Denis Cunningham secures Dundalk Intermediate Scratch Cup

Denis Cunningham shot a superb score of 78 to win the Intermediate Scratch Cup on July 1st with John McQuillan winning the Minor Scratch Cup with an equally impressive score of 83. Both competitions were sponsored by Ultan and Deborah Herr.

Cunningham changed his clubs over the winter and looks to have them well bedded in at this stage as he went out in 41 and came home in 37 for a six over par gross total of 78.

Three bogeys in the first four holes suggested a nervous start, but he found his rhythm from the fifth onwards as he reeled off four successive pars before a double bogey five at the par three ninth halted his momentum.

However, he dug deep and covered the back nine in one over par with eight pars and a bogey at the 17th. He had three shots to spare over Brian Gaughran who shot 81, with Ferghal Duffy two shot further back after shooting 83. Brendan Tinnelly (18) shot 67 nett to take the best nett prize.

In the Minor Scratch Cup, John McQuillan also had an indifferent start as he recorded three bogeys and a double bogey over the first four holes.

However, just like Cunningham, he too found momentum from the fifth hole onwards and recorded five successive pars followed by a birdie four at the par five 10th. After a double bogey at the 11th, he parred the next three holes before finishing with three bogeys and a double bogey on 18.

He went out in 41 and came home in 42 for a final total of 83 which gave him four shots to spare over second place Aaron Dolan and a six-shot gap to third place Charles Doherty. Ciaran McAteer (20) had a 69 for the best nett score.

On the final day of Open Week, Sunday July 2, the fourball competition sponsored by John Laverty Motor Factors was won by Colm Garvey (19) and Ray Pepper (19). They combined for a score of 47pts which was just enough to edge out former captains Pat Davis (20) and Dessie Ward (14).

Christy Ward (9) won last Wednesday’s Open Singles Stableford sponsored by Deluxe Bathrooms. He shot two birdies and 12 pars on his way to a round of 43pts which was two more than James Kelly (13) in second place.

Bernard Laverty (8), Paul Morgan (20) and Paul Hanratty (30) took the divisional prizes while Paul Murphy took the gross prize with 35pts.

Joyce Connolly the victor in Dundalk Golf Club's most prestigious ladies event

Looking to the Inter-Club front the Junior Cup team was beaten by Donabate while the North Leinster Mixed team lost to Headfort.

Congratulations to Caolan Rafferty whose recent run of excellent form has been rewarded with selection on the Irish team for the European Amateur Team Championship at Royal Waterloo Golf Club in Belgium.

Tuesday, July 4 and Saturday, July 8 - Lady Captain’s Nine Hole Competitions for the Gents - Overall (Days One and Two combined): 42 - Cian Herr (21) 19/23; Danny Woods (19.9) 22/20 (Back 3). Day 1 (July 4): Noel McGuinness (16.3) 25, Noel Reid (17.6) 24. Day 2: Diarmuid Dullaghan (30) 23, Ultan Herr (13.1) 21.

Wednesday, July 5 - Deluxe Bathrooms Open Singles Stableford – Overall: Christy Ward (9) 43pts, Jamie Kelly (13) 41pts. Division 1: Bernard Laverty (8) 40pts. Division 2: Paul Morgan (20) 41pts. Division 3: Paul Hanratty (30) 38pts. Gross: Paul Murphy 35pts.

Sunday, July 2 - Gents Open Fourball sponsored by John Laverty Motor Factors - Colm Garvey (19) & Ray Pepper (19) 47pts, Pat Davis (20) & Dessie Ward (14) 46pts, Ollie Reilly (14) & Gerry Daly (17) 43/21pts.

Sunday, July 2 - Open Mixed Scotch Foursomes sponsored by O’Callaghan Insurances - Ultan Herr (15) & Deborah Herr (40) 61.5 nett, Peter Rogers (3)   & Betty Rogers (20) 65.5/37 nett.

Saturday, July 1 – Intermediate Scratch Cup sponsored by Ultan and Deborah Herr – Overall: Dennis Cunningham 78, Brian Gaughran 81. Fearghal Duffy 83. Nett: Brendan Tinnelly (18) 67.

Saturday, July 1 – Minor Scratch Cup sponsored by Ultan and Deborah Herr – Overall: John McQuillan 83, Aaron Dolan 87, Charles Doherty 89. Nett: Ciaran McAteer (20) 69.