Thurles Golf Club celebrated a third Pierce Purcell Shield All Ireland title and a second in three years as team captain Jimmy Ryan praised his players’ battling qualities and work ethic.

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.

AN overnight text from his brother, Freddie, coach to the Munster Branch, proved invaluable as Dwayne Twomey fashioned an unlikely win for Bandon over Co Sligo in yesterday’s semi-final of the Bulmers Irish Senior Cup at Castlebar.