Carvill banishes South ghost

FIFTEEN years ago, Warrenpoint’s Jim Carvill travelled to Lahinch for his first South of Ireland Championship.

He has fond memories of his week, having reached the final only to lose 4&3 to Darren Clarke, a keen rival at the time. A few months later, he embarked on a professional career, but having accepted that life in the pro game was no longer for him, Carvill, now 38, rejoined the amateur ranks earlier this year, with amazing results.

He captured the East of Ireland Championship at Baltray in June and yesterday atoned for his defeat to Clarke all those years ago by beating fellow Ulsterman Darren Crowe in the South decider by 2&1.