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.