Westmeath win the Jack McCormack Memorial Challenge
Westmeath had a comprehensive win over their neighbours Longford in the Jack McCormack Memorial Challenge last night - Monday 25th July. This was the first outing for the Gents 2011 team and it bonded very well to produce a very credible 52 under total on the night.
The first pairing out was captain Martin Kenny and Harry O'Hanlon. After a slow enough start the lads got into their stride as the round progressed and returned a very tidy 46. Next up was Pat Malone and John Browne. The two lads got off to a flyer recording 6 birdies in the first 8 holes. Missed chances on 9 and 10 however broke the momentum and in the end they could only find 3 more birdies on the back stretch to finish 9 under for the round. Last pairing then was Larry McGinn and this years 1st
reserve Michael Buckley who was standing in for Ronan Whelan. This partnership seemed to click very well producing the best score of the doubles with a 44.
Martin led by example in the the singles by returning an excellent blemish free 46. Harry battled well against the elements to also return an under par round of 53. Pat Malone recovered well from a bad start to return a 52 including a hole in one on arguable the hardest hole on the course - the 14th. John Browne had a rock solid 49 again with no boggies. Larry McGinn birdied 6 of the last 7 to record a superb 47 and Michael Buckley returned a solid 52 to make up the winning total.
On the night, things did not go as they might have wished for the Longford team but manager, Francie Kelly was very gracious in his speech for the sporting game and the hospitality of the Kilbeggan club. Martin Kenny paid an emotional tribute to the late great Jack McCormack in his speech and was clearly honoured to lift the cup with his name on it.
All-in-all it was an encouraging first outing for the Westmeath Gents and certainly a platform to build on and go forward
