Kilkenny rise to the task amid magic of Mount Juliet

Ever since it opened its doors in 1991, Mount Juliet has set and maintained a standard of excellence for golfers, be they amateur hacker or the best players on the planet.

For the 19th successive year, captains, lady captains and honorary officers made the trip to Mount Juliet for the South East qualifying round of the Irish Independent-Allianz Officer Golf Challenge.

Boy, did they hit the jackpot – they were blessed with beautiful, sultry golfing weather.

SPECKLING

A course set-up which, for the men, was off the whites with a speckling of blue tee distances to ensure the shoulders were opened on tee-shots, and a true roll on the putting surfaces.

You couldn't ask for more, bar a wish to bring your 'A' game to the task of seeking to qualify for the final at The K Club on September 4.

For four top teams, that's how it worked out, with Kilkenny leading the way, followed by Tullamore, Woodenbridge and Carlow.

Brendan Murphy, CEO of Allianz Ireland, was impressed with the standard of golf, and the quality of service and assistance provided by golf manager Francis Reynolds and the staff at Mount Juliet.

"We have enjoyed a terrific day on and off the golf course.

"I want to commend Francis and the greenkeeping staff as well as the chefs for the meal and for the all-round level of service we have received here today.

"To you, the club officers, I commend you for your contribution to your clubs and to the game of golf.

"We are delighted to co-sponsor this great event with the Irish Independent, and we trust you have enjoyed your day with us," he said.

This is how the qualifying teams performed:

Kilkenny

First place qualifiers. 86 points. 10th tee start.

Team: Captain Denis Brophy (7), lady captain Catherine King (19) and vice-captain Liam Cody (12)

The Noresiders carved a swathe through the front nine, which was their back nine, to score 46 points to add to their opening 40 points.

On the par-four, 411-yard 13th, the index one hole, captain Denis got a birdie three with a drive, five-iron over the back of the green and a neat pitch into the hole.

Vice-captain Liam – no relation to Kilkenny hurling legend Brian Cody – birdied the par-five fifth and the par-three eighth.

Also on the eighth, lady captain Catherine capped a fine putting round by sinking a 60-foot putt for par.

Quote: "You have to play exceptionally well to get a good score at Mount Juliet. It's all on the day – and this was our day." - Vice-captain Liam Cody.

Tullamore

Second place qualifiers. 80 pts. 10th tee start.

Team: Captain Joe Feely (13), lady captain Mary Spollen (23) and president Willie O'Grady (14).

The Tullamore officers have been busy as their club recently hosted the Irish Seniors Close championship, won by Maurice Kelly of Killeen.

Their duties on and off the course didn't affect their play as Joe, Mary and Willie combined very effectively for a creditable 80 points.

Quote: "It was a team effort. We all did our share" - President Willie O'Grady.

Woodenbridge

third place qualifiers. 79 points. 10th tee start.

Team: Captain Kevin Saunders (7), lady captain Aileen Sheehan (19) and president Breda Murphy (13).

Kevin Saunders was vice-captain last year when Woodenbridge won the overall title at The K Club, and his wife Siobhan was lady captain.

This year he was 'blessed among women' as the team was completed by lady captain Aileen Sheehan and president Breda Murphy.

Quote: "I had my first ever hole in one – it was on the fourth at Woodenbridge last Thursday week. Now we've qualified for the final from Mount Juliet." - Lady captain Aileen Sheehan.

Carlow

Fourth place qualifiers. 77 points. 1st tee start.

Team: Captain John Fitzgerald (13), lady captain Jeannette Fitzgerald (17), hon secretary Stephen Cronly (13).

Yes, captain John and lady captain Jeannette are husband and wife, so it's all systems go in the Fitzgerald household for a busy golfing year at Carlow.

Out in 35 points, the Carlow members brought a better focus to their back nine and carded 42 points to clinch their place in the final.

Quote: "It worked out very well. I directed operations and Jeanette and Stephen played the golf. We enjoyed the day immensely." - Captain John Fitzgerald.