Mills swoops late to pip McCarthy for title

WELSH visitor Cennydd Mills wiped out a seven-stroke deficit in the final round to pip the home challenge in the Irish Youths Championship at Cork Golf Club yesterday evening.

Robert McCarthy, of The Island, seemed to be heading for an easy victory when he led by six with just 18 of the 72 holes remaining. But he faded to a 79 and eventually had to settle for third overall, when Mark Staunton of Ballinasloe posted a fighting 71 to share McCarthy’s 295 total.

McCarthy, who had two birdies and an eagle in the opening five holes of the morning round, struggled in the afternoon. He was hauled back by Mills when the 20-year-old from Groesfaen, near Cardiff, birdied the 13th and 14th.