Ballybunion moved a step closer to regaining the AIG Junior Cup for the first time since 2013 but it needed a 20th hole victory in the defining singles match at Carton House to edge their semi-final against Loughrea.

MICK MORRIS and Billy Rice once played unavailingly in an Irish Senior Cup final for Limerick Golf Club against Shandon Park.

Philip Walton put in a stroming finish at sunny Castlerock when he carded a two-under-par 71 to snatch the overnight lead in the first round of the £110,000 Smurfit PGA Irish Region Championship.

Smurfit PGA Irish championship qualifier at Seapoint

European Tour player Des Smyth leaped into the lead after the first day's