Old County Pitch & Putt Club

Pauline Balfe was the unlucky player along with Lucan's Barbara Furlong having to play a preliminary match at the matchplay in Rocklodge, Pauline though was unfazed and was quickly into her stride establishing an early lead, she extended that to 4up at one stage and although Barbara made some in roads, Pauline held firm to record a 3&2 win. She did not get much of a breather as she was straight out against the holder and number 1 seed Ger Ward. Ger is a phenomenal player breaking records almost every year and unfortunately for Pauline, Ger has a great liking for the Rocklodge course. Pauline tried to hang onto Ger but it was a tough ask and Ger secured a comfortable win midway through the 2nd round. It was a tough draw for Pauline who really could have fancied herself against many others in the draw but sadly her run ended against Ger. She can now focus on the Dublin Strokeplay next weekend. 

George McGreal was out in the afternoon session in the bottom half of the draw up against Paul Tobin. Tobin started well but George got into his stride and soon established himself with a narrow lead after 18. George maintained his advantage in the 2nd 18 extending it to 3up at one stage, but it was a close finish as Tobin fought back and George won it on the last.  George will play Cian Morrison in the morning and then a 3rd round meeting with either Shane Murphy or JJ Walsh, that should be a terrific game should George advance to the last 16 we wish him well. 

It is no surprise that the duo who represented Old County on the Dublin Inter County teams last year will be our representatives at the National Matchplay finals in Rocklodge on Saturday. Pauline really made her mark on the Inter County team last year and would really have fancied her chances of a run deep into the draw but the draw could have been kinder, Pauline plays Lucan's Barbara Furlong another experienced performer in the only preliminary match and the winner plays the holder Ger Ward in the 1st round proper.Pauline has met Ger in a few 1st round matches and should take some confidence in that match should she overcome Barbara. 

George was drawn in a tricky section but George has been in fantastic form with a 90 in the Dcb Qualifiers in Ierne, a 43 in our weekly comp last weekend and a 96 qualifying 2nd in the Leinster S/P Qualifiers on Sunday so George will not be phased by his draw. Paul starts against Paul Tobin and if he wins that he could face former champ Shane Murphy or multiple winner JJ Walsh in Round 3 . Then possibly Ray Murphy in the last 8 and maybe a final 4 meeting with Damien Fleming but with the likes of Chris Scannell, Kevin McCarthy, Eoin Walsh, Mark Millar and how will former juvenile hotshot Evan Carry fare in that quadrant, who knows what path will form for George. For now we wish him well on SAturday afternoon. A few will make the trip down to support our duo, so fair play to them. We hope George and Pauline have a great weekend and we will keep you posted. Pauline tees off around 09:15 and George around 3PM on Saturday. 

The Dublin County Board have released the timesheets for the 2019 Dublin Strokeplay finals in RGSc on June 08th and 09th. In the Ladies Pauline Balfe will tee of the 1st shots in the Senior Strokeplay at 09:30 on 08th June. She will be joined by Laura Whelan and Deirdre Curran in the Inter event and Jenn McGreal will be our sole reptresentative in the Junior Grade. The full drawsheet is available here

The Gents event on the Sunday will begin with the Inter event. Rob Berney qualified strongly in the qualifiers and will be in the last group out with holder Gareth Walsh and David Horan. Joining Rob in the finals are Lennon Blake, Conor O'Shea and the ever green Christy Broe. 

The Junior event tees off at 10am and just 18 players taking part Rob Ryan is the only OC player in the field here. 

The Seniors will be the last into action and we have great representation, George McGreal was the leading qualifier in Ierne and will be in the final group with holder John Ross Crangle and Paul Nolan from Ierne. Former champs Stephen Murray and Tom O'Reilly and Kevin Bermingham will be in the field. We also have Andy Lowe, Stephen Power, Karl Murphy and Kevin Corcoran competing for the trophy. We will keep you posted on how they progress and who makes the final round play-off.  The Full draw is available by clicking here

RGSC have announced practice times will be all day next Wednesday and Thursday. 

Old County secured a precious and excellent win on the road in Portmarnock on WEdnesday night. They made a superb start the Senior Doubles went the distance and Old County won on the last. The Inter one as well went the distance and Old County were to seal the point on the 18th and the junior foursomes like the two before and Old County once again took the point so 3-0 up after the Doubles. 

Portmarnock needed a quick start in the Singles and they got it. THe opening seniors singles went their way and when the 2nd one went to the home side as well. Old County though steadied the ship winning the 3rd senior singles to Old County. The Inters were in sublime form and all three inters  played brilliantly  and won well to push Old County over the line 7-2. Portmarnock continued to fight hard and won the Opening Junior Singles  Old County won Match 2 and the home side won the final singles with old County running out 8-4 winners. A great awaty win for the gents and they will hope to keep the form going when Portmarnock visit Old County next Tuesday.