Aaron Ryan wins play-off thriller in Castle Dargan

In the play-off, Ryan and David Kitt gave themselves good looks at birdie as they replayed the opening hole, but it was Ryan who held his nerve to sink his putt and bring home the title.

Aaron Ryan celebrates with the trophy. Pic: ©INPHO/Dan Clohessy

Aaron Ryan credited his recent hard work behind the scenes as the key to his success as he claimed the Irish Men’s Mid-Amateur Open Championship after a play-off win at Castle Dargan Estate.

The Thurles golfer led by one stroke with two holes remaining in regulation play, but a birdie on 17 by playing partner David Kitt (Athenry) forced extra holes in Sligo with the pair tied on thirteen under.

In the play-off, both players gave themselves good looks at birdie as they replayed the opening hole, but it was Ryan who held his nerve to sink his putt and bring home the title.

“Feel great, I played well on and off all year, done a bit of work during the week. It was great to come down here and play well and the course is in great condition, so I’m delighted” said Ryan after collecting his silverware.

The 2025 Munster Men’s Mid-Amateur champion came into today’s final round with a slim one stroke advantage over Kitt after yesterday's 65, and admitted that nerves may have gotten the better of him early in the round.

“It’s always hard sleeping on a lead, a little bit nervous starting. Bit of a rocky start, I wasn’t really hitting it great, but I felt like the game was still there, it was there earlier in the week. Just stuck to my guns really and waited for the game to come back to be honest”.

The final round was somewhat of a rollercoaster as Ryan's lead evaporated early on to setup a three-way tie at the top, with Lahinch's Jonathan Keane then holding a two-stroke lead midway through the final day, before Ryan and Kitt emerged once again over the closing holes.

When asked about his nerves standing over what proved to be the decisive putt on the first play-off hole, Ryan felt surprisingly calm as he eyed up victory.

“I actually felt okay. I had been struggling with right to lefters and it was left to right so I was happy to see a left to righter to be honest”.

Meanwhile the Over 40s title was won by Seamus Cullen (PGA National Slieve Russell), who finished the tournament on nine-under par and with it a seven shot cushion over Ben Best (Rathmore) and John Greene (Portmarnock).

The round of the day was scored by Castleknock’s David Reddan, who’s stunning nine-under 64 saw him leapfrog six places and post the clubhouse lead, before ultimately missing out on the play-off by the narrowest of margins.