Bantry Bay shock Bandon in first round of mixed foursomes

IRISH Mixed Foursomes Cup holders Bandon were shocked by fellow West Cork club Bantry Bay in the opening round of this year’s event yesterday.

The qualifier was played at Bantry, and the home team took full advantage to win the matchplay contest 3/2.

Bandon had led the qualifiers by nine strokes on Saturday and must have fancied their chances.

However the Endersons, Pierce and Claire, together with Pat Maguire and Mairéad Cronin won the first two matches and Jim Kingston and Geraldine McCarthy clinched it with a one hole triumph over Jim O’Riordan and Hilda Hegarty.

In contrast, home advantage did Youghal no favour as they lost a thriller to Lismore.

Here Youghal had topped the qualifying list by ten shots but wins by Dan Behegan/Margaret Morrissey and Paul McCarthy/Joan Cahillane left the match outcome depending on the final game.

Youghal looked good to take it when Danny McSweeney and Loretto Morrison stood one up on the final tee to Tim Murphy and Kay Condon.

However, two handicapper Murphy played a peach of a second to the green and Condon slotted the putt for a winning birdie. The next two holes were halved in par before Lismore clinched victory at the par three third.

Harbour Point Captain Jim Lennon was central to his club’s triumph over leading qualifiers Fota Island by a 3/2 margin. With partner Monica McCarthy, they gained the all important third point to add to the wins by John O’Flynn/Anne Courtney and Colin Daly/Eileen Walsh.

At Lahinch, the McGiverns, Martin and Mary from Kilkee, staged a great comeback, coming from three down at one stage to win at the 19th against Spanish Point.

Nigel and Phil O’Brien and Mick Mullane/Kathleen Kelly also secured excellent points for the winners.

In an all-Cork clash at Kenmare, Kanturk edged out neighbours Mallow by the odd match in five.

Paul Buckley/Pat Winters and Pat Fitzpatrick/Finuala Kearns gained wins for Kanturk and Billy Daly and Nora May Ring ensured their passage to the next round.

Clonmel had a close call at home before Pat O’Dwyer and Mary O’Dwyer gained them entry to the East Munster final with a 20th hole triumph over Templemore’s Pat Delahunty and Josie Bourke. Brian McLean and Ann Fahy gave Clonmel a good start while Peter Hayes and Joan Gough also won their match.

Munster action today switches to Waterford Castle with the Provincial section of the Irish Club Youths Championship down for decision.

The competing teams are: Douglas, Muskerry, Tramore, Limerick, Mallow and Cahir Park.