Gary Hurley arrives home to West Waterford for hero’s welcome

There was a hero’s welcome at West Waterford when Gary Hurley returned home to his golf club and brought the Walker Cup with him on Sunday.

Hurley was one of five-strong Irish contingent that helped Great Britain & Ireland win the Walker Cup at Royal Lytham & St Annes last September, scoring 2½ points in a resounding 16½ to 9½ victory over the United States.

It marked the end of a glittering amateur career for Hurley, who having completed his Paddy Harrington golf scholarship and graduated from the University of Maynooth, has now embarked on a career as a touring professional.