Claremorris young guns aiming to bring Purcell title West

Mayo club Claremorris are hoping to keep Connacht’s strong start to the AIG All-Ireland Cups and Shields National Finals week going at Royal Tara Golf Club when they get their Pierce Purcell Shield title bid under way today in Meath.

Buoyed by semi-final successes in both the Barton Shield and Junior Cup yesterday for Co. Sligo and Westport respectively, as well as their own national success in the Irish Mixed Foursomes at Douglas last week, captain Ger Noone – a playing team member a week ago — will send his young side in against Leinster champions Corrstown in confident mood.

“We had a good win in Douglas and that gives us a good bit of confidence going in,” said Noone, who captained his club to Jimmy Bruen Shield success in 2011. “We’re hoping success breeds success but we’re not the most experienced team. We have a lot of young fellas but hopefully on the day things will go all right.”

The Purcell is a competition decided by five foursomes of higher handicaps with each pairing having a combined handicap of no more than 27 with Monaghan’s Rossmore representing Ulster against Clare’s Munster champions Spanish Point in the other semi-final.

“It’s all about feeling comfortable in a partnership,” Noone added. “That’s what I’ve gone for here, it’s been successful for us so far and hopefully that will continue.

“What I’ve gone for is guys that can chip and putt and camaraderie, guys that are comfortable with each other. It’s worked so far and it’s crucial. So you never know.”