From: Crumlin, Dublin 12 & Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin

History: These two clubs have both had highs and lows in Pitch and Putt, in recent and past times.

Old County are one of the oldest clubs in the capital city, and has tasted success at every level of Senior Pitch and Putt. Champions at every level, from National Matchplay to County Strokeplay, and will look to add the National Inter-Club to that list. Very close to extinction in the mid-90’s, the past two decades have seen a process of rebuilding and regeneration, and of late, this club has been to the fore in men’s, women’s and children’s pitch and putt, and continue to negotiate the hurdles that a small sports club with modest facilities face in a modern bustling capital city.

Loughlinstown are traditionally a smaller club by Dublin standards, but they have warmth to match the biggest. Located on the fringes of the county, but have constantly been in the limelight over the past twenty-five years. The club with the huge juvenile numbers in the 90’s, this tactic has paid off immeasurably as success in the past decade has been extremely tangible.

Two tightly-knit clubs, with two narrow courses, and two community based clubs. Both have National profile seniors, County profile seniors, and genuinely strong club players. The perfect fit.
 

Squad:
These two clubs joined forces due to the unavailability of so many of their regular players due to the demands the long National Inter-Club season makes of a player. Old County are the current Dublin Senior Leagues Champions (defending their title successfully this year) while Loughlinstown are also perennial challengers for that title. Combined they are a fearsome proposition.

Captain:
Eoin Mithen: (National) Ranking: 46         
Eoin is a former Dublin County Champion and Inter-County player. A quiet and honest player, his calm demeanour is ideally suited to Matchplay. An ideal captain of this amalgamated side, as his personable style is great for gelling the different personalities.
George McGreal (76):
Cool customer. Very composed style of Pitch and Putt. Excellent senior, former Leinster Strokeplay and Dublin Matchplay Champion. Captained Old County to Dublin League success this year, and has won in Matchplay many times. Vital cog in the wheel.
Gary Healy(120):
Passionate player, very hard on himself when things don’t go right. When he’s in the right frame of mind can be a very difficult player to face. Loves a challenge, and will be targeting victory over Collinstown. Another player with a good history in the Dublin leagues, and has won Championships previously.
Thomas Mason (232):
More McGreal than Healy, nothing will faze Tommy Mason. Quiet player, but that unassuming nature has had its fare share of victims in the past. Former Leinster Strokeplay champion, and Dublin League winner.

Patrick Kelly (N/A): The Patriarch of the South Dublin conglomerate, Paddy Kelly is a long-time representing Loughlinstown Pitch and Putt Club, and has always done so with a panache and style.
Stephen Murray (37): Not available for selection this weekend, his absence could hurt the team.
Stephen Power (236):
The weather man. A great, underrated player, and exactly the type of player that this tournament can bring the best of. Great win against John Walsh in quarter-final which was crucial in progressing to semi-finals.
Robert Ryan (N/A): Not available for selection this weekend, a real clubman, his reputation preceeds him.
John Ross Crangle (3):
Best player in Dublin, and has been playing well of late, if not quite sealing the deal! A multiple Leinster Champion, plenty of success in Scr Cups, and Leagues. Can hold his head high in any company. Crucial to the combo’ chances of success.
Gerard Fitzpatrick (60):
Quiet season for Ger, but this could be the catapult back into the big-time. Great player, talent has never been a problem. Could be the wild card this Saturday.    

Path to the Semi-finals:
Runners-Up Group C
Results:
Claycastle: 4-5 (L) @ Larkspur
St Patricks: 5-4 (W) @ St Bridget’s
St Bridget’s: 4-5 (L) @ Lucan
Tramore: 5-4 (W) @ St. Bridget’s
Erin’s Isle: 7-2 (W) @ Shandon
Hillview/Larkspur: 5-4 (W) @ Erry

Quarter-Final v Collins 5-4 (W) @ Lakeside

Prospects:
There is some doubt as to the availability of two of their key players, Murray and, and if the worst comes to pass and they are unavailable for selection, it will be a huge blow to their chances. But that is what squads are for, to be utilised in all situations, and this is what prevailed in their epic quarter-final victory over the behemoth that is the huge Collins club from Cork City.
With only 5 players available for selection, and facing players such as John Walsh, Chris Scannell, Eoin Walsh, Owen Shannon and Brian Kenefick, the OldLoughlin team emerged victorious as Stephen Power defeated John Walsh on the final hole in Lakeside to send ripples through the senior section, as the previously undefeated Cork side tasted defeat for the first time. Eliminating Chris Scannell was key before a ball was played, and the line-ups worked to their advantage too, and this tactical nous will be important as they face the daunting challenge that Collinstown are sure to present.

At this stage they’ve to be considered underdogs against essentially the Westmeath Inter-County team, but that will suit them. Bruff could be to their liking too. They need a start in the doubles, and will need to take one point at the very least.