him on the outward journey and but for the 4th and 9th he might well have been kissing the Captain! However, perhaps he was distracted on the way home as his beloved Dubs engaged the Tribesmen, albeit on a lesser stage, but his momentum dissipated on 13 and 14 and this cavallo oscuro was forced to settle for the minor placings.

Around the same time, another man on a charge was the lovable Mick O’Boyle! He had the golf channel all a quiver on the third. Playing his trademark canny game his left an iron in the middle of the fairway. Mick’s lob wedge is his golfing comfort blanket, and so from approximately 150 yards out he flew the pin with just enough backspin to trickle back into the hole. Very Roryesque! Just as well though because he hates his putter! Pars on 4, 5 and 9 brought him out in nett 32. Suddenly Eddie needed more sugar. Unfortunately, Mick could only manage one par on the back nine and he was back in nett 38. Not enough to threaten the lead.

So the afternoon emerged. Paddy McGrath, the third cavallo oscuro, was out at 11.40, with leader hunting on his mind! Pars on 3, 5 and 6 brought him out in nett 30. A brilliant drive on 12 left him with the Mick O’Boyle approach and while his lob wedge found the green his birdie putt from 20 feet just slid past. A valuable par though. A nine iron from the tee on 15 copper fastened yet another par and Paddy was heading for a nett 63 and the outright lead.

The front nine was not treating our leaders well. Declan did produce a late flurry of pars through 11, 15 and 17 but it was not enough and Declan had to settle for the Class two title. By this time Frankie and Silky Shane were wishing they were cutting the grass as the golfing gods had spread their largesse elsewhere. Nevertheless, Frankie picked up a prize in Class 2 while Silky Shane picked up the prize for the best 18 on Day 1.

The moves were beginning to come from the middle of the afternoon pack. The ever dangerous Niall McDonnell made par on 1, then a brilliant drive on the par five dogleg laid the ground for a game changing birdie from above the hole. It looked like game on, particularly when another par followed in 5. The putter went a bit cold for the rest of the journey out but a nett 33 left him in the mix. Despite pars on 10, 12 and 15 he couldn’t quite close the gap on Paddy.

Derek Wynne landed up from Wicklow with fire in his belly and a par on the 1st was a perfect launching pad. A birdie fest followed on 3 and 4 and the lead was in sight. Out in 32 he could have been playing in the Travellers Championship! Another birdie followed on 13 but he couldn’t quite convert enough pars to make the podium. Nevertheless, Derek clinched the Best Gross prize with a two round total of 164.

Just ahead of him Ger Gilroy and the man with the sash, Chris Boyd, were quietly goading each other on! Pars on 1, 3, 4 and 6 saw Ger out in 31. Chris was just behind him on 33 having suffered a little wobble on 4. But his back nine was a picture! With Bridie Gallagher echoing in his head Chris pitched to 12 feet on 10, made his par. On 12 he caressed his drive around the trees to the middle of the fairway. Still caressing, like the newly wed that he is, he found the middle of the green. Two putts and Paddy was now under threat. A dreamy nine iron to fifteen and another par it was. His putter was now burning the greens, sorry Roy, as he converted a 100 yard pitching wedge to 16. A par eluded him on seventeen but Bridie was inspiring him on 18 as he smacked his Titleist down the middle. A slightly aggressive nine iron found the back of the green, two putts and Chris was home on 140 for the competition.

But what of Ger? With less of the caressing Ger powered his drive off twelve to set up a 90 yard pitch. A brilliant stroke almost emulated Micks eagle but a tap in birdie wasn’t bad! Another brilliant par on 15 and he and the Sash man were neck and neck. Unfortunately, trouble was discovered on 18 and Ger was also on the 140 mark, finishing 3rd on countback behind Chris.

And so it was! Paddy’s strike for victory in the early afternoon proved decisive and yet another name is added to the Captains Prize roll of honour! Congratulations Paddy!

Well done also to Class winners Niall McDonnell, Declan O’Leary, Eamonn Clifford and Eddie Mc Nally. Class 3 featured a top three of Eddie, Vinnie Byrne and Martin Morris. That combined age is worth at least two Presidents cheques!!!

Vincent O’Keeffe took nearest the pin, Silky Shane the longest drive and Stephen Maxwell the straightest drive.

The man from Donegal, no not that one, I mean Martin McGlynn, won the Past Captains prize after a brilliant 72 on day 1 and a 76 on Sunday.

A special mention for the venerable Jimmy Fitzachary. Jimmy played a starring role in the Irish Mixed Fourball win over Coolattin on Friday last. Jimmy being Jimmy he then had the audacity to tee up in the Rathfarnham GC Captains Prize on Saturday and run away with the Prize. Many congratulations Jimmy!!

Next up will be the Ladies report. Brace yourselves Ladies, it might take a few hours!

Congratulations Captain, we hope you enjoyed the Men’s efforts and the quality of golf. Enjoy the rest of your year.

Captains Prize -Ladies

The Ladies began the battle for Captain Alan's Prize on Tuesday and the weather gods smiled and bade them good tidings!

