Tipperary Spring League - Review

Lakeside Take Title in Thriller

The final of the Tipperary Pitch & Putt Spring League took place in ideal conditions on Sunday last at Larkspur Park. The early morning dew still visible on the greens, the summer hour now on the clocks the two teams from Lakeside and Riverdale were pitted against one another for the 2^nd successive season in the final.

Lakeside’s Anthony Maher & Martha O’Brien were up against Jim Molloy & John Minogue of Riverdale in the first match of the morning in the Junior Section. This match ebbed and flowed but the experience of Molloy was very much a telling factor in this tie. The Riverdale pair were in the driving seat when they reached the 17 hole, they halved the hole to record Riverdale’s first point. Next up was the Lakeside duo of Brian Cahill & Alan Maher v PJ Ryan & Damien Long of Riverdale. These 4 players have had impressive seasons thus far and a titanic battle was envisaged here. However, this didn’t materialise with the Lakeside pair in unstoppable form and this match ended on the 13^th. Ronan Loughnane & Patrick Kennedy of Lakeside were up against the Riverdale young guns of Simon Ryan and Stephen Shoer. This was a match of the highest quality, Riverdale took the lead early on and never relinquished it and duly closed out the match on the 16^th. Finally Paul O’Brien & David Morrissey of Lakeside v Sean Minogue & John O’Meara of Riverdale was the last match of the Foursomes. Morrissey beginning in fantastic style by getting a hole in one on the 1^st, the Lakeside pair continued to control this match for long spells. Minogue sank a great putt on 14 to level but Lakeside moved ahead when O’Brien chipped in on 15. Standing 1up on 18, O’Brien uncharacteristically hit the dreaded water and O’Meara found the green to give the Riverdale pair a much needed halve, a result I think both teams would agree was the right one. So after the Foursome Matches, Nenagh led Lakeside by 2.5 – 1.5 .

The singles matches began with Martha O’Brien v Jim Molloy. The latter now a seasoned veteran and O’Brien still learning her trade, this proved to be one of the matches of the final. Molloy showed his experience at a vital time to move ahead in the game, O’Brien defiance illustrated on the 15^th when she held a great putt to keep the match alive. Molloy though, pitched his ball to within inches of the 16^th to record Riverdale’s first win the singles. Now 3.5 – 1.5, Riverdale in control. Anthony Maher was looking for revenge against John Minogue in the next singles match after Minogue took the spoils in last years final. Another fine display from these players saw this match seesaw during the round. All Square hitting the dreaded 18^th, both players found the water, both then chipped onto the green, but it was Maher who held his nerve to sink a fantastic 10 feet putt to register a much needed point for Lakeside, much to the delight of the Lakeside Crowd. Brian Cahill v PJ Ryan was the next match to turn the attention on. Brian was in control of this match for much of its entirety and closed it out on the 16^th to bring Lakeside level with Riverdale. Now at 3.5 – 3.5, Lakeside players began to see the finish line. Patrick Kennedy v Simon Ryan was a match that had everything, both players making birdie after birdie and not giving an inch. Kennedy has experience of this type of atmosphere though and this proved very beneficial as they entered the final 6 holes. Kennedy, eventually winning on the 16^th hole, Lakeside now found themselves in front for the first time in the final. Alan Maher v Damien Long was to prove to be a massive game for both clubs. Alan, though playing well found himself in big trouble early on, Damien was in unstoppable form but Maher didn’t wilt and continued to plug away. 1 down playing 15, Alan managed to get the match level with 3 holes to go. Alan pitched to within inches of 17 to go 1 up playing the penultimate hole. Both players to their credit found the green, no mean task I might add. Unfortunately for Damien, he missed the putt, Alan had two putts to win the match and he made no mistake, now Lakeside were in front 5.5 – 3.5 with only 3 games left to play. Ronan Loughnane and Stephen Shoer were involved in a tremendous match. Loughnane got in front early, only for Shoer to respond in dramatic fashion to level the match. Shoer found himself 1 up playing the final hole, again both players found the green but Shoer made no mistake and registered a much needed point for Riverdale. Score now 5.5 – 4.5. David Morrissey ran into a machine in John O’Meara. John simply produced a flawless display of Pitch & Putt, Davy to his credit battled back to his opponent was unrelenting, the match finished on the 15^th. Score now 5.5 – 5.5 with only on game left on the course. Paul O’Brien v Sean Minogue, a game that has seen many an epic of the years, this year was not going to disappoint either. O’Brien got off to a dream start when the made birdies on the first 4 holes, he found himself 4 up through 9. Minogue won 10 to reduce the deficit, both birdied 12, Minogue birdied 13 to reduce the lead to 2. Minogue then hit two brilliant pitches to 14 and 15 but was unable to convert the putts and when he missed the green on 16 he opened the door for O’Brien. Paul managed to find the green leaving himself an 8 foot putt straight up hill. Minogue chipped stone dead leaving Paul with the chance to clinch the title for Lakeside. Paul made no mistake and duly sank the putt much to the delight of the Lakeside contingent.

