Sunday 6th July 2025 - FINAL
……….Ew, I need my golf babe, guess you know it's true,
Hope you need to golf babe just like I need to,
Hold me, love me,
Hold me, love me,
Ain't got nothin' but love golf,
Eight days a week.
Love to golf every day girl, always on my mind,
One thing I can say girl, love to golf all the time,
Hold me, love me,
Hold me, love me,
Ain't got nothin' but golf babe,
Eight days a week……..
It's Final’s Day here at Castle Golf Club in the All Ireland Father & Son Championship sponsored by Brendan Keary and Keary Motors.
First things first, on your behalf we would like to thank all the starters this week and hopefully we have left no-one out – but if we have apologies and thank you.
Gerry Dunne David O'Beirne Trevor Steedman
Peter Jordan Greg Magrane Muirgheas Griffin
John Rogan Phil Daly Alan Howett
Martin Ryan Jnr Joe Connor Tony Bourke
David O’Beirne Denis Hogan
We would also like to thank our scorers and ball spotters and particularly Jamie (that’s i.e.) Lyons and Adam Mooney – also our caddy masters, Jason, Paul, Adrian and above all Alex for his trojan work, the pro shop including Colin and Ian, Paul Paterson, Barbara, Elaine and the office staff, to Ramona & the bar and catering staff, to the artisans, to Paul Fitzgerald and the green keeping staff, to all our Juniors who helped out, to the Board including Captains Neil and Carmel, to the supporters, to you the members for all your forbearance and support and above all to all the Fathers & Sons who have competed this week.
Hope we have left nobody out - but if we did thanks to you too.
Many thanks to the Triumvirate – Michael O’Neill, Philip Murphy and Hilary Haydon, who have worked long hours all week to make this competition possible.
And finally, many thanks to our sponsor – Brendan Keary – Keary Motors.
Events like this are not possible without sponsors – so many thanks.
Now - did our four finalists sleep well last night after a week of highs and lows, good golf and some lucky bounces….
Regardless they will now take their well-deserved place in the final of ALL IRELAND FATHER & SON CHAMPIONSHIP, played at Castle Golf Club and sponsored by Kearys Motor Group.
Our on-field referee for the final – Captain Neil Kelly.
A great privilege and his first time to referee an Ireland Final
No doubt - Croke Park will be on the phone looking for him, after today.
The Fab Four and their journey to the final are:
Hugh & Luke Bagnall who have played:
Brendan (Elmgreen 8) & Adam (Elmgreen 8) Murphy (8)
Gary (Castle 9) & Alan (Castle 9) Moran (9)
Barry (Carrickmines 3) & Finlay (Carrickmines 13) Rice (8)
Andrew (Hermitage 7) & Andy (Dun Laoghaire 23) Mackey (15)
Mark (Castle 13) & Daniel (Castle 24) Keating (19)
Declan & David Lawlor who have played:
Brendan (Grange 10) & Ben (Grange 8) Clarke (9)
Dermot (Castle 15) & Aidan (Castle 20) Connor (17)
Ben (Stackstown 0) & Pat (Stackstown 11) O'Mahony (5)
Brian (Skibbereen 18) & Brian Jnr (Newlands 2) Fehily (10)
Arthur (Castle 15) & Adam (Castle 11) McEvoy (13)
So – all out on the first tee – stand there please – just one more photo
– ah Lads! – would you leave them alone – sure can’t you see they are all nervous.
The weather has held up well all week and today looks like it will be breezy and sunny – risk of a few showers later in the afternoon.
but otherwise, all systems are GO-GO-GO.
Its 2:30 pm and Captain Neil Kelly blows the whistle - the match is on!
David Lawlor takes out his trusty 3 wood and sends his ball down the fairway heading for the left rough.
Hugh Bagnall follows him - albeit a little further right, towards the fairway.
A gentle start to this match with both pairings arriving on the green in four on the opening par 5 green – two putts and everyone is happy.
All square.
Move on Hole 2 – and both pairings hit decent shots down the right fairway.
The Lawlor’s hit the centre of the green in two and two putts for par are enough to win the hole.
The Bagnall’s left themselves a tricky downhill putt, without ski's.
Lawlor’s 1 Up.
Two terrific shots into the Par 3 – 3rd and it's down to putting.
The Lawlor’s make their par with two putts.
An unfortunate three putt for the Bagnall’s cost them the hole.
Is it early-stage nerves or just have not settled yet – easy for the sidelines.
Lawlor’s are 2 Up.
Further good drives for both families down the fourth.
The Bagnall’s hit the green in two with the Lawlor’s coming up a tad short.
What follows is a 3-putt from the Lawlor’s
– Their turn to be a little tentative.
The Bagnall’s make no mistake holing out in two and clawing back a hole.
Lawlor’s are 1 Up.
Hole 5 and both pairings are in no trouble off the tee – very solid so far.
The Lawlor’s land just short of the green in two – the Bagnall’s take three to reach the green.
David Lawlor opts to chip, rather than putt from a yard off the green and comes up somewhat short.
The Bagnall’s push their putt 6 feet right of the hole and follow up with two more putts.
The Lawlor’s take two putts and win hole with a bogey.
It happens!
Lawlor’s restore their 2 Up lead.
Down the 6th and the Lawlor’s are in trouble down the left in the trees.
The Bagnall’s with a shot on the hole, are slightly better off, in the trees down the right.
Not much time for chat!
The Lawlor’s recovery shot from the left, goes right, close to the 8th fairway, with more trees to negotiate.
Time for a game of CRISS CROSS.
The Bagnall’ s cross over from the edge of the 8th fairway into the trees left of the 6th fairway, a little short of the stream.
Ball found – Ouch in the Nettles!
Lawlor’s after returning to the fairway in play, and David hits an impeccable shot to 8 feet.
Classy!
Luke Bagnall hits his shot from the nettles back to the fairway -played 3.
“Cool Hand” - one of his Grange supporter’s shouts complimenting the shot.
Hugh Bagnall from 85 yards lands it close to the pin and the ball rolls to 12 feet.
Another tricky downhill putt.
Luke Bagnall rolls it down and it narrowly misses the hole.
The Lawlor’s with a putt for half
Dreaded Horseshoe!
Bagnall’s win the hole – 1 down.
Next up Par 3 – 7th hole with the pin back right.
Dip – Dip – Dip.
Ach! No!
The Bagnall’s come up short and splash – find the water off the tee.
The Lawlor’s hit long – in response – and find the back bunker.
Nerves are jangling on all sides.
Dip – Dip – Dip
The Bagnall’s find the water again, with their recovery shot.
Sometimes golf can be very harsh – bit like life really.
The Lawlor’s pitch outside sideways to avoid any unnecessary unpleasantries and take the hole.
That’s match play!
Lawlor’s are back to 2 Up again.
Both sides find the fairway down 8th, with excellent tee shots.
Great to see some of the Grange stalwarts out supporting The Bagnall’s and the Lawlor’s
Johnny Nolan, Ken Duke, Billy Dwyer, Niall Cauldwell to mention but a few.
Lawlor’s play first and find the left-hand bunker.
Chance for the Bagnall’s!
Dreaded deceleration and the ball is pushed right of the green to the light rough.
Luke Bagnall responds with another classy chip to 5 feet.
Declan Lawlor – out of the bunker – hits the pin – stone dead.
Hugh Bagnall maintains his consistent level of putting and holes from 5 feet for the half.
Lawlor’s still 2 Up.
