Stage set for K Club final as Newcastle West celebrate

The journey through this glorious summer of 2014 ended at Glasson Golf & Country Club where the top four teams produced some great scores on the testing Christy O'Connor Junior - designed layout set in the heart of Ireland.

Winners Newcastle West, represented by captain Frank Moore, lady captain Peg Murphy and vice-captain Michael O'Connor, returned an impressive score of 82 points.

The unexpected element to the qualifying places was that the Limerick trio's 82 was matched by second-placed Castlebar (captain Paul Kilcourse, lady captain Dolores Towey and honorary secretary Michael McGing), and also by the Thurles team which finished third.

Pat Fallon, captain of Thurles, along with lady captain Delia Carroll and president Seamus Troy, were only a whisker away from Castlebar and Newcastle West as the top three places were decided on a countback.

Last, but certainly not least, came Ballinasloe with a highly creditable 80 points which was enough to bring them through to the final.

Sean McGrath, Director of Sales & Operations of Allianz, was delighted to be re-acquainted with Glasson, a venue which boasts not only an excellent golf course set in delightful scenery by the Shannon, but also top-quality hotel, dining, and spa facilities.

Excellent

"It is always a pleasure to come to Glasson where Tom and Breda Reid are excellent hosts, and to appreciate the fine fare on offer. The hotel staff looked after us superbly, and to the course staff, I can only offer my congratulations and gratitude on the way the course was presented to our participants," said Sean.

Frank Moore, captain of Newcastle West, echoed those sentiments as he reflected on the day out at Glasson and the team's performance in windy conditions.

"There was a couple of other teams on 82, so it was very close at the finish but very enjoyable.

"It was one of those days when we got a few putts at the right time.

"We were looked after superbly and we enjoyed the game of golf and the interaction with the other clubs," said Frank.

Frank and vice-captain Michael and a few friends had booked their annual trip to Spain prior to their qualification for the final, so the plans had to be altered in order to make sure they are back in time to play on September 4. Now that's dedication.

Paul Kilcourse, captain of runners-up Castlebar, commented: "We're delighted, it was a wholly unexpected but welcome surprise to come here and qualify.

"The wind was tough and the course was set up off the whites, so it was a good test. It was all a bit of fun," he said.

Thurles captain Pat Fallon displayed sterling qualities of leadership as he defied a high temperature from a heavy cold to help his team-mates Delia Carroll and Seamus Troy to third place.

"I got up that morning in a lather of sweat and took Panadol to try and keep going. I was OK until the back nine, and then it was a bit of a struggle for a while.

"But I'm glad to have played. It was a great day out," said Pat.

Club president Seamus was Thurles captain when they won the national final at The K Club, with the then lady captain Biddy Smee and honorary treasurer Joe Irwin.

Satisfaction

It was a very good week for the Tipperary golfers as they Premier County basked in the satisfaction of their hurlers' defeat of Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Ballinasloe carry the flag for Galway in the Indo-Allianz final at The K Club. Captain Joe Gaffney, with Noreen Kenny and Tom Lucas, were out in 43 points, and back in 37.

"I like Glasson. I played it earlier this year and it was in great shape then, and again for this event. I have to congratulate Glasson on the condition of their course. It was presented very well.

"We played well on the front nine and fell away a bit on the back nine, but then, Glasson is probably a bit tougher on the back nine.

"Luckily, we were quite familiar with the course, and we're looking forward to the final," said Joe.

Tom Lucas was the Ballinasloe captain in 2002 when the club qualified for the final.

Meanwhile, our co-sponsors Allianz show their commitment to youth by sponsoring the Grange Dublin Boys Championship.

The 2014 winner was Rory Murphy (4) from Dun Laoghaire, who topped an entry of 63 to win the 21st anniversary stagingof the event.

Excellent rounds of 73-72 gave Rory a two-shot cushion from host club member George Morgan (77-70), while Brendan O'Neill(City West) finished third place with rounds of 75-73.

The popular competition, which is open to players of 16 years and under, is endorsed by Allianz ambassador Paul McGinley,this year's European Ryder Cup team captain who has a lifelong attachment with the Grange club.