It was truly an epic final, I didn’t think it could better last year’s encounter but the display on show last Sunday proves that the standard of play our players is envied in most counties. The intense rivalry these two great clubs have for one another is extremely healthy, the sportsmanship each player showed had to be admired and really showed what the game of Pitch & Putt is all about. I would like to congratulate Lakeside on their great win but commiserations to a gallant Riverdale team who were so close to re-capturing the title. Roll on next year once again.

The County Board would like to thank all the players who supported the Spring League this year, to Larkspur Park for the use of their course last Sunday for the final, it was in pristine condition as always but also the Clubs of Tipperary who hosted the league stages throughout the league. Your support was so greatly appreciated.

Tipperary - Irish Open Qualifiers

The Irish Open II Munster Qualification took place at the picturesque Larkspur Park course amid strong sunshine, the odd shower but very gusty winds. The course was impeccably prepared as it always was, I was eager to get playing but watching from the sidelines my tour of duty for this particular day.

Tipperary had 18 players and the following players were successful in their attempt to reach the finals of the Irish Open II, that will be played at RGSC on 24th & 25th April.

Shane Hoare - Larkspur Park - 94
James Ryan - Tipp Hills - 102
Brian Webster - Larkspur Park -103
John O'Meara - Riverdale - 103
Jimmy O'Neill - Larkspur Park - 104
Séan Minogue - Riverdale - 106
Paul O'Brien - Lakeside - Automatic

The Co Board would like to express our congratulations to each player and wish them every success in the finals of the tournament next month

Spring League Final - Preview

This coming Sunday 28^th March sees the final of the Tipperary Pitch & Putt Spring League Championship take place at Larkspur Park between Riverdale and Lakeside at 09.30am sharp.

Lakeside the reigning champions who qualified by the skin of their teeth on the last day of the league stage and they are extremely anxious to show that last year’s was not just a flash in the pan. Myles McMorrow and Francis Ryan are joint Captains of this team and they have put out the strongest team available to them. The Senior grade is led by Paul O’Brien whose experience in big time competitions could prove to be an invaluable asset, his form is just right for this competition. Ronan Loughnane is showing fantastic form at present and will be eager to stamp his authority in the senior ranks. Last in the Senior grade for Lakeside is the mercurial Davy Morrissey, if his game hits the right note one has to think he will be a very tough opponent to beat. Lakeside Intermediates are a very strong trio, Brian Cahill will be hoping to emulate his performance of last year when his putt on the 16^th hole ensured victory for Lakeside. Alan Maher is having an in and out season thus far but one thing about Alan he will be very well prepared come Sunday morning. Experience they say is vital in finals like this, Patrick Kennedy is one that comes to mind here, his battling qualities and determination will be very much to the fore on Sunday and he also is playing fantastically well at the moment. Lakeside have two very strong Junior  players in Anthony Maher and Martha O’Brien. Anthony has been in very good form this year, another player who was part of the team last year will be hoping for a repeat performance. Last but by no means least, Martha O’Brien, she has brought a real consistency element in her game this year. A proven Matchplay Champion at Juvenile level she offers a lot to this team in her array of skills but also the fact that she has incredible determination and will not be one bit overawed by the experience that awaits her.