On the 9th tee – David Lawlor steps up with that trusty 3 wood that he as used so consistently all week and does not disappoint – straight down the middle.
Hugh Bagnall follows with his 3 wood.
Fore!
The ball clears the trees on the right and carries down to the left side of the first fairway as playing the 9th
Not looking good!
A difficult chip did not advance it too far, leaving Hugh to play the ball further down the first towards to first tee.
Meanwhile, the Lawlor’s nudge their ball down the fairway – short of the fairway bunker.
Playing it safe.
Would you do anything different?
Luke Bagnall has a difficult shot over the greenside bunker - little room for error.
--- and it comes up short.
Hugh Bagnall pitches up to four feet – leaving Luke with a putt to save the hole.
Round and round the hole it goes and eventually the ball falls in.
Hole Halved!
No change – the Lawlor’s complete the turn 2 Up.
Where did that come from?
Just as we leave the 9th green – a hay raker of a shower strikes.
Under the trees!
Out with the brollies.
Give it 5 and it will pass – Captain exclaims.
Par 3 10th and the Lawlor’s are short on the left bank.
The Bagnall’s let fly and the ball careers long and left.
No joy with the provisional ball – hope we find the first one.
And we did find it – over the ladies’ tee box for the 11th and over the white line.
Out of Bounds!
Lawlor’s 3 Up.
More tree trouble for the Lawlor’s on 12 – right of the fairway bunker.
Welcome to Castle Golf Club.
The Bagnall’s find the bunker right – with the next catching the lip leaving Hugh Bagnall 180 yards to the pin.
A glorious five iron from Hugh Bagnall lands on the green.
The Lawlor’s pitch their second shot back to the fairway, leaving David with 120 yards to the pin and he lands close to the Bagnall ball 20, feet from the pin.
A little charge from Declan Lawlor – most unlike him – finishes 7 feet past the hole.
Two putts from the Bagnall’s are enough to secure this hole.
Lawlor’s continue 2 Up.
Luke Bagnall strikes his tee on the glorious 12th goes down the left side trying desperately hard to fade right back to the fairway.
It fails!
There is gap in the trees, for along runner to the green – not an easy shot.
Declan Lawlor’s drive goes down the right side of the fairway, slipping onto the first cut.
150 yards to the front and 180 yards to pin.
Wow!
Another cracker from David Lawlor – looks 8 feet from the pin from here.
- Is actually 25 feet – looks can deceive.
The Bagnall’s running shot – hits the mound well short of the green and stops – stone dead!
Need some magic!
Luke Bagnall does not disappoint making the green and 28 feet from the pin.
Their putt comes up an unexpected 10 feet short
– maybe that last shower has slowed the greens, somewhat.
No such issues for the Lawlor’s as their putt comes up three feet short.
Lawlor’s played 3 – Bagnall’s played 4
Just in case you cannot keep up.
Bagnall’s hole for a five – asking the question.
The Lawlor’s answer the call - Holed!
Lawlor’s back to 3 Up.
Par 3 – 13th and 125 yards to the pin.
The wind has mellowed a little following the latest brief shower, but the players are playing into the cauldron of supporters waiting at the back of the green, for the match to reach this iconic par three.
David Lawlor hits another perfect tee shot – finishing 5 feet from the pin.
Great composure.
Hugh Bagnall finds the right hand bunker – and a horrible lie.
No joy for Luke Bagnall as the ball gets caught in the face of the bunker.
No stance for Hugh as he tries to find position and he does really well to find the green.
The Bagnall’s miss – played 4
– Birdie putt for Lawlor’s is conceded.
Lawlor’s 4 Up.
Two absolutely perfect drives down the par four 14th by Declan Lawlor and Luke Bagnall.
David Lawlor to play first and is 210 yards and as you have probably guessed.
It lands on the green not far from the hole.
The Bagnall’s are 30 yards ahead and Hugh hits what looks like a good reply.
His ball lands on the green rolling over the left side and off the hill.
- into, yet again another bunker – this time long left.
Another nasty lie in a bunker.
Luke Bagnall does well and the ball lands twelve feet from the cup.
Declan Lawlor – who has putted well all week – stand up to the ball.
Wooooooh!
Just misses by millimetres.
It’s now up to Hugh Bagnall to save the match.
He rolls it up and it goes round the hole – staying above ground.
The Lawlor’s are All Ireland Champions!
Winning 5/4.
Great match – superb performance by Hugh & Luke Bagnall – no doubt disappointed to come up short but can be so proud of their journey and efforts for the week.
Declan and David Lawlor have gained the bragging rights in Grange.
– they are the Kearys Motors sponsored 2025 All Ireland Father & Son Champions.
Declan & David Lawlor take the title from the 2024 Champions David & Daniel O’Beirne.
Interesting observation – all the Christian names begin with the letter “D”
For the Lawlor’s, they become the third Grange members to take this coveted trophy, following on from the McCarthy’s and the Cronin’s.
Well – that’s it for 2025
Hopefully, we will see all of you next year, when we see how you become the 2026 champions.
We will leave you with.
….“Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo, here comes the Father & Son
And I say it's all right
Little darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter
Little darling, it feels like months since it's been here
Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo, here comes the sun
And I say it's all right”…..
That's all Folks!
Saturday 5th July 2025
Michael O’Neill
Picks up the sand off the green where the match play has been
Lives in a dream
Waits at the window
Wearing the face that he keeps in a jar by the door
Who is it for?
All the lonely golfers
Where do they all come from?
All the lonely golfers
Where do they all belong?
Father P Murphy writing the words of a speech that no one will hear.
No one comes near.
Look at him working, cleaning his clubs in the night when there’s nobody there
What does he care
All the golfing people
Where do they all come from?
All the golfing people
Where do they all belong.
Michael O’Neill
Stayed in the bunker and was buried along with his game
Nobody came
Father P Murphy
Wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from the green
No one was saved
All the lovely people
Where do they all come from?
All the lovely people
Where do they all belong?
Semi Finals night here at Castle Golf Club in the All Ireland Father & Son Championship sponsored by Brendan Keary and Keary Motors.
Thought we might open this evening with the above tribute to Father & Son Chairman Michael O’Neill and Philip Murphy who have both put in trojan work this week to make sure that this tournament run smoothly and without issues for every player – almost 400 players in total for the week and all run without a hitch.
Take a bow!
From all the contestants this week – we thank you.
Enough of this nonsense.
Time to move onto the FAB FOUR playing in each of the two semi-finals this evening.
First up this is Castle GC versus Grange GC – with Hugh Bagnall (10) and his son Luke (20) setting out to play against Mark Keating (13) and his son Daniel (24).
The Keatings are receiving 4 shots.
For the Bagnall’s this is an amazing journey as this is their debut in the Father & Son.
Nothing moving over the early holes and all square after five.
The Keating’s reload needlessly on the 6th as they find their original drive in the trees left – further tree trouble follows allowing the Bagnall’s to claim the hole with a par and go 1 up.
Neither side on the par 3 - 7th as the Keating’s get a flier out of the bunker.
A delightful chip back by young Daniel to five feet was not enough to save the hole.
Bagnall’s go 2 up.
For those sitting comfortably at home in the rocking chair, conditions out here are tough with a strong and swirling wind – albeit there is plenty of sunshine and it is reasonably warm.
On the eight, The Bagnall’s toy with the out of bounds down the left off the tee while the Keatings are not too bad off the fairway on the right.
