News

Chris Gallagher finishes Runner Up in Ierne Scratch Cup

Posted on 14 Apr '14 by Dave Hayden II

Source: dublinscratchcupseries.com


JR Crangle has won the opening event in the DSCS 2014 in Ierne with a score 139 (-23).

The opening scratch cup of the Dublin Series took place in Ierne on Sunday. There was an early flurey of people through the doors including many of those tipped to compete.

Of the early starters, Chris Gallagher was 1st to shine with 47 and his playing partner and clubmater Anthony "Skinner" Malone matched his score. Behind them the RGSC holder Junior Smith posted a 47 as well to make it a three way tie

Stephen Murray the holder of the series opened with a solid 50 and Mark Millar posted a 48 to stay in touch. Ian Dillon hoping to gho one better than 2013 took a share of the lead on 47 as well

As the leaders progressed through their 2nd round, Chris Gallagher took the outright lead as he headed an impressive 45 to finish on 92. Skinner Malone hung onto Chris with a second 47 to finish on 94

Junior Smith also stayed in touch with a 48 and he was to finish three behind Chris after 36 holes tied with Mark Millar

Stephen Murray was to add a 2nd successive 50 but his score of 100 was to leave him two shots shy of the half way cut.

Of the later starters, JR Crangle made his intention clear as the wind really started to blow with an impressive 47.

JR was to stay in contention after 36 but his 2nd 18 of 49 left him four drift of Chris on 96.

The home players were surprisingly not shining only John Coady was to make the final 12 thanks to a 2nd round of 46. Michael Walsh the holder in 2012 was to miss out by a shot on the cut

Derek Courney and Dennis Monaghan showed their class too making the final 12 with scores of 97 and 98 respectively

The 2013 Holder George Beardsley was not to enjoy a 3peat and his score of 103 was to end his defence for 2014

The Inter event was well supported and again lots of home players took part but it was John Delaney from St.Brigids to prevail

John started slowly with a 56 but a 2nd round of 48 landed him the Inter prize. The Junior Prize was won by Eric Doyle (Long Meadows)

A Real star of the future, Eric had a 59 on round 1 but he stormed back with a 51 to take the top prize by three shots

Tracey McGrath if she plays in enough events will be hard to stop and she started this one in style with a score of 105 and won with something to spare on her rivals

Into the play-off and Chris Gallagher led the field by 2 shots. The early group of players Ian Dillion, Jason Larkin, Frank Ryan,Derek Courtney and Paddy Noonan were unable to shoot a low number to challenge Chris at the Top

Dennis Monghan did post a good final round thanks mainly to some birdies at the end of the round. His score of 50 would be enough to win him the last 18 prize

The first movement was from Junior Smith with birdies at holes 2 and 3 to move to 15 under 1 behind the Leader. John Coady from Ierne the only local to make the cut birdied 2 of his first 5 holes.

However birdies dried up for John. In the second last group, JR Crangle and Mark Millar sitting 4 and 3 shots behind behind Chris needed a fast start, JR made precisely this with birdies in the opening 4 holes.

He continued that with a birdie at 7 to move JR level with Chris. Chris himself birdied the first but struggle to find his range on the opening 9 found himself one ahead after 9 holes

His playing partner "Skinner" Malone started slowly, but with birdies at 3,4, and 5. "Skinner" was just 2 behind. With JR and Chris locking Horns, they were soon joined by Junior Smith on the back 9 at 18 under par

Unfortunately for Junior he couldn't find anymore birdies in the final stretch. JR though shot into the lead, a great par save at 10 followed up with birdies and 11,12,13,14 to move to 21 under, 2 ahead of Chris

JR now in great form added birdies at 16 and 18 to finish on 23 under 3 ahead of Chris leaving him to find 3 birdies in his final 6 holes. Chris birdied 13 to move to 21 under but fell short of JR total

It was a super final round of 43 by JR secure his win, in blustery conditions. 88 Players took part in total and JR paid tribute to the course and the Series

Brendan Crean the event organiser thanked the sponsors Halpenny Golf and the Crean Family as the players played for the Johnny Crean Cup in honour of his late father. He urged the players to support the series as well

Final Result

JR Crangle (Loughlinstown) - 139

Chris Gallagher (Lucan) - 141

Junior Smith (RGSC) - 144

Final 18 - Denis Monaghan - 50 on back 9 score

Chris Gallagher