The Riverdale team qualified for the final very easily this year, their players clearly out to set a marker, they want to reclaim this covetous title. In the 80’s & 90’s Riverdale were untouchable in this competition but haven’t had things their own way since the turn of the Millennium. From speaking with their Captain Con Clear Snr this week, he is very anxious to have the glory days return to the famous Nenagh venue. They will be led by recent Irish International Panellist John O’Meara who is in devastating form this year. Expect O’Meara to be very focused on the job at hand and I have no doubt he will be very prepared for this final. The fire is still burning very brightly in Sean Minogue, a veteran of all the Riverdale triumphs over the years, his never say die attitude is always admired but it never overshadows his exceptional talent. Stephen Shoer is next to fall in line, this man oozes talent but in recent weeks his form has dipped slightly so expect to see a rejuvenated Stephen on Sunday. The new kid on the block Simon Ryan is now finding his feet and he has been a real addition to the Riverdale Intermediates, he will be very hard to beat on Sunday. Damien Long, I expect to be on the team, a player who could play at a very high standard if desired  and could well prove to be invincible on Sunday, recent form suggests this. Then we have the enigmatic PJ Ryan, a player making his return to the Spring League Final, a proven winner in the past, he could be the key that unlocks the door for Riverdale. Finally we have Jim Molloy and John Minogue to make up the team of Riverdale. The charismatic Jim is now playing very steady and he will prove to be a very valuable member of this team, his English pit-bull determination will be one to watch on Sunday. John Minogue, a winner twice already in the league stages has seen his form dip slightly but knowing the stock he comes from, he will have all his flaws remedied for Sunday morning, this player could have a big say in Riverdale’s hopes.

Overall the teams are very well balanced. Both are very much spread with experience and the exuberance of youth, which is a very good combination. The foursome matches will be incredibly tight as it is a tough format to play but the singles will be where the tie is won and lost. Last year, the smallest of margins separated the sides at the end and this year I can’t see it being any different. The quality that will be on store on Sunday will be immense, the rivalry intense and the tension sometimes unbearable but this is what we expect when this two great clubs meet.

II Irish International Open 2010

Larkspur Park, Cashel will host the Munster Qualifying Rounds for the II Irish International Open on Saturday 27th March 2010 @ 10am.

18 Tipperary players will be hoping to gain qualification from the 21 qualifying places available.

Please follow the below link to view the Qualifying Draw

http://www.ppui.ie/content/downloads/draws//Irish%20Open%2010%20Qualifying%20Munster.pdf

The Finals of the II Irish Open will be held at R.G.S.C. on 23rd & 24th April.

Michelle McCarthy - In Focus

This week I speak to Michelle McCarthy from Hillview, the new leading lady in Tipperary Pitch & Putt. Michelle, in her first season in the Adult Ranks, won the Munster and All Ireland Ladies Intermediate Strokeplay Championships and also was a leading figure on the Tipperary Ladies Team that came 3rd in Cloghogue. A former Juvenile Star, winning Munster Strokeplay & Matchplay Titles and was the first All Ireland Girls Strokeplay from Tipperary when she won in 2007 at Seapoint. Clearly looking forward to the 2010, I posed a few questions to Michelle on her triumphs to date but also her goals for the future?

1.Hi Michelle, thank you for taking the time to agree to this interview. Can you tell me about what influenced you to get involved in the game?
When I was twelve I joined Hilview because all my friends were joined. I played all the sports up there so Pitch & Putt was just one in four. I never really took much interest in it until I won the Munster Strokeplay that summer in Lakeside. It was probably the easiest to keep going as I was playing a lot of golf at the time and I guess they go hand-in-hand.

