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.

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.