In-form Castlemartyr on the glory trail

Castlemartyr in East Cork may have been founded in 2008 but they are already poised to win their first pennant when the Munster finals of the AIG Irish Senior Cup take place at Shannon GC next month.

They produced a series of outstanding performances at the weekend highlighted by ending the challenge of holders Cork Golf Club over their own Little Island course before coming through a nerve wracking South area decider against Douglas last evening.

Kenny McGarry and Mark Shanahan were winners for Castlemartyr against Anthony McDaid and Ger Moore before Dave Barry for Castlemartyr staged a magnificent fight back from four down after 10 to get home on the 19th against Barry Williams in the decisive match.

Former Irish Close and South of Ireland champion Pat Murray was again the hero for Limerick as he clinched the vital third point for his club in the North section final at Shannon. Murray was two down with four to play against Jack Ryan before winning the 15th in par, the 17th where he rolled in a 20 footer for a two and picked up his third winning birdie in four holes at the long 18th to send his team through. Dara Fitzgerald had earlier won for Limerick against Dean McMahon while Sean Poucher also came through against another South of Ireland winner, Mark Campbell, who has returned to the amateur ranks.

Limerick and Castlemartyr will meet in the provincial semi-finals at Shannon on August 16 and 17 while Tramore and Doneraile clash in the other semi-final having yesterday overcome Thurles and Newcastle West respectively.