2.You were fortunate enough to win very early in your Juvenile career, I remember you winning the Munster Girls Strokeplay in 2004 @ Lakeside. This win must have been the catalyst for your domination in Munster for the next 3 Years. Would you agree?
To be honest it really never sunk in that I had won a Munster that year. I had only been playing a couple of weeks and was so young that it could have been a club competition! I remember I was playing with Martha and neither of us had been playing long so it was more like a bit of fun than a prelude to of my future Pitch & Putt.

3.Obviously winning the All Ireland Girls Strokeplay at Seapoint was a magnificent achievement. Can you recall that famous win?
It was such a windy day, as could be expected in Seapoint. Unfortunately the girls got the worst of the wind in the morning, it’s funny now to think back because as it so happened I was late for my tee-time and was almost disqualified! My golf really helped playing in the wind as it is something I had learned to deal with playing on Links courses. It really was the highlight of being a Juvenile.

4.You then reached 16 in 2008 but for some reason you didn’t seem to play much at all that season, can you explain why or what prevented you from joining the Adult Ladies grade immediately?
I was considering giving up altogether. Most of my friends had outgrown the game and I was playing so much Golf that I really hadn’t much time. The only competition I played that year was the Mixed with James Cleary, which my mother set up!

5.Congratulations on your fine achievements last year in both the Munster and All Ireland Ladies Strokeplay. Winning these events has surely given you the belief that you now can play against the best senior ladies the game has to offer, would u agree?
Maybe not immediately but certainly I hope to reach that level in a couple of years. There is a huge jump up from the intermediate standard to senior ranks so I'm not expecting much from myself this year. But I do have big goals for the future.

6.You played flawless Pitch & Putt in Cloghogue last year to finish -1 under for your 36 holes. How did you find the experience? Did you think that possibly with a little luck, ye could have actually won the event itself?
It was an amazing experience; I went out first for the team so I was hoping to bring in a good score to encourage the others. I played with Siobhan Scannell, so to be honest I was very intimidated to be playing with such a great player. At the time we obviously played as well as we could, but looking back if we had gotten a few more lucky kicks I'm sure we could have won.

7.Yourself and Martha O’Brien of Lakeside have had a very good rivalry since your Juvenile Days and this has also proved to be the case now in the Adult Grade, do you think this helps ye both to play better?
There’s nothing like a bit of healthy rivalry! As Juveniles there weren’t many other girls playing so Martha and I naturally played each other a lot. There was never very much between us, so it meant we were always struggling for the upper hand. I’m sure we are both the better player for it.

8.I have heard you are also a very competent golfer. Do you think we might eventually lose your talents to Golf?
I don’t think so. A few years ago it did look a bit dodgy, but right now my preference is definitely pitch and putt. I’ve had to put the golf on hold this year until the leaving cert is over, but I’m still playing Pitch & Putt so it has become my priority sport.

9.May I ask what keeps you playing Pitch & Putt, when you are playing golf at a very high level?
Ha I think you over-estimate my skills as a golfer! I love golf but it was hard to keep motivated as I was the only girl golfer in South Tipperary. I always felt under pressure to play well as I was receiving Irish training, I love that I never feel under pressure when playing Pitch & Putt. Also a few people keep the game interesting for me!

10.The ladies game in Tipperary is now quite competitive; surely the emergence of the younger players has helped this. Would you prefer to see younger girls in particular playing and how would we attract them to the game?
Definitely, unfortunately at the moment girls Pitch & Putt is really struggling for numbers. When I was a Junior there were several girls playing in Hillview but I’m sorry to say that only one girl remains. I think that the coaching we received from our Junior Officer, Joe Hickey, kept a lot of us playing. Kids love structure so weekly competitions and coaching is definitely the way to go.

11.I understand you are sitting your Leaving Cert this year, with the All Ireland Matchplay on the weekend before the exams, have you given consideration as to whether or not you will enter the competition?
I’ve been thinking about that lately, I love Larkspur and usually play well there. I’ll probably be prepared for the leaving cert at that stage so the matchplay would be great way to relax before the exams! I'm always playing matchplay against James Cleary and the other senior men in the club so hopefully it will pay off!