Sun cream was applied liberally, and full water bottles put extra strain on trolley batteries. But the Ladies forged through the heat haze, I mean where is the rain when you need it??

The dry conditions didn’t help the scoring however, with the hard ground conditions yielding strange bounces and unexpected ball destinations! The course was in tip top condition and providing the bruising challenge it is famous for.

It was Rosaleen Treacy who faced the course head on and at the end of the day beat it into submission. Early dropped shots on two and three were eased somewhat with a brilliant par on the new par 4 sixth. But Rosaleen’s determination to pulverise the field began to take form with a magnificent drive down the middle of the par 5 8th. A gentle eight iron past the trees on the right left her within lob wedge range for her third. This was a shot we have seen Rosaleen execute with the aplomb of a bearded Offaly superstar. This time was no different as her Titleist soared beyond the liquid stuff to two feet. A perfect putt for her birdie!

Out in 36 the putter became the main attack weapon on the way home. Pars arrived on 13 and 16 as long putts were like laser directed missiles to the centre of each hole. A brilliant 32 on the way home and the target was set, 68 it was!

All the Ladies were eager to have a crack! Teresa Flynn came closest, despite a forgettable second hole after which she decided to forget what David had told her!! Her recovery was spectacular as she battled back to an outward 37. With momentum now behind her, shots were picked up on 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16. Sadly, 17 and 18 brought her home in a nett 36 for second place on 73. Within striking distance of the lead but I understand Teresa can’t make it to the tee on Sunday, such a pity Teresa!

A shot further back lies Bernie Roche, one of the potential romantic winning combinations but of course Matt let her down (ah Matt!!). The feature of Bernie’s round was on the 6th. A brilliant fairway splitting drive found position A. A delicate wedge just lacked a modicum of backspin leaving a longer birdie putt than hoped for. The putt was firm and almost perfectly true but the ball rimmed the hole. A brilliant par nevertheless. Bernie will have a lot to say on Saturday and still a speechifying possibility on Sunday.

Also in the mix is former (Lady) Captain Linda Sweeney lying 75. Seven shots is not insurmountable and if Linda’s putter starts firing Rosaleen might become a little anxious. Marie Byrne is also a real contender on 76, a few more pars like the third on Tuesday and who knows?

Ashling O’Neill and Marian Molloy might be a little too far back on nett 77, nine shots is a lot over just 18 holes, prove me wrong Ladies!

Best of luck to all of the Ladies on Saturday, hopefully, it will be a little cooler and the weather dome (did you ever hear the like!) will have moved on.

Hit them straight everyone!!

Captains Prize -Ladies

The Ladies began the battle for Captain Alan's Prize on Tuesday and the weather gods smiled and bade them good tidings!

Sun cream was applied liberally, and full water bottles put extra strain on trolley batteries. But the Ladies forged through the heat haze, I mean where is the rain when you need it??

The dry conditions didn’t help the scoring however, with the hard ground conditions yielding strange bounces and unexpected ball destinations! The course was in tip top condition and providing the bruising challenge it is famous for.

It was Rosaleen Treacy who faced the course head on and at the end of the day beat it into submission. Early dropped shots on two and three were eased somewhat with a brilliant par on the new par 4 sixth. But Rosaleen’s determination to pulverise the field began to take form with a magnificent drive down the middle of the par 5 8th. A gentle eight iron past the trees on the right left her within lob wedge range for her third. This was a shot we have seen Rosaleen execute with the aplomb of a bearded Offaly superstar. This time was no different as her Titleist soared beyond the liquid stuff to two feet. A perfect putt for her birdie!

Out in 36 the putter became the main attack weapon on the way home. Pars arrived on 13 and 16 as long putts were like laser directed missiles to the centre of each hole. A brilliant 32 on the way home and the target was set, 68 it was!

All the Ladies were eager to have a crack! Teresa Flynn came closest, despite a forgettable second hole after which she decided to forget what David had told her!! Her recovery was spectacular as she battled back to an outward 37. With momentum now behind her, shots were picked up on 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16. Sadly, 17 and 18 brought her home in a nett 36 for second place on 73. Within striking distance of the lead but I understand Teresa can’t make it to the tee on Sunday, such a pity Teresa!

A shot further back lies Bernie Roche, one of the potential romantic winning combinations but of course Matt let her down (ah Matt!!). The feature of Bernie’s round was on the 6th. A brilliant fairway splitting drive found position A. A delicate wedge just lacked a modicum of backspin leaving a longer birdie putt than hoped for. The putt was firm and almost perfectly true but the ball rimmed the hole. A brilliant par nevertheless. Bernie will have a lot to say on Saturday and still a speechifying possibility on Sunday.

Also in the mix is former (Lady) Captain Linda Sweeney lying 75. Seven shots is not insurmountable and if Linda’s putter starts firing Rosaleen might become a little anxious. Marie Byrne is also a real contender on 76, a few more pars like the third on Tuesday and who knows?

Ashling O’Neill and Marion Molloy might be a little too far back on nett 77, nine shots is a lot over just 18 holes, prove me wrong Ladies!

