Dromragh Sarsfields from Co Tyrone may not have won many county championships but last week golfers representing the club were crowned All-Ireland champions in the FBD All-Ireland GAA Club golf challenge finals at Faithlegg golf club in Waterford.

Dromragh, formed in 1972, have never won an adult GAA title and only recently purchased their grounds. However, their team of SΘamus Mullen, Paul McGread, Jimmy Kelly, Paddy Starrs and Niall McGread left the other provincial winners in their wake as they strolled to a first title with an emphatic 23-point winning margin.

Dromragh's total of 235 points left them well clear of Seneschalstown (Meath) on 212, with Munster champions Knockavilla Kickhams third on 210 and Connacht winners Michael Breathnach fourth on 206.

The Ulster champions laid the foundation for victory on the opening day when 15 handicapper Niall McGread blitzed the Faithlegg course with a gross five-over-par 77 for 46 points with Kelly scoring 38 points in both rounds off 10. Paddy Starrs shot 37 points in the opening round. McGread's 46 was even more commendable as the pin placements (to the front of every green) made it difficult to the get the ball close to the flag.

Organised by the Dunhill GAA club in Waterford the competition has gone from strength to strength over its short life and an even bigger entry is expected for next year's event, which will begin in April 2002.