12.You are playing very well at present and your scores in the Tipperary Spring League have reflected this. Can you tell me how you prepare your game in the build up to some of the Major Competitions?
Usually I play golf! If I'm ever having trouble with my swing I go and play a round of golf, any little glitches in the swing are magnified when you hit a driver so I find out what’s going wrong. Also putting seems so easy in pitch and putt compared to golf, it puts me in the mindset that if I get on the green it’s a birdie opportunity, which sometimes I forget.

13.The All Ireland Ladies Strokeplay is on in Cunnigar this year, a course where you have tasted success before in the Munster Girls Strokeplay. I personally give you an outstanding chance of doing well down there, am I right in saying that you will enter this competition and look forward to playing there again?
It has been marked in my calendar since I heard Cunnigar was hosting this year. I love the course but the competitors have changed a lot since I won there so I'm just going to enjoy the course. It will be the first major after my exams so I can’t wait to be free to practice and play every day!

14.Can Tipperary Ladies contend again in St Annes this year Michelle?
Of course we can. I am so proud to have the opportunity to play alongside established senior ladies such as Brid Cullinan and Breda Lonergan. Our team is going to have a great mix of both experience and youth which hopefully with blend well with the new foursome format.

15.I am of the opinion that you could become a great player in the ladies game. What are your own aspirations going forward?
I want to be the best Woman Pitch & Putt player in Ireland, as I’m sure do most Ladies! Also I’d love to represent my country in a few years. This coming summer is the first I haven’t planned around the golf season so I can’t wait to finally be able give my all to Pitch & Putt!

Michelle, thanks very much for your input to this interview. I want to wish you all the best in your exams and I know that with a little more dedication to Pitch & Putt you really can become one of the top players in Munster and in a few years in Ireland. I sincerely hope you continue your progression this year, Tipperary needs it and quite frankly Ladies Pitch & Putt need players of your generation competing at the very top. I have no doubt you will continue to excel in the competitions that you play in 2010.

(With Paul O’Brien)

Tipperary Spring League - Round 5 - Lakeside

The final instalment of the Tipperary Pitch and Putt Spring League was played at the picturesque Lakeside course in Templemore last Sunday. In what can only be described as ideal conditions, the sun burning, a nice breeze and a course very well prepared, the 68 players who took part really enjoyed playing one of Ireland finest courses.

Lakeside, the reigning champions, were fighting hard to make it to the final but the question was, with home advantage could they get the win they needed and ensure they reached the final against arch rivals Riverdale? They had all their top players back for this finale, they were out to ensure victory and as a team they produced flawless Pitch and Putt on the day, which is never easy in Lakeside. Lakeside led by Ronan Loughnane’s -14, Paul O’Brien’s -13 and the welcome return of Noel Stapleton who hit -11 really set up their victory. Brian Cahill as he does was to the forefront when he returned -11, Patrick Kennedy’s consistency of the league continuing when he returned -8, John Kennedy hitting -3 ensured Lakeside were almost home with their aggregate team score. Mark Cahill made his debut in the league, other sporting activities preventing his debut before that that date but he certainly came up with the goods by returning a blistering -2 in the Junior Grade. Leading Lakeside lady Martha O’Brien continued her fine season when she returned +1 to finally secure Lakeside path to the final.

The final of the Spring League will take place on Sunday 28th March at 9.30am in Larkspur Park. Lakeside now join Riverdale in the final, it is going to be a titanic struggle on the day itself to separate this two great clubs. Riverdale have players playing at the very top of their game at present, this was clearly evident at Lakeside when new Irish International Panelist John O’Meara returned -16 to claim the 36 O/A Gross on the day. Young gun Simon Ryan Jnr is now finding his feet in the adult ranks, he shot -10 on the day to claim the 36 O/A Nett, this won’t be the only overall this young player wins this year. Lakeside though are reigning champions, their team will be hard to pick with some of their top players coming into form at the right time of the season. It is a final not to be missed.

