Michael Hoey will get the chance to defend the Dundalk Scratch Cup on Sunday week, April 29th, after the Department of Agriculture's Expert Group lifted the foot-and-mouth restrictions it had placed in County Louth. Hoey heads a quality field that includes Walker Cup panelist Noel Fox and former title holders Gary Cullen and Johnny Foster.

Only a few places are left in the 84 strong field for this highly popular one day event. Such is the appeal of the competition that the entire Hermitage Senior Cup team has decided to enter the Harp Lager sponsored event, which takes place over 36 holes at Dundalk Golf club.

The tournament will also give local players such as Peter Rogers and Peter Tuite of Dundalk and the Greenore duo of Seamus McParland and Eamonn McCartin a chance to re-enter tournament fray after the recent foot-and-mouth restrictions.