A good recovery from Hugh Bagnall has their ball just right of the green while Mark Keating plays his shot to the front left.
After decent chips we eventually arrived at Good! Good!
And the hole was halved.
Bagnall's stay two up.
The Keating’s cut the Bagnall’s lead to one after an impressive par on the ninth.
The 10th was playing into the wind and going in every direction but helpful.
Daniel Keating hits a long iron which comes up short at the mound, while Luke Bagnall plays a similar shot with a similar result – not far off - side by side.
The Keatings pitch 8 feet short of the hole as the Bagnall’s go 15 feet long
The Bagnall’s mis-judge the slope and race six feet past to three putt and allow the match to go all square.
The 11th was shared in bogeys as both sides failed to make the green in two.
More tree trouble for both pairings on the glorious twelfth ending up in a putting contest which the Bagnall’s emerged victorious to restore a narrow advantage – 1 Up.
The 13th was halved in bogeys after the Bagnall’s hit the green and three putted while the Keating’s came up short, pitched and also made four.
Another bounce back from the Keating’s on the 14th – winning with a par.
All square.
Following a poor tee shot on the 15th Luke Bagnall stood up and hit a superb iron to six feet which his Dad, Hugh converted to a par which restored their advantage, after the Keatings made four with two putts.
The Bagnall’s looked like losing their ball on 16, and just as the question was being “is it close to 3 minutes” the shout came “It’s over here”
Unfortunately, the recovery shot found the bunker 70 yards short of the pin.
The Keatings failed to take control of the situation as their shot carried the green landing long right.
It would appear that no one wants to win this hole.
After much ado, the hole was halved with two snowmen.
Still, 1 up to the Bagnall’s
Double trouble on the 17th as both the Bagnall’s and Keatings decided to play around in the trees to the left of the fairway.
Daniel Keating played a super shot from 110 yards to the front of the green in four, while Hugh Bagnall pushed his approach shot in the greenside bunker on the right – played five.
A good bunker shot followed from the Bagnall’s while the Keating’s left their putt agonisingly 8 feet short.
Two more putts followed from the Keating’s and now it was Hugh Bagnall to putt from 7 feet for the half, and he duly obliged.
Bagnall’s remain 1 up.
Keating’s are getting a shot on 18.
On 18th tee box, Daniel Bagnall looked to hit a big drive which appeared as if it was heading down the 14th fairway only to clip the trees and land just off the 18th fairway.
Daniel Keating struck a long iron, taking the more conventional route to the fairway.
Almost side by side!
By this stage a generous crowd had gathered around the players with the sound of Longitude blaring from Marley Park
– not that the players could hear it as they were each trapped in their tired and weary concentration bubble.
Mark Keating strikes a driving iron just short of the green, while Hugh Bagnall strikes a shirt wood piercing through the early evening air, landing just short left of the green.
All to play for!
Daniel Keating has a difficult shot some 75 yards from the pin – this is where nerves of steel are required.
He strikes the ball well and it lands with a little check 20 feet from the hole.
Luke Bagnall is next up and he does not disappoint the large crowd, including the gentlemen hanging over the bar balcony, as his ball lands on the green and rolls up to 10 feet.
Mark Keating follows with a quality putt that shaves the hole but alas no cigar.
Over to you Hugh Bagnall – are we going up 18?
Hugh Bagnall draws on his many years of experience, takes a deep breadth and rolls the 10-foot putt into the hole for the half needed to win the match.
The Bagnall’s are in the final.
Well done.
Congratulation to Mark & Daniel Keating on a terrific journey to the semi-finals of the Keary’s sponsored All Ireland Championship.
Great future ahead for Daniel Keating
– We will be watching out for him.
The second semi final is also Castle GC versus Grange GC as Castle’s Vice Captain Arthur McEvoy (15) and his son Adam (11) take on Grange’s Declan (17) and David (7) Lawlor.
The McEvoy’s are receiving one shot in the match – on the par four 6th
The Lawlor’s took an early advantage in this match and were one up after four holes.
On the 5th both sides were down the right side of the fairway flirting with the trees.
The Lawlor’s pitched a low ball running up towards to green.
Adam McEvoy hit it high and let it fly over the trees and onto the front edge of the green.
Good putting by both pairings resulted in no reward for either side.
The Lawlor’s stay one up.
Trouble off the tee on the 5th for the Lawlor’s meant that it took them four to make the green, while Adam McEvoy tee shot was so good it looked like his Dad only needed a pitching wedge to the green and he executed the shot to near perfection.
McEvoy’s win the hole.
All Square.
The Lawlor’s regained their slender advantage on the par 3 - 7th after the McEvoy’s found the water on the left.
Back to 1 up to the Lawlor’s.
After a decent drive the McEvoy’s pulled their second shot on the 8th long and over the bunker left.
The Lawlor’s played a low running second shot catching the bunker left.
The McEvoy’s joined them in the bunker with their third – in fairness it was a very difficult chip over that bunker.
Enough said and the Lawlor’s go 2 up.
The 9th was halved albeit the Lawlor’s blew a possible wining hole with an unfortunate three putt
– easily done on these excellent but electric greens.
Lawlor’s are 2 up at the turn.
Both sides are on the 10th in two.
The McEvoy’s take to putts for a four.
The Lawlor’s slot home their putt.
Lawlor’s go 3 up.
On 11, the Lawlor’s are in the trees on the left behind the bunker while the McEvoy’shas also gone left and is lying in the middle of the twelfth fairway – 220 yards from the pin.
Adam McEvoy steps over to his Dad saying, “I have this!”
He strikes the ball, and it starts to rise!
The ball continues to rise up, up and away as it soars over the trees between the two fairways, eventually coming to a halt on the green – 12 feet from the pin.
Move over Rory!
Arthur McEvoy does not disappoint with the putt and snatches one back.
Back to 2 up to the Lawlor’s.
Adam McEvoy’s tee shot on the glorious twelfth lands 15 yards short of the green. Arthur putts it up to 10 feet.
The Lawlor’s make the green in two following a great approach from 150 yards and putt it up to 8 feet.
The McEvoy’s slot home their putt to win the hole.
The Lawlor’s are now only one up.
Good Matchplay!
The Lawlor’s regain their two hole lead after the McEvoy’s found a poached egg lie in the bunker right of the par 3 – 13th.
Two putts from the Lawlor’s for par win the hole.
Two Up!
On 14 the McEvoy’s found the back bunker in two while the Lawlor’s were pin high in the trees right of the hole.
The Lawlor’s with plenty of green to work go first and leave it 20 feet short – 6 out of 10.
The McEvoy’s play their bunker shot right next to the Lawlor’s ball.
Kissing cousins!
Two putts later with both sides going close and it’s a half.
2 up to the Lawlor’s
The 15 was halved in fours.
No change.
On 16, the McEvoy’s found the trees left of the fairway bunker and played a great recovery shot down the right side and follow this up with a shot just short of the green with the pin in that tricky spot at the front of the green.
The Lawlor’s were done the middle off the tee, nudging it along the fairway with their third short right of the green.
David Lawlor played the most majestic short chip to three feet.
The McEvoy’s chip went a little long leaving a 12 foot putt back which went close but stayed out of the hole.
It fell on Declan Lawlor to slot home the winning putt and secure their place in tomorrow’s final.
Needless to say, we were all gutted for Arthur and Adam McEvoy – it would have been fantastic for the Club’s Vice Captain to make it into the final.
That said, there is no reason why he cannot be a winning Captain next year.
