Published on: 05-Jul-2010
Eight years after they were crowned both Leinster and All-Ireland champions in the FBD All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge, Parnells GAA club of Dublin went one step towards repeating the double when they claimed the provincial title at the wondrous Palmerstown Stud Golf Club, County Kildare on Friday (July 2).
Led by former Monaghan football captain Brendan Brady, the Coolock/Artane-based club posted an early score of 78 points with the Brady clan representing three-quarters of the team: Brendan (13), Ian (18) and Ger (10) playing alongside Martin Flanagan (14).
However, for the third time this year, the winners were decided by a late countback as Meath's Cortown GAA club managed to overcome the showers in the early part of their round to also shoot 78 points.
Their total stableford scores on the back nine, though, was one less than Parnells' and so it was Brady who lifted the Leinster crystal-ware at the end of a truly memorable day at the Palmerstown Stud venue.
"It's a huge honour to win this again," said Brady afterwards. "I can you tell you we've been desperate to win this ever since 2002 and finally it has come to pass. We look forward to representing our club in the final and hope to take home the All-Ireland title once more."
On a testing day for all competing Gaels, defending champions St Judes were pipped by a shot while two-time All-Ireland champions St Brigids, led by former Dublin footballer Martin Cahill, had to make do with sixth place.
GAA legends such as Eddie Keher with Rower Inistioge and Barney Rock with Stabannon Gaels were also in action but couldn't make any headway on the sublime parkland course.
Parnells now go forward to the All-Ireland final in Faithlegg Golf and Country House in Waterford where they will line up alongside Cork's Fermoy and Tyrone's Carrickmore GAA club.
While the New York and Chicago finals will take place in the coming weeks, attention here now turns to Loughrea Golf Club, County Galway on Friday, July 23 where the Connacht title will be decided. Reigning All-Ireland champions Claremorris will hope to defend their provincial honour but will face stiff competition from clubs around the five counties.