Dunfanaghy Golf Club Donegal Youth under-16 Champions 2019

Dunfanaghy G.C. retained the Donegal Youth Matchplay Championship after a thrilling Sunday of golf against Ballybofey and Stranorlar G.C. The 1st leg on Saturday the young Finn Valley boys of average age of 13 years put in a great performance:
Barry Mc Menamin and Patrick Carr led the way winning 3&2 followed by Joey O’ Hora and Shane Mc Bride winning by 1 hole on the 18th and finally Oran Mc Bride and Sam Mc Glinchey winning the final match 5&3 to make it 3-0 and 9 holes of a difference.
Trailing 3-0 and by 9 holes from Saturday’s away leg at Ballybofey, the Dunfanaghy boys knew they had a huge job ahead of them to retain the cup.
Leading from the front the Ulster Interprovincial players Darcy Hogg and Luke Kelly playing off 1 and 3 handicaps respectively played some superb golf, shooting 9 birdies between them, to close out match No.1 4&3. The match No.3 pairing of Tom McClintock and Lucas Wood played great golf to close out their match 5&4. With 2 matches in and holes even it was left to the pairing of James T Sweeney and Conor Hanna to try to get the crucial win. A great eagle from Conor on the 10th was the turning point in a very tight match. They were able to hold onto their slim lead down the stretch, closing it out on the 17th to clinch the tightest of wins winning by 2 holes overall.
At the presentation Edward Harvey the convenor paid tribute to both Clubs on the standard of golf and especially the great display of sportsmanship in the Final. He also praised the great work being done for the youth in both Clubs especially the number of volunteers who are willing to help. The great work in coaching by the professional Seamus Mc Monagle who was involved in both teams.
Team captain James Sweeney Snr. was delighted with the performance of his team, but also paid tribute to the young and talented Ballybofey team. The match was played in the upmost sportsmanship and friendship as Barry Mc Menamin pointed out and was a great advertisement for youth golf in Donegal.