That’s not to take from the magnificent winning performance of Declan & David Lawlor – Well done – winning golf.
And so, we have reached the end of play on Saturday evening.
After a week of matches – highs and lows, agony & ecstasy we have arrived at the final match.
The Real and truly FAB FOUR.
The final will see Hugh & Luke Bagnall pit their wits against Declan & David Lawlor
After much speculation the final will see Grange GC versus Grange GC
And no, its not being played in Grange –
It’s here at Castle Golf Club tomorrow teeing off at 2:30 pm
……..Living is easy with eyes closed
Misunderstanding all you see.
It's getting hard to be someone.
But it all works out,
It doesn't matter much to me.
Let me take you down,
Cause I'm going to the Father & Son.
Nothing is real
And nothing to get hung about.
Father & Son forever……….
Who will win?
Join us tomorrow and enjoy some excellent matchplay golf.
Friday 4th July 2025
…………. He's a real nowhere man
Sitting in his nowhere land
Making all his nowhere plans for nobody
Doesn't have a point of view
Knows not where he's going to
Isn't he a bit like you and me?
Nowhere Man, please listen
You don't know what you're missing
Nowhere Man, the world is at your command…………
Quarter Finals night here at Castle Golf Club in the All Ireland Father & Son Championship sponsored by Brendan Keary and Keary Motors.
For those who win through tonight they will enjoy the excitement of a semi final clash on Saturday.
Planning this week has been a bit like life for the Nowhere Man as you do not know what today - never mind tomorrow will bring - hard to plan - many plans needing to be changed - Oasis concerts - Wedding Anniversaries and all.
– for the losers they will join the rest of us “nowhere men” who must wait for our next opportunity – Next Year!
A little cooler than most days this week, there is a strong swirling wind that will test and challenge most players.
First match out this evening had the Waterford’s Patrick and Ethan Hough getting one shot from Castle’s Vice-Captain Arthur McEvoy and his son Adam.
Spare a moment for Archie who got hit with a golf ball during his warm up when one of Dick Walsh trophy match drive's off the 14th strayed onto the practice ground - there is no truth in the rumour that the young lad that did it was one of Michael O'Neill's nephews from Waterford.
It’s fair to say that young Ethan Hough at 13 years of age is the youngest remaining player in the competition and what a fine player he is.
Ethan’s tee shot on the 10th was taken on the wind right of the green leaving his Dad with a testing chip over the bunker.
He duly obliged chipping between the two bunkers at the front of the green.
Adam McEvoy’s tee shot took off as high as a kite, eventually falling from the sky and trickling into the right greenside bunker.
Arthur McEvoy played a hole winning bunker stone-ish dead to go two up.
The McEvoy’s extended their lead to three after the Hough’s went out of bounds on 11.
Always and intimidating drive.
The twelfth hole ending up with another win for the McEvoy’s after manging to finish the hole with less putts than the Hough’s in a poor putting competition – and after a lot of putts.
Both sides hit decent tee shots to the par 3 – 13th – the McEvoy’s landing at the back of the green while the Hough’s ball went close and rolled up close to the bunker edge.
Adam McEvoy then completes the most outrageous act by holing his long putt for birdie leaving the Hough’s shell shocked and failing to respond in a similar manner – McEvoy's go five up.
The McEvoy/s crossed the white line after halving the fourteenth.
The end of the journey for Patrick & Ethan Hough and a journey they can be very pleased with – well done in particular to Ethan - a bright future lies ahead in golf.
There is always next year and we would love to see you both return.
In match 2 Grange’s Lawlor’s, Declan and David were matched with Brian & Brian Jnr Fehily.
Great to hear that Brian Jnr is a former graduate of the Castle School’s Cup, a golf coaching programme that introduces primary schoolkids to golf.
The Fehily’s were one up after 9.
Following a half on the 10th the Fehily’s doubled their lead on the 11th
The twelfth was halved after a putting challenge with Brian Jnr holing a seven footer downhill and David Lawlor calmly rolled his putt for the half.
Amazing to see how many players struggled to cope with putting on the 12th this evening - always a tough green to negotiate.
The Fehily’s stretched their lead to 3 after 13 and maintained this lead through the 15th leaving the Lawlor’s 3 down with three to play – Dormy.
The Lawlor’s clawed one back after winning the 16th – 2 down
Both pairings arrived on 17th green in three with the Fehily’s putting to win the match and the Lawlor’s trying to stay alive.
Why? Oh! Why? Does the white line get more difficult to cross as the match unfolds.
The Fehily’s charges past the hole while the Lawlor’s putt stays two feet short.
The Fehily’s miss leaving Lawlor’s with a chance to stay in the match – something that did not look likely – it seems like an age before he rolls in the putt and we head for the 18th tee – Fehily’s now one up.
The Lawlor’s drive is right down to the front of the 14th green.
The Fehily’s hit that dreaded left shot into the fir trees – no where to hide on the left - Ouch!
Fehily’s chip out and them have to chip out again – not going well.
Lawlor’s return to the 18th fairway and find the greenside bunker in three – a good bunker shot to five feet, and with the benefit of a shot win the hole.
Matchplay drama of the highest quality.
We are going down 19.
Two good drives down the 19th fairway were followed with two nervy shots.
First up the Lawlor’s find the cross bunker – while the Fehily’s try hard to follow them in only to run through the bunker – advantage Fehily’s.
The Fehily’s third shot soared over the green and onto the back of the 2nd tee.
Swing – Swung.
The Lawlor’s having played out of the bunker played their 4th shot to the fringe of the green.
Nobody wants to win this hole – Nobody wants to lose this hole
Fehily’s take two more shots to get on the green and suddenly they are both putting and have played the same shots.
Two more putts each and off we go to the 20th tee.
The Fehily’s pull their tee shot into the trees left – while the Lawlor’s sail straight down the middle.
More trouble for the Fehily’s in the trees left the Lawlor’s in prime position.
They duly obliged winning the tie hole.
Lazarus has nothing on them – 3 down and 3 to play and win on 20 – Well done.
Great performance from the Fehily’s in this their debut in the Father & Son
They will be back!
Match 3 was almost an all Castle affair given that we have almost adopted Rathfarnham’s Morgan O’Sullivan who along with Finn set out to battle with Mark and Daniel Keating.
Young Daniel is proving to be a real talent this week - well done!
As you might expect in a tight match – all square after 9.
The tenth was halved in bogeys.
A common theme on 11 – with both sides in trouble with trees, eventually ended all square – no change.
More tree trouble for the O’Sullivan/s on 12 allowed the Keatings to draw first blood and take a one hole lead.
The O’Sullivan’s found the green on 13 after a fine shot from Finn and followed it up with an untimely three putt.
The Keating’s found the bunker off the tee and a super bunker shot from young Daniel, allowed Dad Mark to roll in a putt to complete the sandy – 2 Up.
Following a half on 14, the O’Sullivan’s hauled one back on 15 after Finn O’Sullivan’s tee shot finished 20 feet from the hole on the par 3.
Back to one.
The 16th was halved and leaving the Keating’s one up with two to play.
Match on!
The O’Sullivan’s keep the crowd excited as they follow up by winning the 17th
All square going down the last.
It is very difficult for those watching to understand the pressure these players are under – as every once of energy is drawn and the concentration is so tested – none of which is helped by the swirling wind.
The Keating’s reach the 18th green in three, leaving the O’Sullivan’s (Finn) playing their second from beside the fairway bunker.
