NUIM young guns aim high

Today’s Barton Shield final at Kinsale Golf Club promises to be a classic battle between youth and experience as the young guns of NUI Maynooth vie with Banbridge for an All-Ireland title at the Chartis-sponsored Cups & Shields National Finals.

The students of NUIM, crowned Leinster champions last month, reached today’s foursomes decider courtesy of a four holes defeat of Munster pennant holders Doneraile yesterday, while Ulster champions and favourites Banbridge edged home by one hole against Galway.

Yesterday’s Junior Cup semi-finals saw Donaghdee of Ulster narrowlydefeat Munster champions Castletroy 3-2 after Alan Neill scored a 2&1 win over Ronan Murphy in the last of the five singles matches to advance to today’s final against Athenry, 3½ to 1½ winners over Dubliners Milltown.