‘Awestruck’ O’Donovan seals sensational win

SHOCK winner Richard O’Donovan ensured heart-break for Limerick’s Pat Murray who had to settle for a share of second place in a grimly fought East of Ireland at Baltray yesterday.

O’Donovan charged from last place overnight to win the title when he followed a third round 71 with a sensational closing 66 to win by two shots from Murray, Co Louth’s Gareth Bohill and Ballymena teenager Dermot McElroy on two under par 284.

The 20-year old champion, a former Boys international from Lucan, was nine strokes off the pace after making the 36-hole cut for the leading 51 players on the seven over par limit.