The second shot rises high, and the wind carries it left as it finds the rough in the trees to the right of the green, leaving Morgan O’Sullivan with a near impossible shot to the green – he plays it and finds the greenside bunker
– honestly, he could do little more.
The Keatings with the benefit of a shot on the hole roll their putt up to four feet.
The O’Sullivan’s need to hole their bunker shot and while it comes so close, the ball remains above ground.
Keating’s win through to the semi-finals.
Magnificent journey for Morgan & Finn O’Sullivan.
You can expect to see them making a good run in future years.
The final match of the evening involved Andrew & Andy Mackey taking on the might of Grange in Hugh & Luke Bagnall.
Spare a thought for the Bagnall’s who had tickets for the Oasis concert in Cardiff tonight and have offered these up to be at Castle tonight.
Top Dogs!
That said Andrew Mackey is supposed to be in West Cork for his wedding anniversary.
Great sacrifices are needed!
All square after 9, the Bagnall’s were well wide of the 10th green when landing beside the 12th green – advantage Mackey’s
Hugh Bagnall plays a safe shot to the front of the 10th green.
The Mackey’s had a 15 foot for par only to charge the putt well past and three putt – leaving the Bagnall’s being charged with Grand Larceny after taking the hole against all odds.
Well Done – 1 Up Bagnall’s.
What the Good Lord giveth – the Good Lord taketh.
The Mackey’s bounced back on 11 – levelling the match – yet again!
The 12th was won by the Bagnall’s after a sublime chip from Luke Bagnall to a foot.
- no need to test the putting skills on 12.
The 13th was halved after both sides hit their birdie putts well past the hole and both managed to miss the return putts.
The 14th was won by the Bagnall’s to go two up after the Mackey’s three putted from 15 feet.
Treble Ouch!
The Bagnall’s stayed two up after the 15th was halved in par and remained two up, after the 16th was also halved in pars.
Trouble down the right of the 17th did not help the Mackey’s cause for a fight back – further trouble in the trees ensued for the Mackey’s.
After Hugh Bagnall hit an excellent approach to 10 feet seeking a birdie the Mackey's raised the white flag and duly surrendered.
Well done the Bagnall’s
Hard luck for the Mackey’s and what a journey for them – Stand Proud!
And so there we are – another night’s golf over.
We are heading to the semi finals.
Match 1 will see Castle’s pairing of Mark & Daniel Keating playing Grange’s Hugh and Luke Bagnall – teeing off at 16:00 pm.
Match 2 involves Castle’s Arthur & Adam McEvoy taking on Grange’s David & Declan Lawlor - Tee time 16:10 pm
Two mouth watering ties
You could not script it.
Semi final 1 = Castle v Grange while Semi final 2 = Castle v Grange
That means the final may be
Castle – Castle or
Grange – Grange or
perhaps Grange Castle
Hope we will see you tomorrow for the big clash semi finals
“You don’t know what you’re missing”
So don’t stay at home “making nowhere plans for nobody” – we would like to see you down here
Good Night!
Thursday 3rd July 2025
………….When I was younger so much younger than today
I never needed anybody's help in any way
but now these days are gone I'm not so self assured
now I find I've changed my mind and opened up the doors.
Help me if you can, I'm feeling down
And I do appreciate you being 'round
Help me get my feet back on the ground
Won't you please, please help me……
A feast full of golf tonight in store at Castle Golf Club tonight at the All Ireland Father & Son Championship, sponsored by Keary Motors.
First out of the blocks this afternoon had Hugh & Luke Bagnall (Grange) taking on the Carrickmines duo of Barry & Finlay Rice.
There was little to split the two sides over the early part of the match until the turn as the Bagnall’s edged in front.
They were one up after 12 when both sides struck quality shots to the par 3 twelfth and shared the hole in birdies.
The game continued to ebb and flow to the 18th hole with the match all square.
The Rice’s drive was right of the 18th fairway in the trees beside the fourteenth fairway.
Touches of Déjà vu about this after the miracle shot played by Michael Meagher (Naas) last night to win his match.
Not tonight – As the Rice ball falls short into the greenside bunker.
The Bagnall’s just short of the green did not fluff their lines, with the chip landing two feet from the pin.
Game over and the Bagnall’s win the day – tough finish for Barry & Finlay Rice.
In the second match Andrew & Andy Mackey took an early two hole lead only to be brought back onto friendly terms by Castle’ Shane & Cillian Daly by the fifth.
The Mackey’s extended their one hole lead at the turn, through the loop wining 10, 11, and 13 to go four up.
The Daly's played well but just could find the key needed to open the win box and the Mackey’s finally won out on the 15th green.
Hard luck Shane and Cillian.
Well done to the two Andrews - we will see you tomorrow.
Spare a thought for Andrew Mackey who is supposed to be in West Cork tonight for his wedding anniversary.
Ouch!
One of the matches of the night followed between Morgan & Finn O’Sullivan and Michael & David Muldowney.
Not much separated the two over the front nine as the O’Sullivans sneaked one up at the turn.
The Muldowney’s drew level after 13 and edged ahead after 16 by one hole.
Squeaky Bum time!
Morgan O’Sullivan rescued Finn’s drive on the 17th with a chip out to the fairway, while Finn atoned with a truly brilliant long iron shot to 6 feet from the pin.
Looking Good!
Meanwhile, the Muldowney’s had their own troubles with trees off a big drive and the quality recovery shot left an approach of 70 yards to the pin.
David Muldowney duly obliged with a classy shot to two feet.
Check!
As in all big games - now down to the putting!
Morgan O’Sullivan missed his sneaky downhill putt, not allowing enough for the break to the left.
The Muldowney’s now had a putt from 2 feet for the match.
Solid Strike!
The ball hits the hole and jumps out -would you believe it.
Fine Margins!
All down 18 with more drama on the way!!
The Muldowney's drive looked fine - was over the right bunker close to the trees.
The O’Sullivan's drive went left and into the dreaded fir trees – leaving Finn O’Sullivan up against a tree and no shot. After some contemplation Finn hit a short pitch even further left to the front of the 4th tee box and behind the third green.
Still their turn and the O’Sullivan’s hit their third shot close to the third tee box.
It was beginning to look like curtains for them – albeit they were getting a shot.
The Muldowney’s looked like they only had to advance their ball down the fairway to set up the half needed to win the match.
But we all know about white line fever!
The Muldowney’s looked to take on the shot to reach the green.
OMG! the ball unluckily hit a tree deflecting further right towards the 14th fairway.
The Muldowney’s hit a tree again with their third shot, before eventually finding the fairway in four.
Just to add to the drama, the O’Sullivan’s stepped up for the fourth shot and with the wind swirling took on the shot, only to end up into the right hand bunker.
You could not make it up - the frailties of match play golf!
The Muldowney’s then from the fairway also failed to take proper account of the wind and followed them into the bunker - not having played five.
The brain is totally muzzled - as the players try to count back to see how many shots have been played.
Now reading O'Sullivan's 4 and Muldowney's 5
How quickly things can change!
Morgan O’Sullivan had a dreadful lie in the bunker and was forced to chip out sideways – and so, so eloquently played 5.
David Muldowney stepped into the bunker to play shot 6 – more drama yo follow
Would you believe it - David bunker shot hits the pin and almost holes out.
The O’Sullivans rolled down a 20 feet putt stone dead which was enough to bring the match down 19.
There is nowhere to look ! - Just move on - Next hole please!
Nothing beats matchplay golf and more importantly nothing beats foursomes golf!
