Feenan on fire but McKibbin wins June Medal

Mourne Golf Club News

By Paul Gallagher

13/06/23

The June Medal sponsored by John Mac’s was a close-run thing, but Sean McKibbin did just enough to edge out Mark Feenan in last Sunday’s stroke play competition at Mourne Golf Club.

With the Championship Links at Royal County Down running fast and fiery after the recent heatwave, the likes of Feenan were on fire as the plus two handicapper went round in three under 68. Feenan carded no less than six birdies in all and came home in three under by finishing fast with birdies at 17 and 18.

Feenan’s score of nett 70 was matched by McKibbin who came out on top with a better back nine. The 12-handicapper enjoyed a fine birdie at the difficult ninth in what turned out to be a precursor to a great back nine where he came home in three over 39.

The leading pair finished one ahead of Brendan Rodgers (71) in third with Daniel Brogan (72) fourth, one ahead of a chasing pack on 73, including sponsor John McDonald, Callum Morgan and Jack Keenan.

Last Thursday’s stableford competition was won by Kevin Flynn with 36 points. In another closely fought contest, Flynn edged out Patrick McNiff and James Morgan, who also signed for 36 points. Eddie O’Hare and Jon Crawford were next on 35 points.

On the team front, there has been plenty of activity both for the Juvenile and Senior teams. The Juvenile Ronan Rafferty team played their first leg against Lisburn and trail 12-8, which means the young players have it all to do in Saturday’s away fixture.

Martin Cromie and Rob Graham were the heroes in last Sunday’s comeback win for Andy Torrens’ Junior Cowdy side against Rockmount. Trailing 3-1 from the away leg, Torrens’ troops had it all to do at home.

Colm and Micky O’Higgins returned to winning ways in the top match before Aaron King and Mourne Honorary Secretary Paddy Keenan quickly followed with a second win. When Nicky Clarke and Alan Moore narrowly lost, it came down to Cromie and Graham in the bottom match. The pair were all square playing the 18^th but held their nerve to win the final hole to level at 4-4 and advance to the next round by the narrowest of one-hole margins.

Unfortunately, the Sam Rutherford team lost to Edenmore during the week, while the Senior Cup and Junior Cup teams are in action this week.

This is another big week for Mourne as Gareth Malley’s Captain’s Day takes place on Friday (June 16), which promises to be another great occasion. Full details will follow next week.

-ENDS

Mourne GC Juvenile Ronan Rafferty team (L-R) James Rodgers, Ryan Thornton, Matthew Murphy, Harry Martin, Aaron O’Boyle