In a competition traditionally dominated by the big Dublin clubs, Carlow struck a blow for those outside the city by claiming the Leinster section of the Barton Shield at Birr last weekend. "A tremendous achievement," enthused team manager Dick Gilman, listing the virtues of Carlow's all-conquering squad, which included former junior star Jason Farrell and Danny Hutton, a professional for 15 years who rejoined the amateur ranks in recent years.
Although Carlow lifted the Senior Cup in Leinster in 1994, this is the first time the club has managed to win the Barton Shield, the unique foursomes team competition. Now, they will go forward to the All-Ireland Cups and Shields Finals, sponsored by Bulmers, at Dundalk next month.
Carlow beat Grange in their quarter-final match by five holes, and then booked their place in the decider with a four-hole win over a Newlands team that included Irish international Bryan Omelia.
In the tense final with Skerries, Carlow maintained their hoodoo over Dublin clubs by carving out a two-hole win: Hutton and Des Coakley, who had the achievement earlier this season of becoming the first plus-one golfer in the club, lost the top match one down, but Farrell and Tommy Lennon won their match by three holes.
As if a win in a captain's prize isn't enough, Roscrea Golf Club are offering players from any GUI and ILGU-affiliated club who manage to obtain such an honour this year the opportunity to claim further glory.
In an event which is unique to Ireland, Roscrea will play host to the All-Ireland Club Captains Winners Competition on September 23rd, a Tuesday, for women, and on September 26th, the following Friday, for men.
The five women and five men with the highest stableford scores in the 18-holes competition will then, courtesy of sponsors Argo Travel, contest the national final in the Algarve in Portugal in October. Only players who have won a captain's prize in their club this year are entitled to compete. This is the fourth time for the event to be staged.
Shandon Park's status as a nursery for top young golfers is emphasised by the Irish team which competes in the Boys' Home Internationals starting at Royal North Devon tomorrow.
Robin Symes, the Leinster youths' Open champion, Gary Wardlow and Michael Hoey, all from Shandon Park, are in the 11strong team which also includes Mark Campbell and Michael McDermott (both Stackstown), David Carroll (Grange), Lee Dalton (Waterford), David Jones (City of Derry), Graeme McDowell (Rathmore) and Mark O'Sullivan (Galway).
Following the completion of the Home Internationals, the players will also compete in the British Boys Open at Saunton.