After reasonable drives, both pairings were on the par 5 - 19th green in four.
The Muldowney’s went first and hit a solid downhill putt just skimming the hole.
Young Finn O’Sullivan then rolls in a majestic uphill putt with a gentle left to right break, to win the tie.
Agony and Ecstasy – yet again all within a few moments.
Mark and Daniel Keating, both Castle locals took on the dynamic pairing of Michael & Colin Meagher.
The Keating’s were two up after 9 holes, with parity restored as the match went all square after 13 holes.
The match was all square after the 17th – with the Keating’s using their shot to save.
After good drives from both parties, the Meagher’s have reached the the front of the 18th green in two, with the Keating’s alongside them in three.
Two long putts to follow.
Both sides hit quality first putts close to the hole and holed out for a half.
No bother - Here we go again down 19.
The drive down the 19th had the Keating’s in the trees on the right - their pitched out a little too strong to the left side of the fairway, the recovery was over cross bunker leaving young Daniel Keating a 100 yard shot to the pin which he duly obliged, playing it to about 8 feet.
Great shot!
The Meagher’s were straight down the middle on 19 – but the second shot which needed to be well hit to clear the cross bunker was pulled left leaving Michael Meagher with a very difficult third short through the rising trees – Michael is made for these moments and after composing himself, hit another great shot soaring over the trees only to clip a few dangling branches which took a little distance from the ball and landing it on the fringe about 15 yards short of the green – over to you Son!
Colin pitched it a little strong to about 15 feet.
Now it’s another putting competition – looks like we may be heading 20.
Michael Meagher struck a good putt downhill - left to right – WOW - just sliding by the hole.
Now it was time for Daddy Keating to step up and hole a winning putt – knowing that a miss would take the match down the 20th hole and they would have a shot.
Mark stood tall - composed himself - took a deep breadth and hit a stunning putt that never veered from the hole.
Its in!
The great run from Michael & Colin Meagher comes to an end, as the Keatings take their well-earned place in the quarter finals.
Leading qualifiers Brian & Brian Jnr Fehily played some tidy golf this evening in their match with Mark & Frank Hennigan – making the turn one up.
The Hennigan drew back level only to lose the 13th
Plenty of talent and good golf on show in the match, as the Fehily's eventually pressed home a winning advantage on the 17th green.
Grange’s David & Declan Lawlor were two up on Ben & Pat O’Mahony from Stackstown, maintaining this lead through the loop after 13 holes, before closing out the match on the 16th green - winning 3/2.
Castle’s vice-captain Arthur McEvoy and son Adam did not offer too much hospitality to their St Annes guests in Jordan & Donald McDonald, as they advanced into Friday’s quarter finals with an impressive performance and a winning score of 6/5.
Many thanks to the McDonald's for their performance - of which they can be proud.
Making the match play stages is not only so much fun but an achievement too.
The Waterford pairing of Ethan & Patrick Hough have now taken over the long distance travelling award from Lurgan’s Scullion’s, as they trek up and down to the Deise on a daily basis - of course how could we forget the birth place and homeland of our F&S chairman - Michael O'Neill.
They were back on the road a little early this evening after winning their match on the 4/3 with Hugh & Declan Kearney.
Terrific week for our friends from Elm Park - well done.
The quarter final matches will start from the first tee at 16:00 pm.
The visiting captains from the local clubs playing as guests of Castle Captains Neil Kelly and Carmel Scott will add to the overall sense of occasion.
We wish them well and a great day.
No doubt they can contain their rowdiness while the matches are in play.
If you lost today - please do not be “feeling down” – every at Castle does really “appreciate that you have been around” and of course we look forward to seeing you again next year.
If you won today, well done – not doubt that you are physically and mentally exhausted – fear not, you may need “help to get your feet back on the ground.”
Tomorrow brings a new day, new challenge, new opponents and an opportunity to reach the semi finals – Sounds Good Eh!
Many thanks to everyone who visited Castle today to support the players – greatly appreciated.
We look forward to seeing you tomorrow – first tee 16:00 pm.
C’mon - Won't you please, please!
Wednesday 2nd July 2025
………….There's nothing you can do that can't be done
Nothing you can sing that can't be sung
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It's easy
Nothing you can make that can't be made
No one you can save that can't be saved
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time
It's easy
All you need is love…………..
Wednesday evening at Castle Golf Club in the All Ireland Father & Son, sponsored by Keary Motors.
This event would not be possible without the sponsorship provided by Brendan Keary and the Kearys Motor Group and so on your behalf, we say a HUGE THANK YOU.
We are now over the halfway mark in this scintillating championship as we get down to the business end of events.
From here on in there are no breaks – no days off and the matches just keep coming.
Stamina, Fitness, Focus, Concentration are all essential ingredients as the week progresses.
It’s a cauldron – Its intense!
Perhaps all you really need is love – you certainly gain so much strength from playing side by side, Father & Son – it’s so special – no words can really explain that special bond – the matches drain you and yet the emotion and adrenaline keeps you focussed as you sway from shot to shot during each round.
This evening was a weird sort of evening with some glorious sunshine and a fair smattering of heavy-duty showers – typical Ireland with all the seasons over a couple of hours.
The competition was fierce as each pairing knew the prize that lies ahead is another opportunity to play alongside your Dad, your son, tomorrow in the next round – Massive!
Castle’s vice-captain Arthur McEvoy with Adam were out early as they set out to thwart the progress of the 2024 champions David & Daniel O’Beirne.
In a match full of excellent golf, the McEvoy’s proved too strong for the gallant O’Beirnes, winning on the 17th green.
The all-Castle affair included its fair share of excitement as Brendan & Jay Walsh managed to win 13, 14 and 15 to get back into the match – only to lose to Shay & Cillian Daly following their birdie on 17.
Keep your eyes on the Daly’s – trending very nicely!
The Scullions, Brian and Martin have travelled mega miles in pursuit of the holy grail and the Father & Son title and are always so welcome – tonight they came up against one of Castle’s rising young stars in Finn O’Sullivan and his Dad Morgan.
No joy this year for the Scullion’s as Finn O’Sullivan closed all doors and windows in this match.
Another pairing moving well through the week are scratch man David Muldowney & his Dad Michael, who played some of the best golf on view this evening when taking out Castle’s Jim & Daragh Mulready.
Jim is a multiple winning Club Champion at Castle, which adds the extra spice to the significance of this win for the Muldowney’s.
Their match against Morgan & Finn O’Sullivan could be an all-ticket affair on Thursday evening.
Castle’s Hilary & Arthur Haydon had a ding dong match with the K-Club pairing of Michael & Colin Meagher.
There was never more than a hole between them until the Meagher’s won the 13th and went 2 up.
They extended their lead to 3 holes on the long 14th - only for the Haydon’s to fight back winning the 15th after a superb tee shot from Arthur Haydon and they backed this up by winning the 16th to bring the Meagher’s lead back to the minimum.
The 17th was halved – as each pair tried to hand the hole to each other.
A massive drive down 18 by Colin Meagher clipped a tree down the right leaving them, buried in the trees close to the 14th fairway.
Michael Meagher told his son “I see a gap”
The crowd shuddered at the prospect – but with the Haydon’s just short of the green, Michael picked his moment.
As the crowd looked on in dis-belief the ball emerged through the trees soaring through the late evening air and landed on the green – 15 feet from the hole.
What a match winning shot!
Well done to the Meagher’s – a truly great match.