Best of luck to all of the Ladies on Saturday, hopefully, it will be a little cooler and the weather dome (did you ever hear the like!) will have moved on.

Hit them straight everyone!!

Captains Prize Qualifying - Men

So the Lads have done their fireworking (the Ladies are having their salvo today!).

The scene is set for an epic shoot out in the sun on Sunday. Forty eight men will take to the first tee, twenty four on nett 76 or higher will have to get mass on Saturday evening! But there is a lot to play for yet!

Just four men are better than nett par but only six shots separate the top 18. You’d need a team of pundits to call this one!

First to strike on Saturday morning was Frankie Warner whose Odyssey putter delivered five pars as he experienced an odyssey of epic proportions not seen since Jason and the Argonauts!! A nett 68 and a catch me if you can statement. Richie O’Donoghue followed him in, three pars in the first five holes and Richie was in prime form. If it hadn’t been for a stray drive on 16 he might have spoiled Frankie’s sausage sandwich. Two nett 35s for Richie and he is right in the mix.

But what of silky Shane? I did warn you. Starting with a par, birdie on 3, pars on 6 and 7 but a couple of minor difficulties on 8 and 9. Another birdie on 12 and silky Shane was strolling towards a nett 69 and a place in the final group on Sunday!!

Eamonn Clifford is lurking on 71. A tricky start was soothed with pars on 3 and 7 but he will be hoping that 9 and 10 don’t come back to haunt him at evensong Sunday.

Six players sit on 72, all heavy hitters, all capable of striking for victory as the shootout develops into hand to hand combat at the weekend.

But the story doesn’t finish there. As the sun came up on Sunday morning and his neighbours lawnmowers started to roll out around him in Kingston, Declan O’Leary thought “stuff that, there has to be more to life”. On the tee early, it did take a little while to get the lawnmower nightmare out of his head and four holes had slid by before his intentions became clear with a par on 5. Another followed on 7 and Declan was out in 32 and tied for the lead. Back in 36 Declan joined Frankie as joint leader for a week.

So the scene is set. Will someone come out of the field? Will Frankie’s Odyssey continue? Has Declan cut the grass? Will Eamonn scorch around? Will Richie find the consistency? And of course there is Silky Shane, poised ready to strike (I told you).

Just to note that the nuptials didn’t work out, although Chris Boyd cannot be discounted……………….yet. Jimmy, of course, could do a Rory and come storming through.

All to play for, good luck everyone!

Who will win the Captain’s Prizes?

Well John Healy has challenged the Men! Take it from me if you can, is his Social Media proclamation! Paddy Power has short odds on him.

But who will have a run at him? As always the Redmond twins will be in the mix. But will it be Ger or Liam this year. We wait with bated breath. The Mayo challenge will of course mainly come from David Flynn, but he should be penalised if he wears those shorts. Theresa please restrain him! John McKennedy is another showing real form and will be a threat, especially if Louise produces that lunch again!

What of the big hitters? We’ll never discount Vincent O’Keeffe or Brian Kavanagh, both capable of quietly dismantling the golf course. My communion money is on Shane Mallen, always there or thereabouts, with the killer instinct around the greens. Just don’t kill yourself Shane.

And what of the nuptials! Jimmy might be suffering a bit after the Johnny Fox’s celebrations of his and Trish’s forty year odyssey! But I would put good money on a Fitzachary double in the Men’s and Ladies competitions. Chris Boyd of course is on an extended licence since he did the deed in Airfield recently. But can the Glens man pull it off? We shall see, at least he will have a marital blessing. And then there is Willie Bisset, fresh from his virgin medal and bang in form. Could be in difficulty if he doesn’t deliver a Captains Prize wedding gift!

Of the traditional stalwarts, Jim Kennedy is showing good form and can’t be discounted while if Dermot Murray can squeak around for two consecutive weeks don’t rule him out. Of course Dermot and Barry Mc Call will carry the new grandfather torch with pride and that is another extra incentive to sneak the big prize!

What of the young guns? Craig Mackay is a favourite from this segment following his inter club exploits last week. Ross Doyle will likely demolish the average age of Captains Prize winners while Neil Davidson is an outside bet to become the club’s youngest second winner. And then there is Vinnie…………!

As for the Ladies!! I always find it difficult to predict the Ladies, as my mother always said - that’s as it should be!! The romantic story is the Fitzachary double as aforementioned, Jimmy I would say Trisha is definitely the better bet??! Of course, it wouldn’t be a major if Joan O’Farrell didn’t emerge as a key contender. Her fairway splitting drives and her drone synchronised putting will push her up the leaderboard. As I think of it another romantic double is possible with the run of form Bernie Roche is firing at the moment, the pressure is on you Matt to make it love all! The usual big hitters Mary Fetherston and Ashling O’Neill will bring their respective power golf brands out for the weekend and I wouldn’t bet against them. There is the other possible romantic double if Ita Redmond can put her recent injury behind her. With Ger firing on all cylinders, don’t rule it out.

Otherwise, it’s a very open field among the ladies.

So let the fireworks begin!!

Finally, very best wishes to Captain Alan as he embarks on the key week of his year!

Enjoy it all Alan!!