While it ended in defeat ultimately for the Kerry trio of Brian McCarthy, Ajay Barrett and Nathan Cronin with the Irish U16 team in Montseny last Friday, they can look back on a memorable weekend in Barcelona in different ways. The Irish U16 and Ladies team officially lost the encounter 16.5 to 7.5 overall to the Catalans in the finish as Brian and Ajay did manage a half in one of their doubles encounters with Ajay forcing a half in his Singles in terms of points contributions.
The boys trip was not over though as they took part in the subsequent Pairs event in the nearby St Cerbia course on the Saturday and Sunday. Ajay combined with one of his Irish team-mates in Jack McShane to finish 21st overall as Listowel’s Chris Gibney combined with his fellow Meath man Mark to finish 14th overall at the same event. A good number of Kerry pairs took part in the same event as we are set now for the final two weekends of competitive action in 2023.
On Saturday both Deerpark and Tralee travel to St Bridgets in Kildare for the National Inter-Club Finals day as two of 10 sides bidding for the title. Like the qualifiers they will play 18 Holes of Scotch Foursomes and 18 Holes of Singles with the top two after that advancing to a Matchplay final over the same formats and the third and fourth place sides also playing a Matchplay encounter for a bronze medal.
We wish both clubs the very best of luck in Kildare on Saturday. The Bank Holiday Monday meanwhile sees the Paul O’Sullivan Memorial Scratch Cup finally take place over 36 holes. Unfortunately due to the recent spell of weather Castleisland have had to pull out from hosting the event but we are delighted that Deerpark have agreed to step in now as hosts for next Monday.
Some limited tee-times are available at time of writing. Please contact Competition Secretary Christy O’Mahony in relation to same and updates closer to Monday will be posted on our Facebook page.