A solid performance from Andrew & Andy Mackey when winning their match with Mark and Jack McGowan.
Mark & young Daniel Keating also marched on following their 4/3 victory over Graham & Sean O’Reilly.
Spare a thought too for Cormac & Booby Egan too who fought back from 4 down, to eventually succumb to Ben & Pat O’Mahony on the final green.
Fine Margins – Agony! And Ecstasy.
And so after a night of trials and tribulations we all need a little love and
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It's easy
We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday evening at Castle Golf Club as we get down to the more serious end of business with eight matches – first off is 15:40 – so don’t leave it too late to join us.
Cracking matches in Store.
Tuesday 1st July 2025
……..It's been a hard day's night, and I've been working like a dog
It's been a hard day's night, I should be sleeping like a log
But when I get home to you I find the things that you do
Will make me feel alright………..
Tuesday 1st and it is the first day of July.
Welcome to the Castle Golf Club Daily Blog and to the 2025 Keary Motors Limited sponsored All Ireland Father & Son Championship.
Tonight, we bring you the last 16 matches of the first round in which 32 pairings will draw clubs and go to battle it out to see who will emerge victorious to take their place in Wednesday’s second round.
No Pressure!
You know what!
Golf is a great game…
And foursomes golf is great fun.
And playing with your son and or your father is not only great fun but an opportunity to create special and unique memories that will live with both of you to eternity.
Win or lose - Its Epic!
A great mixture of matches tonight with some resulting in an early bath for a few pairings.
While no one likes to see big margins in matches it happens – getting through to the match play is a great achievement in itself.
Andrew Mackey and his son Andy enjoyed victory over Grange’s Ken & Elliot Doyle after a match played in great spirit, topped off with quality golf from both sides.
The great Noel Smyth and his son Gar, long time campaigners in the All-Ireland Father & Son etched past Declan & Brandon Carolan winning 2 up on the 18.
One of Castle’s rising young talents Adam Mooney and his Dad, Daragh advanced through to Wednesday following a terrific tussle with former League of Ireland legend Liam Buckley and his son Alex.
It was another busy night on the 18th green with plenty of drama and matches heading off into tie holes.
Paul and Brett Nagle were two up in their match against Mark & Daniel Keating only for the Keatings to draw level on the 18th and take the laurels on the 19th.
Next up was the match between Castle’s Dermot & Aidan Connor against the Island’s Gareth & Keane Cooke.
Nip and tuck most of the way – the Cooke’s garnished a two shot lead after 13 holes – a lead they managed to maintain after the 16th.
A nicely timed birdie on 17 kept the match alive for the Connor’s and brought the match down 18.
Dermot Connor then held a tricky six foot putt on 18 to extend the match.
Following a half on 19 the Connors booked their place in the next round with a winning par putt on the 20th hole.
Ecstasy and Agony!
Castle’s Vice Captain Archie McEvoy and his son Adam pitted their wits against Grange’s centenary Captain Hugh Millar and his son Sean.
Cat and mouse ensued with great golf played in an equally great spirit and neither side looking like they would lose the match.
The Millars grabbed the initiative on the 13th to go one up – they held this slender lead up to the 16th hole.
The McEvoy’s struck back in great style with an amazing eagle on the 17th to take the match up the last.
On the 18th Arthur McEvoy watched as his 8 foot putt to win went harrowingly close but to no avail – here we go again down the 19th.
Great match!
While sometimes no one side deserves to lose a match – unfortunately it must happen when the match extends into tie holes – in this instance bragging rights went to Castle as the McEvoys holed the par winning putt on the 19th.
There were a number of other great matches tonight and too many to cover all.
A particular stand out was the match featuring Gabe McGloin with his young son Ronan – Ronan is relatively new to golf and currently plays off a 30 handicap which was reduced to a maximum of 24 for this event and how well he and his Dad did tonight taking the St Annes pairing of Jordon & Donald McDonald to the 16th hole before conceding.
Well done Ronan – we will be looking out for your name into the future – congrats to the McDonalds.
Wednesday evening will see more match play golf full of great golf and excitement with a range of matches set up to test the Father & Son pairings and entertain all who amble out to support them.
There are a couple of cracking all Castle matches which could have the nerve ends dangling by the end of the night including Brendan & Jay Walsh taking on Shane & Cillian Daly, while Castle Vice Captain Arthur McEvoy & his son Adam will cross swords with the title holders and 2024 Champions David & Daniel O’Beirne.
Mouth watering!
Wow – you got to get yourselves down to Castle Golf Club to see this with your eyes.
It has certainly been a hard day’s night – tonight and all the Father & Sons will be sleeping like a log - no doubt you will be too and we hope you will be all right too.
Night! Night!
Monday 30th June 2025
………The long and winding road, that leads, to your door
Will never disappear, I've seen that road before
It always leads me here, lead me to your door
The wild and windy night, that the rain, washed away
Has left a pool of tears, crying for the day
Why leave me standing here, let me know the way..........
Monday 30th and the last day of June 2025 – can you believe it!
Welcome to the Castle Golf Club Daily Blog and to the 2025 Keary Motors Limited sponsored All Ireland Father & Son Championship.
Well, tonight the long and winding road to the final has started in earnest with the first day of round one of the 32 matches being played.
After almost 200 pairings teed it up in the stroke play qualifying, we are now down to 64 pairings, each vying to reach the final on Sunday and take the coveted trophy and All Ireland title. Good luck to all.
In one of our early matches out today, the golf was supreme with Hugh & Luke Bagnall (Grange) taking a 2 up lead after 13 holes in a tight match, only for Brendan & Adam Murphy (Elmgreen) to bridie the 14th and 15th to level proceedings. The Bagnall’s tightened their belts and put the foot to the floor winning 16 and a sublime bunker shot from Luke Bagnall on the 17th to inches completing the task and their journey into Wednesday.
In an all-Castle affair, Liam & Stephen Larkin birdied the 9th to take a one-shot lead over Peter & Michael Scott.
As this match progressed the Larkins left no door or window open for the Scott’s. A colossal drive down 17 by Stephen Larkin left Liam with an 8-iron approach, which he duly delivered onto the green and with two puts to follow for the birdie, it was all over. It was a great match played in terrific spirit, and indeed, it was great to see the two pairings breaking bread later in the lounge as they dined together. That’s real golf!
Another close match saw John & Harry Glennon taking on Morgan & Finn O’Sullivan. After the Glennon’s turned 3 up, the O’Sullivan’s awoke from their deep slumber in the loop to bring it back all square on the 13th – a sublime pitch from John Glennon on the 17th stone dead restored their slender lead, only for the O’Sullivan’s to snatch the 18th following an outstanding 4 iron by Finn from circa 220 yards to the green– all down 19.
A short chip from Morgan O’Sullivan with a little check on 19 was enough to haul the O’Sullivan's into the next round.
Hard luck and well done to John and Harry.
Our holders, David & Daniel O’Beirne managed to get themselves involved in an all ex-Blackrock College tussle as they stood up against Ciaran & Nick Gleeson.
A tight match as you might expect ensued with no more than a shot between the two pairings all the way round.
The O’Beirne’s were one after nine and parity was nearly restored on 14 after Nick Gleeson hit a rescue from out of the trees stone dead for a birdie, only for David O’Beirne to hole a par putt, with a shot to save the half.
Daniel O’Beirne struck a superb iron from 194 yards on 17 to reach the front edge of the green in three (we will not mention his drive) while the Gleeson's were almost pin high two on the right with a tricky shot over the long greenside bunker.
