Rochfortbridge Pitch and Putt Club members produced a series of excellent performances at the Leinster Matchplay Championships held over the weekend of May 9th and 10th at McDonagh Pitch and Putt Club and St Brigids Pitch and Putt Club.
In the Ladies Matchplay at St Brigids, with the semi-finals played in McDonagh, Sinead Lynam received a walkover in her Last 16 match against Catherine Keane. Sinead then faced Anne Jackson in a thrilling contest which went all the way to the 36th hole, where Sinead secured victory to advance to Sunday’s semi-final. There she came up against Shirley Wells, who proved too strong on the day. It was a fine performance from Sinead throughout the weekend.
In the Gents Senior Matchplay, Rochfortbridge had representatives in Gerry Coyne and Mark Newman, who recently transferred to Lough Owel Pitch and Putt Club.
Gerry Coyne began his campaign with a hard-fought victory over David Cassidy on the 36th hole in the Last 32. Gerry followed this up with an impressive 8&7 win against Darren Egan. In the Last 16 he faced the in-form Eamon Gibney, who was playing at a very high standard throughout the day. Eamon defeated Gerry by 8&7, bringing an end to Gerry’s excellent run. It was a tremendous performance from Gerry, who had never previously progressed beyond the first round.
Mark Newman started his championship with a convincing 6&5 victory over Patrick Robinson. In the Last 16, Mark faced Dublin Intercounty player Chris Gallagher and emerged victorious on the 36th hole to advance to the quarter-finals. There he defeated John Kelly by 2&1 to book his place in Sunday’s semi-final against Eamon Gibney.
Mark produced a brilliant performance in the semi-final, defeating Eamon with a superb chip-in on the final hole to reach his first Leinster Final. Unfortunately for Mark, he came up against defending champion Stephen Murray in the decider. Despite giving his all, Mark was defeated by 4&3.
It was a brilliant weekend overall for our members. Rochfortbridge Pitch and Putt Club are extremely proud of all the players and would also like to wish Mark Newman the very best as a member of Lough Owel Pitch and Putt Club.
Well done to all involved.
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