2016 National Ladies Strokeplay Championships Report

Successes for Breda Lonergan, Mary Murray & Mairead Manning

2016 National Ladies Strokeplay Championships Report image

2016 National Ladies Strokeplay Latest from St. Stephen’s

 

TWO repeat successes for from last weekend’s senior events in Fermoy and a victory for the host club were the highlights of the 2016 National Ladies Strokeplay Championships today in St Stephens. Communications & Press Officer Jason O’Connor reports on proceedings from the Cork venue.

 

A 29 year gap was bridged for Tipperary Hills’ Breda Lonergan as she won her second National Ladies Senior Strokeplay title in St Stephens today to go with her success back in 1987. Rounds of three and five under par gave her a three shot lead over defending champion Ger Ward of Portmarnock after the first 36 holes on eight under par. She stayed steadied over the first nine holes of the Final 18 remaining on eight under as Chrissie Byrne and Eleanor Walsh moved within two of the lead on six under. Breda would not falter however finishing the tournament on nine under, three clear of four players on six under.

 

            Marian Courtney of St Bridgets claimed the silver medal on countback thanks to the best final round of the playoff with three under par with a better back nine for Eleanor Walsh giving her third overall from both Ger and Chrissie. The Intermediate grade saw Mary Murray follow Breda in winning today after success in Fermoy the previous Saturday. The Rocklodge player had a bit more difficulty in her win however needing to come from seven shots behind after the initial 36 holes to win out by two strokes. Former National Junior Strokeplay Champion Ailish Sexton led the field on three over after 36 but had to make do with third overall for a finish after Mary had a closing 56 to finish on 174. Mary also leapfrogged Una Brosnan and Mary Fullam (both joint second after 36) in claiming her win as last year’s winner Mary Quinn of Lakeside was the only other player in the playoff to shoot below 60 (59) to claim second on countback from Ailish with 176.

 

            The Junior grade saw the biggest winning margin of the day as Mairead Manning had eight shots to spare over her nearest challenger. Two rounds of 57 gave her a score of 114, seven clear of Stella Kinsella from Cunnigar after 36. However Stella would have to make do with sixth overall as a closing 63 was enough to give Mairead the title with 177. Jill O’Riordan from Inniscarra also had 63 in the final round to finish with 185 and the best round of the playoff in 59 by Collins’ Nuala McNamara gave her third on 187.

 

Click on the above scoreboard to see how all the other players played today.