The chip from Nick Gleeson looked spot on, only for it to land tantalizing short and fall back into the bunker – such fine margins.
The Gleeson’s failed to get up and down from the bunker and a two putt from the O’Beirne’s was enough to see the Holders march on to Wednesday.
In another match this evening Michael & Colin Meagher travelled up the road from Naas to dispatch Castle pairing of Niall & Ben McDonnell by 4/3 - sometimes there is simply no petrol in the tank, no matter how hard you try.
In an all Grange Golf Club match David & Declan Lawler earned the bragging rights, following their win over Brendan & Ben Clarke - young Ben had played a junior match earlier in the day and must have been exhausted - Oh! to be young again.
There are no easy matches out there and getting over that white line fever can be very difficult and stressful for the best of us.
Tommy & David Hopkins found this challenge tonight when 6 up after eleven holes.
Great credit to their opposition, Charlie & Barry Connell for hanging in there and they did that by making par on every hole from the twelfth to bring the match up 18 – Alas! - only to drop a shot on the last, thereby allowing the Hopkin's to cross that winning white line.
What a match – the agony and the ecstasy all in one moment.
The last match of the evening also went down the 18th and looked destined to go up 19 when young Joe Moran, playing with his Dad Sean, holed an outrageous putt of some 25 feet to close out their match on Joe & Lorcan O’Connor. What drama at 21:00 pm.
Well after Day 1 of the matchplay there is certainly half of todays field going home in a “pool of tears, crying for the day” while the successful winners are still “standing here” hoping that they “know the way.”
Tune in for tomorrow nights Blog to find out the second part of the first-round matches turn out or better still why not drop into Castle Golf Club and enjoy the thrill and excitement of matchplay golf and sure maybe you have one yourself.
Results and Draw are in the Draw & Results Section.
Sunday 29th June 2025
……Yesterday all my troubles seemed so far away.
Now it looks as though they're here to stay.
Oh, I believe in yesterday.
Suddenly, there's a shadow hanging over me.
I'm not half the man I used to be.
Oh, yesterday came suddenly.
Sunday 29th June 2025 and a glorious day at Castle Golf Club for Day 2 of stroke play qualifying in Keary Motors sponsored All Ireland Father & Son Championship.
For many all their troubles are now behind them – for the lucky ones who qualify there is hopefully a week ahead of exhilaration and joy. For those who will leave us today – we hope to see you next year.
They came from here they cam from there they came from near and far in the hope that this will be the year when they qualify and take their place in the match play stages.
For those qualifying for the first time, please take note that the holders David & Daniel O’Beirne made the match play stages last year for the first time after many attempts and then went all the way to lift the trophy. You too can do this – just believe!
David & Daniel played alongside their annual partners Andrew & Andy Markey today and this time it was the turn of the Markeys to turn up the heat with a magnificent 70 net. The holder managed to scrape through on 76.
Spare a thought for Harry Gleeson who played today with his son Harry Jnr - Harry is all set to retire from PWC this week after a long and illustrious career but unfortunately there was no silver lining as they missed the cut - hope he enjoys the trip down under and shouts loudly in support of Andy Farrell's Lion's team.
Our F&S Chairman Michael O'Neill prised his son John from Doheny & Nesbitts (where he works unless you have other thoughts) and togged out beside one of Castle's favourite legends - Ross Cregan and his son Ben - perhaps they should have all stayed at the bar as there is no sign of any of them in the matchplay draw.
It was a warm day with temperatures hitting 28 degrees and little room in the shade. The greens as always were shocking fast and in excellent condition – albeit there was a little of the green keeper’s revenge with some of the pin placements. I know and we hear you say – ah sure they are the same for everyone and they are.
The draw is now set out below and we will publish under the draw section later on the Website.
Good luck to all of you and well done on making it through the gruelling test of stroke play golf.
To those of you who failed to make the grade this time- we hope to see you next year.
The reserve list for Monday and or Tuesday is set out below as well - in case any who have qualified are unable to play.
And while your troubles may seem so far away from yesterday – tomorrow will bring a new challenge and if you are up to it – no troubles! But watch out for the shadows hanging over you!
We look forward to seeing you all at Castle over the next two days as the real fun begins!
Please see the Draw & Results section of the Father & Son Website for each day's matches and results
Saturday 28th June 2025
....When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a valentine
Birthday greetings, bottle of wine?
If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door?
Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty four?
Perhaps, we should have opened with Johnny Logan’s “What’s another year?”
Firstly, a huge welcome to each and every one of you to the 2025 Keary Motors sponsored All Ireland Father & Son Foursomes Championship.
It is hard to believe, but it is a full twelve months since we congratulated our holders David & Daniel O’Beirne on their magnificent win in 2024 and now we are all back here raring to go in 2025.
Another early start this morning for our Castle volunteers and course staff as they arrived at 6:00 am to get the course and competition ready for the Father & Son combinations competing today.
Our early morning volunteers included Michael O’Neill, Philip Murphy, Peter Jordan and David O’Beirne who along with Castle staff members Philip Hollowed and Alex Donaldson, made sure that everything was perfectly set up for today’s competitors.
A beautiful morning at Castle Golf Club welcomed each father and son as they arrived full of enthusiasm blended with experience and youthful expectation.
Among the early starters were Matt & Martin Maher, who have now played in 37 consecutive All Ireland events at Castle Golf Club, returning a commendable 74 net.
Archie (Vice-captain – Castle Golf Club) McEvoy with his son Adam playing opposite David & Conor Harte also managed to tee off early before most of you had turned over for your second snore of the day. A good day for Archie and Adam with a score of 73 net.
Another great pairing out this morning included Des Leavy Snr and his son Des Junior (not too much of the junior!!) who must be close to the elder statesmen of the 2025 event with their combined ages totalling 152 years. Wow – great achievement!
Sadly, no cigar but a very acceptable 77 as their net score.
Elm Park’s 2025 Captain Tony O’Shea lined up alongside his son Rory, paying off a three and plus two handicaps respectively. Tony is another long-standing participant and indeed has fond memories of playing with his Dad, in the 1985 final losing out to the O’Connors (Naas). Brilliant memories and who knows what the future might hold.
The All-Ireland Father & Son legends are the Finlans with Dad, Michael Finlan winning six titles, the first being in 1979 with his Dad, while his son Steve has won five titles, the first being in 2005. Today, Steve played for the first time with his son, while Dad, Michael played with his other son Francis - a great sense of family occasion.
Past Captains Peter Scott and Brian Nevin lined up alongside their sons Brian Jnr and Michael respectively with both pairings shooting excellent scores of 70 net and 74 net.
Longtime friends Garry Lyons and Niall O’Brien played opposite each other with sons Jaime and Joseph. Unfortunately, they will all have to wait another year to savour glory.
Some top-quality golf played by many of the competitors on this opening Saturday of the tournament with Cormac & Bobby Egan, together with Gabe & Ronan McGloin emerging as leading qualifiers with 69 net each.
It’s late on Saturday evening and it currently looks like all of the scores to 74 will qualify while some but not all of the 75’s might fall across the line.
Well done to all who qualify and hard luck to those who have missed out.
For those leaving us now, - next year, your Dad will be older and might be losing his hair or be closer to 64 – either, which way, both of you as Father & Son will have another opportunity to create life lasting memories.
For those of you fortunate enough to qualify for the match play, we look forward to welcoming you back to the blog tomorrow when the draw is announced.
