Jockeys Race To Munster Golf Classic Win

Jockeys Charlie Swan and Kieren Fallon joined Dundrum’s Willie Crowe to take the top prize of the best overall score in the annual event, finishing on 52 points and narrowly beating the Highlifters team of Vincent O’Flaherty, Jim Tobin and Con Kelleher.

The winning team were presented with their prizes by Munster’s Anthony Foley and John Hartery, chairman of the Munster Management Committee.

Now in its seventh year, the Classic returned to the magnificent setting of the Dundrum House Hotel, where the very first competition was held. Due to unprecedented demand for places, for the first time the Munster Rugby Golf Classic was held over two days this year, with separate prizes for each day and a prize for the best overall score, all sponsored by Heineken Ireland.

Munster Rugby were delighted to welcome Polaris World on board as event sponsor, with the Irish Examiner continuing their support of this fundraising event as media sponsor.

On Thursday, the OB Fire & Safety team of Michael O’Brien, Alan O’Shea and Robert Kidney finished in first place with a score of 51 points, followed by Great Stuff Caterers’ Robert Twohig (Muskerry), Noel Lynch (Frankfield) and Pat Wallace (Bandon) on 50 points. The Radisson SAS Hotel Limerick team of Stephen Hanley, Eddie McGrath and Dominic Macken came in third on 49 points.

On their heels were Ron Lehane, Tim Deasy and Richard Deasy of Timberland and IRFU Referees Development Officer David McHugh, Alan Rowe and Eddie Walsh of Team McHugh. The longest drive was won by Ron Lehane of Timberland, with his team-mate Richard Deasy winning the ‘Nearest the Pin’ competition on the 6th hole.

On Friday, with the Dundrum House Hotel team and Highlifters in a close finish on 52 points apiece, they were followed by the Mahers Sports team, led by Tom and Niall Maher, on 50 points. In third place came 4Imprint on 49 points, followed by Mardyke Arena and South East Scaffolding. The longest drive was won by Bruce Wood of Premier Marketing Group, with Paul Moloney of adidas winning the ‘Nearest the Pin’ competition.

Munster coach Declan Kidney lent his support by participating in Thursday’s competition, and he was also on hand at the evening formalities to present the day’s prizes. On Friday, Anthony Foley and Shaun Payne, the province’s new team manager, also competed in the event.

All competitors were automatically entered into a draw for a trip for two to the Rugby Hall of Fame Golf Week at Sesimbra in Lisbon in Portugal (October 5-12), which was kindly sponsored by Munster Sports Travel. Colm O’Brien, who played on the Clarion Hotel team, was the winner of this fantastic prize.

All funds generated at the Munster Rugby Golf Classic will go towards the development of Youths rugby in the province.

2007 MUNSTER RUGBY GOLF CLASSIC RESULTS:

Thursday, August 30 –

1st: OB Fire & Safety – Michael O’Brien, Alan O’Shea, Robert Kidney (51 points)
2nd: Great Stuff Caterers – Robert Twohig (Muskerry), Noel Lynch (Frankfield), Pat Wallace (Bandon) (50 points)
3rd: Radisson SAS Hotel Limerick- Stephen Hanley, Eddie McGrath, Dominic Macken (49 points)
4th: Timberland – Ron Lehane, Tim Deasy, Richard Deasy (49 points)
5th: Team McHugh – David McHugh, Alan Rowe, Eddie Walsh (49 points)

Longest Drive: Ron Lehane (Timberland)
Nearest the Pin: Richard Deasy (Timberland)

Friday, August 31 –

1st: Highlifters – Vincent O’Flaherty, Jim Tobin, Con Kelleher (52 points)
2nd: Mahers Sports – Tom Maher, Niall Maher, S. Birmingham (50 points)
3rd: 4Imprint – P. Morgan, Ian Keartland, Marc O’Neill (49 points)
4th: Mardyke Arena – Patsy Ryan, Sean Ryan, Michael Crowley (49 points)
5th: South East Scaffolding – Vincent Woodlock, Ollie Baker, Donal Ryan (49 points)

Longest Drive: Bruce Wood (PMG)
Nearest the Pin: Paul Moloney (Adidas)

Overall Best Card of the Two Days: Dundrum House Hotel – Willie Crowe, Charlie Swan, Kieren Fallon (52 points)

Munster Sports Travel Golf Holiday Draw: Colm O’Brien (Clarion Hotel team)