Paul Dunne has already shown himself a true sportsman

Almost exactly two years ago, Paul Dunne was making a name for himself at Lee Valley Golf Club during the second day’s play in the Interprovincial Championship.

Charlie Mulqueen’s Examiner report of the action centred around an incredible act of sportsmanship by the young Leinster star. He wrote: “After some controversial incidents on the professional front in recent times, golf’s reputation as a game of honour and self regulation has come under a little bit of fire.

“However, those present at Lee Valley yesterday saw that truth and honesty were very much alive and well when Leinster’s Paul Dunne called an infringement on himself that cost his side victory over Munster on the second day of the Interprovincial Championship, and as a result, left the home province in with a fighting chance of retaining the title.

“Dunne was one down to Munster’s Geoff Lenehan when he tapped in a three-foot putt on the 18th that appeared to have given him a halved match and almost certain overall victory for Leinster.

However, he quickly reported to referee Jim Mooney that a blade of grass in the line of his putt that he believed to have been loose was actually growing and that he had picked it up. According to rule, that cost him the hole and handed a precious point to the home side.”

Munster captain Phil Cooney described it as “one of the most sporting things I’ve ever seen on a golf course”. He added: Paul Dunne showed himself to be an absolute gentleman in reporting the matter as he did. Nobody knew what had happened except Paul himself.”