Murray bidding to end South semi-final hoodoo at Lahinch

If perseverance and commitment count for anything, then Pat Murray will win the West Coast Hotels-sponsored South of Ireland at Lahinch today.

The 41-year-old Tipperary born, Limerick Golf Club secretary/manager yesterday qualified for his eighth semi-final in the championship but, incredibly, has yet to reach the final.

The nearest he came was 1996 when he lost at the 21st to Kenneth Kearney, while the previous year he went down to eventual winner Jody Fanagan at the 19th.