Roscommon go back-to-back in Milltown
Leah Lennan and Olivia Costello from the Convent of Mercy Roscommon. Photo: Thos Caffrey / Golffile.
Fresh off her third-placed finish at The R&A U-16 Amateur Championship on Sunday, Olivia Costello claimed the Senior Girls’ All-Ireland Schools individual title at Milltown on Monday.
The All-Ireland Schools Finals took place at the South Dublin golf club once again, where sporadic showers could not dampen the spirits as Roscommon and Down came away as senior winners on the day.
Convent of Mercy (Roscommon) retained their Senior Girls’ title while Rockport School (Down) took home the Senior Boys’ crown. The Junior Boys’ was won by Glenstal Abbey School (Limerick) and the Junior Girls’ title went the way of Glenlola Collegiate (Down).
Costello, who only arrived back from The Berkshire late last night, claimed the Senior Girls’ All-Ireland individual title with 40 points. That score combined with her teammates Leah Lennon (34) and Anna Higgins (27) gave the Roscommon representatives their second win in a row in the Senior Girls’ All-Ireland Final and their second win together as a team, something which their captain Mary Seymour said was “unique.”
“We’re back-to-back but we waited a long time even last year to win this. We have gone back-to-back with the same team which is good to see,” she said.
Fin Eager, Harry O’Hara and Christian Simms from Rockport School at Milltown Golf Club. Photo: Thos Caffrey / Golffile
“The standard of golf here today was just extraordinary, really super stuff. Hopefully going forward there will be more coming through in the golfing scene for the school.”
The team of Lucy Morrison, Lucy Yeats and Sophie Maidment took home the Junior Girls’ crown with an impressive score of 78, winning by eight points. That was not the only joy for the Down girls as Lucy Morrison also picked up the Junior Girls’ individual title with 45 points. Team captain and proud father of Sophie, Robert Maidment said he was delighted to be heading back home with the win.
“Total surprise so it is, the girls have worked hard at it this year. The girls played really, really well and I’m thoroughly, thoroughly pleased for them,” said Maidment.
“They are three good chums as well so they are, and hopefully long may it last throughout their golfing careers.”
Rosemary Tully (President Golf Ireland) presents the Green Pennant to Lucy Yeates, Sophie Maidment, Lucy Morrison, Chris Yeates, Robert Maidment and Nigel Morrison from Glenlola Collegiate. Picture Thos Caffrey / Golffile
In the boys’ ranks, the Down team of Rockport enjoyed double success, winning the Senior Boys’ All-Ireland with a combined score of 69 enough to see the team of Fin Eager, Harry O’Hara and Christian Simms win by just one point ahead of Portmarnock CS (Dublin). Eager also picked up the individual senior title scoring 39 points to secure his gold medal.
Team captain Debbie Hanna expressed her joy at the team’s efforts.
“Very proud of all three of them. It makes driving the long drive home feel a lot easier now,” said Hanna.
Glenstal Abbey’s JJ Power, Logan O’Connor and Karl Hennessy scored a combined 82 points in claiming the Junior Boys’ title. Power was the top scorer for the Limerick school scoring 43 points on his way to a second-place individual finish.
Young Patrick Mullaney came away with the individual gold medal in the Junior Boys’ section. The 13-year-old also carded a total of 43 points, but a better back nine score handed Mullaney the win.
“Very proud of him, he had a great day. He’s only after picking up the game, he’s only playing a year, so he loves it” said Patrick’s delighted father, Pete Mullaney.
“Great day, he stayed with his aunt last night had pizza and chips. Great day out today, no school so unfortunately now we have to go home tonight and school tomorrow!”