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Since
its inception in 1951 the Lord Mayor's Cup has been synonymous with Clontarf Golf
Club. The brainchild of Jack Belton, the then Lord Mayor of Dublin and former
Captain of Clontarf Golf Club, the Lord Mayor's Cup has been competed for by golfers
of distinction for 58 years now. Players such as Ryder Cup star Philip Walton,
Martin Sludds and David Kinsella, who won in 1964, have all been entrants. The
1989 winner, Robbie Moore from Howth G.C., competed in the 1999 Canadian Open
at Glen Abbey G.C.

Pictured
at the presentation of the Lord Mayor's Cup 2009 were, L - R, John Kelly
(Sponsor AIB), Winner Niall Clancy, Stackstown G.C., Councillor Aodhán
O Riordáin representing the Lord Mayor and Aidan Foy (Captain, Clontarf
G.C.) | The
qualifying round is 18 holes singles strokes, played on a scratch basis, and usually
takes place on the second Sunday in August each year, with the leading 64 players
qualifying for the match play stages which are played throughout the week. Entry
is open to players of affiliated golf clubs who hold a handicap of four to nine
at the date of the qualifying round. The timesheet opens two weeks in advance
of the competition and those interested in competing are advised to enter early
as this event is one of the most popular on Leinster's golfing calendar. A full
timesheet each year, comprising of all single figure golfers, bears testament
to its popularity with many competitors returning year after year with the hope
of finally getting their names inscribed on the famous cup. Clontarf
Golf Club is very pleased to have Allied Irish Bank as our sponsor of this prestigious
event. Its success is due, in no small way, to their continued support and generous
sponsorship. Similar to the summers
of the two previous years, the summer of 2009 will also be remembered for the
inclement weather experienced throughout the months of June July and August. Thankfully
the sun shone for most of the Lord Mayor's Cup week this year and play went off
as scheduled. This year, in a change to the normal format, four handicappers were
eligible to play. Their inclusion, not only improved the playiing standard, but
also reduced the qualifying score for reaching the Match Play stage. It was not
surprising to see this year's semi-finals being contested by all four-handicappers. The
final was contested by two non-members this year. Paul Keogh (Westmanstown) a
former winner of the competition in 2007 and Niall Clancy (Stackstown). Keogh
had dispatched his opposition, Darragh O'Malley (Royal Dublin G.C.) 5/4 in the
morning semi-final whilst Clancy had a fight on his hands to secure victory over
Alan McCarthy (Clontarf) on the 18th hole in the other semi-final. The
final itself was keenly contested and it remained very close throughout. Nerves
and tirednesss played a part at the start of the back nine when both players failed
to capitalise on errors by their opponent. After 14 holes Clancy had his nose
ahead and was one-up. Both players dropped good putts on the 15th to halve the
hole in regulation with Keogh making a particularly good up-and-down. Keogh gifted
Clancy the 16th hole when he could do no better than a six, having found the greenside
bunker with his approach shot. Clancy was now two up with two to play. After two
good drives down the 17th, Keogh knocked his second shot just over the back of
the 17th green whilst Clancy came up short with his. As the tension mounted both
players only played average chips and left themselves with work to do to make
par. Keogh was up first and holed his put much to the delight of his supporters.
Clancy, who had putted well throughout the week studied his line, struck the putt
and holed it to take the match and title. The match was played throughout in the
best sporting tradition by two worthy finalists. Click
on above link for past winners' list. BROTHERS
MAKE HISTORY IN 2002 There was no
brotherly love lost when the Fennelly brothers contested the 2002 AIB sponsored
final of the 52nd Lord Mayor's Cup. Against all the odds, the two brothers, Damien
(18) and Barry (14) came through a top class field of 198 players to meet in the
final. Interested spectators at the
final were Don MacAulay who won the trophy 50 years ago in 1952 and captured it
three times in all. Gerry O'Brien, Hon. Secretary of the G.U.I. was also present.
He contested the final four times and won in 1976. Paul
and June Fennelly, the proud parents, kept a discreet distance in the large crowd
following the final which saw Barry, the youngest winner ever, triumph by 3 &
2. |