NUI Maynooth struck a blow for Irish college golf yesterday as their Paddy Harrington scholars lifted the coveted Barton Shield on the second day of the All-Ireland Cups and Shields finals at Kinsale Golf Club.

The 2012 cups and shields get off to flying start at Kinsale Golf Club today with the Barton Shield semi-finals.

John Kerr and Michael Gettens are the two Championship newcomers in the Antrim team to take on Westmeath in Mullingar on Saturday (throw-in 3pm).