West set for teenage tussle as Cadden and Kerins fight for final place in Sligo

WEST IS BEST: Keith Egan West of Ireland Men's Amateur Open, The County Sligo Golf Club, Sligo 6/4/2026 PIc: INPHO/Tom O’Hanlon

Teenagers Mark Cadden (Roganstown) and Alex Kerins (Carton House) will battle it out for a place in the final of the Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship tomorrow.

The two 19-year-olds had brilliant quarter-final victories over experienced campaigners Caolan Rafferty (6&5) and Jonathan Keane (3&2) respectively, to book their places in the final four, during another blustery day at Co Sligo.

“Played great today, very very steady stuff. I was lucky enough to finish on 16 and 13, nice finish and put the feet up now for the rest of the day,” said Cadden.

“It’s matchplay so anything can happen, just put the head down and grind away. Just try and make no mistakes. It’s a game of no mistakes and when you don’t make many of them it’s hard for a lad to beat you.

“Caolan is such a good golfer, he has won so many championships in Ireland, and (played) Walker Cup. I knew it was going to be a tough match playing him.

“No different (tomorrow). All you are doing is beating a lad who is up against you. Just keep the head down and same again.” 

The other semi-final will see last year’s beaten finalist, Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint), face off against Cian Harkin (The Island). Campbell had a thrilling win over 2024 champion, Keith Egan, on 18 while Harkin defeated home favourite Aodhagan Brady 3&2.