The County Board would sincerely like to thank Lakeside for the way they presented their course to the players last Sunday and to all the Clubs who had their courses impeccably prepared at this time of year for the duration of the Spring League. To all the players from each of the five clubs who supported the league the Co Board are extremely grateful for your continued support.

Brian Cahill - In Focus

Brian Cahill of Lakeside won the All Ireland & Munster Junior Strokeplay titles and also the Tipperary Intermediate Matchplay to his growing list of honours in 2009. A quiet, unassuming young man, I take a look at what makes this player grow from strength to strength in such a short space of time.

1.Hi Brian, you seemed to have really seemed to improve in recent years, what drove you to become involved with the game.
I was always interested in golf from a young age and pitch and putt was the easiest thing to start off with as you only needed two clubs and I got hooked on the game very easily from there.

2.Is it fair to say that you played very little competition when you first started playing? Who or what influenced you to become involved in competitions at Lakeside?
I started playing when I was 15 but found it very hard to get into the course from where I live so didn’t get in often. It was only when I got myself a car and I got in 2 or 3 times a week that my game improved. From there I decided to take it seriously and play competitions.

3.Winning the Munster Strokeplay in Bruff was obviously a great achievement, how did you prepare for that tournament?
I didn’t know anything about the course so when I qualified for the event I made sure I familiarised myself with the course. I went down four or five times before the event to get practise in so I wouldn’t be nervous on the day and I’m glad to say it worked out well.

4.I had the pleasure of watching you win your All Ireland Title in Tralee last July. What was frame of mind entering that competition, when so many people had you as one of the favourites to win?
I was very relaxed going into Tralee. I didn’t pay much attention to people saying I was one of the favourites. I once again familiarised myself with the course and it’s surroundings to ensure I was properly prepared. I made the long trip down to the course 4 times before the event with the brother to get to know it.

5.You were leader entering the Final 18 of the All Ireland. This must have brought new pressures to you. How did you manage to deal with your nerves as you began that crucial round?
To be honest I was really nervous starting the final round, which led to an early 3 putt when I was thinking birdie, that gave me the shock I needed to calm down and I played solid after that.

6.You then went on to win the Tipperary Intermediate Matchplay at Lakeside shortly after your All Ireland Title. This obviously showed that you could compete at that level. Was this a very important factor to win in this grade and show progression through the grades?
I think it was as it gave me the belief that I can also challenge in this grade and not only the Junior grade. I think it gave me me great confidence for 2010 at this level and I am really looking forward to this season.

7.What do you think of the re-introducing the Provincial Matchplay for Inter & Juniors?
I think it is a brilliant idea as most of us at the inter and junior grades love matchplay but don’t get to play it often enough where we can compete. I just hope everyone else agrees and enters to make sure these stay for good beyond the three year trial

8.You have received many awards from various organisations since your great achievements. Is there any award that stands out for you?
There is the award I received from my fellow members from Lakeside in recognition of my achievements for 2009, which was a great honour as the members of the club have helped me so much to improve my game. To win what I have in the past year was fantastic and I like to thank the members for presenting me with it and for all their help and advice over the years.

9.In your opinion, what do Clubs need to do to attract new members to the game?
I honestly think having a wide variety of competitions in your club where everyone has a chance of winning a competition or a prize can encourage people to join. It is important that new members stick at it, enabling them to improve their game and enjoying themselves more. I also think having teaching days once a month so people who want to learn are able to and it would be of great benefits to the clubs also.

10.Can you see yourself ever getting involved in the Administration side of the game with Lakeside?
At the moment NO but I’m always a person who comes up with ideas so maybe in the future.

11.I recently heard that you entered the Irish Open. How important is it to you that you qualify for this event and possibly play against the best players in the world?
This is really important to me as I am learning the whole time. I am anxious to improve my game and there is nothing better than to try and qualify for the Irish open where all the best players in the world will be so I can compete with them and learn from them to improve my game.

