McCarthy faces quality fieldin Munster Stroke Play

Kieran McCarthy defends his title against another high-class field in the Munster Stroke Play Championship at Cork Golf Club tomorrow and Sunday.

While several of the 75 competitors will fancy their prospects of equalling the superb 66 shot by Ulster girl Olivia Mehaffey on the way to winning the recent Ford Cork Ladies Scratch, they will be hard pressed over the testing Little Island layout, which is in superb condition.

Kinsale’s McCarthy, now entered from Castlemartyr, captured the title in dramatic circumstances ahead of home club member Ian O’Flynn 12 months ago. To hold on to the coveted trophy this time round, he will have to beat current Irish international Richard O’Donovan of Lucan; three-time winner Niall Gorey (Muskerry) and Pat Murray (Limerick), a former Irish Close and South of Ireland champion.