Dramatic week ends in Galway cup glory

There was relief as much as joy for Galway Golf Club at Carton House as the pain of a third successive Barton Shield final defeat was erased with victory in the blue riband event at the AIG Cups and Shields on Saturday.

Denied an All-Ireland gold medal two days previously when Warrenpoint lifted the Barton Shield at their expense for the second time in a row, a third straight final defeat last Thursday could have come at a cost to Galway’s Senior Cup prospects.

Yet the Connacht champions battled through Friday’s semi-final against Royal Portrush and on Saturday moved up a gear as they defeated Munster pennant holders Limerick 4-1 in the final.