12.I am of the opinion that you could become a great player with more experience. Have you certain goals in 2010 that you would like to share?
My main goals are to qualify for all the Major Competitions I enter and after that anything would be a bonus.

13.Does playing for Tipperary at the Inter County Championships something you see coming your way over the next couple of years?
It does in time, hopefully I can represent Tipperary as it would be a great honour for me.

14.You also had a great year at Lakeside last year at local level. Do you think competitive practice enables your game to become stronger than normal practice?
Without a doubt there is nothing like having a card in your pocket to focus you to play well. My game improved more in the last year since I started playing competitions at Lakeside every week than in the previous 10 years combined is a good example of that.

15.You will be hoping to add the All Ireland & Munster Intermediate Titles to your long list of honours this year. What is your experience if any of both Ryston and Riverdale?
Ryston, I played in the Scramble last year got to grips with it very easily, I really liked the fast greens and as for Riverdale I play there quite a bit as I work in Nenagh so know it very well.

Brian, once again thanks very much for your assistance in this interview. I wish you all the very best in 2010 both on and off the course and I sincerely hope you are in the winners enclosure once more.

(with Paul O’Brien)

Spring League Round 4 - Hillview

Last Sunday saw the 4th instalment of the Spring League took place on one of the oldest Pitch & Putt courses in the country, Hillview. A glorious day of sunshine greeted the players from the early morning session and the course was prepared impeccably as always by the Hillview ground staff albeit with the odd local advantage added to the course.

Hillview, who normally are very strong at home, certainly lived up to this expectation when some of their players returned flawless displays of Pitch and Putt. Noel Joyce, always a man to post a score for his club did not disappoint but this day was where the younger players of Hillview would shine through the beaming sunlight and stamp their authority on their relevant grades. Rory O’Hanrahan, an ever aspiring young player returned a magnificent -11 to get the ball rolling for the Senior Grade, he was ably followed by the mercurial Stephen O’Reilly who blasted home -7 for his second round to return -8 for his 36 holes. Evan Hickey, who has only entered the Intermediate Grade from the Juvenile ranks was relentless in his pursuit to win the 36 O/A Nett and pursue it he did when he returned a tremendous -6, keep your eye on this player as the season progresses. It goes without saying behind most men are even better women or so they say. Michelle McCarthy is really developing into one of the best players in Munster at present and with a little more dedication to the game could become one of the leading ladies in Irish Pitch & Putt. I watched her at first hand on Sunday and to say I was impressed is an understatement and I have high hopes for this young lady on the competitive scene this year. She returned a magnificent -7 to ensure that Hillview would be very comfortable winners on the day. It was just a pity that Con Lucey’s magnificent hole in one on the 15th hole from the 1st tee-box didn’t count, surely was the best shots this writer has seen in his years involved in the game!

Riverdale, who were already qualified for the final came home in second place with the likes of John O’Meara, Paul Shoer, Sean Minogue, Pierce Mitchell all putting their shoulder to the wheel when push came to shove on Sunday, last. Lakeside led by the rejuvenated Michael Fennell, the comeback of Michael Bourke and a few other players came home in 3rd place. Young Shane Hoare of Larkspur Park played the pitch and putt of his life to return a remarkable -14 to clinch the best 36 Overall Gross on the day.

Final leg of the league will take place at Lakeside on Sunday 14th March. Tee Times from 9.30am to 1.00pm and €10 entry per player. Something tells me there will be a scintillating finish to this compelling competition at Lakeside on Sunday

Bríd Cullinan (Ryan) - In Focus

In this weeks interview I speak with the ever-popular Bríd Cullinan (nee Ryan) who has been the dominant force on the Tipperary Ladies game for over a decade now. Beaten in the All Ireland Semi Finals on more than one occasion, Bríd is very popular among her rivals and she is a very personable young woman. Bríd who had a baby girl (Cara) back in 2008, missed all of that season but 2010 could be that start of something new for the Hillview starlet. She has a lot of passion and drive for the game and I ask her personal views of the game and how it all began for her.

