Spring League - Round 3 - Larkspur Park

Hillview back on Course

The third instalment of the Spring League was played at the picturesque Larkspur Park, Cashel on Sunday last. With beaming sunlight greeting the players from early morning, it was evident that there was going to be some low scoring throughout the day.

Brian Webster of the host club is finally back to showing the form that made him an Irish International back in 2005, he returned a flawless -14 to set the early clubhouse lead for the overall gross score. Scores were coming in thick and fast with Riverdale masters O’Meara and Minogue very much to the fore for their respective teams. Patrick Kennedy of Lakeside was in devastating form shooting -7 for his Lakeside team in the Intermediate section and his clubmate Alan Maher duly followed him with the same score to put Lakeside in a healthy position with more players yet to play. John Minogue of Riverdale having the Spring League of his life once again ensured that he would count for Riverdale with his masterful display and he would pick up the 36 Overall Gross for the 2nd successive Sunday. Martha O’Brien of Lakeside continued her fine form in the league as did Davy Morrissey make a welcome return to boost the confidence of the Lakeside players. Paul O’Brien is finally re-discovering his form, he shot -14 on the day but Lakeside minus a few of their top players, paid the ultimate price and were beaten into 3rd place on the day behind Riverdale and Hillview.

Hillview are a team slowly finding their form in the league at the moment. With players gradually coming back to the scene, they are now playing consistently and are very much back in the hunt after last Sunday. Michelle McCarthy of Hillivew is definitely the most promising player in the Ladies game at present, she powered around Larkspur shooting -4 and clearly stamp her authority on the competition, perhaps set down a marker for the year. Her coach James Cleary also playing very well on the day will be happy with his return. Bríd Cullinan also made a very welcome return on Sunday and she showed that she has lost none of her talents, albeit with the help of a little person and it great to see her on the course producing the goods but the silver haired fox that is Noel Joyce ensured this Hillview team would take second place on the day when he returned a magnificent -15 to take the 36O/A Gross also, his second of the league.

Once again kudos to the Larkspur Park committee for having the course in such splendid condition. A lot of work is being undertaken there to prepare for the All Ireland Matchplay but nevertheless the course was very well prepared and the Co Board would like to express their gratitude to all who competed yet again.

League Table after Larkspur Park
Riverdale 18pts
Lakeside 11pts
Hillview 10pts
Larkspur Park 0pts
Tipp Hills 0pts
36 O/A Gross – Noel Joyce – Hillview – 93 (-15)
36 O/A Nett – John Minogue – Riverdale (108) Level Par.