1.What inspired you to get involved in the game?
My father used to play and he encouraged the four children in our family to play. He used to bring us to Hillview regularly to play a few holes when we were quite young. And as I got older I used to tag along to some of the Scratch Cups with my brother.

2.Your sister Joanne was also a very good player when playing, do you think you were better and can you see Joanne ever returning to take some of your glory?
I think it's difficult to compare us as we never really played together or against each other in the Senior ranks. Joanne had a natural full swing and a lovely pitch of the ball. I am doubtful that she will ever make a return to the game as work and family commitments take up a lot of her time – but I would welcome the challenge!!

3.I have a vivid memory of you winning Bronze in the All Ireland Girls Strokeplay in 1992 at Fermoy. Can you recall that great day for you and did this prove beneficial for you to keep up the game as you entered the Adult Grade?
There were very few girls playing in the county at the time and I usually played against the boys in Hillview so I went to Fermoy with no real expectations. I was delighted to do so well especially as it was my last year as a juvenile. I think any success keeps you motivated and interested.

4.Is it fair to say that Fermoy has been a good course to you?
I always enjoy playing there, particularly since the National Matchplay a few years ago. I missed a putt on the last hole and it cost me a place in the final. The course has a variety of shots and is always in good condition.

5.Obviously winning the All Ireland Mixed Foursomes with Mr Joyce at Cloghogue 1999 was a great moment for you personally. Can you talk us through that event?
I had never played the course before and found it quite a challenge during the practice rounds. We got off to a slow start in the first round and I think we were about half way after 18 holes. The local pair were favourites and had the best score turning. Our second round started a bit better and after a few holes we knew- well Noel knew- we were in with a chance. We picked up a couple of more pluses in the closing holes but the pressure was definitely on when Noel started to tell me we had to make the last couple of holes! So I did exactly what I was told and we won by the narrowest of margins. It was a fantastic win for us and playing with Noel was so enjoyable.

6.The ladies game in Tipperary at the moment is quite strong with the emergence of some young talent and also with some players coming back, what is your outlook on perhaps new competition that you now face?
I think new competition is always a positive thing. Ladies pitch and putt in the county is in a very good position at the moment. New and returning players encourage people to practice and put in more of an effort – especially if you are on the losing side of some of our new talent, as I well know!

7.Will Tipperary win the All Ireland Ladies Inter County in the near future?
I would be very hopeful of us winning a national title in the next few years. The ladies game in the county is definitely going from strength to strength and has improved immensely in the recent past so I think we have it all to play for.

8.What in your opinion, can be done to attract more ladies to our game?
In Hillview ladies night is organised during the summer months to encourage new players in an informal and fun setting as an introduction to the game. I also think our Ladies County Matchplay should be resurrected.

9.Would you support a Ladies Sub-Committee being set up to try and implement ideas as to how more ladies can become involved in the game?
Yes I would. It would be great to see new faces in the ladies game.

10.How do you balance your role as a mother and try and get out to prepare for various competitions.
With difficulty! It's just not as easy to find the time to practice these days but I'm lucky with the job I have that I'm off all summer – and of course my wonderful husband!!!

11.Knowing you as I do for a long number of years, you enjoy the social aspect of the game, do you feel this is an important outlet in the game?
Absolutely. Having played the game for so long you tend to meet a lot of the same people at the various competitions and build-up friendships. I really enjoy the social aspect of the game and having the craic.

12.What goals have you set yourself for the future?
I would love to be part of a winning Tipp Ladies Inter-County team and maybe go a step-or two- further in the National Matchplay.
13.Surely, with the Matchplay in Larkspur this year, you will be looking forward to playing in that event, perhaps finally win that elusive title?
I would love to be playing in the matchplay as it's my favourite event but as I'm expecting my second baby this summer my game will be put on hold for a while!

Bríd, thank you most sincerely for agreeing to this interview and I wish you the very best for the season in 2010 and now especially with the new arrival on the way. Gut instincts would tell me it's a boy so the competition could be lively in the Cullinan household in the future.

(With Paul O'Brien)