Skerries run in this years Barton Cup came to an end on Saturday when a strong Headfort team won 3 ½ to 1 ½.

Having beaten local rivals Balbriggan in the opening round then Ashbourne in round 2 it was third time unlucky for Skerries. Headfort had recently contested the final of the Barton Cup and it showed as they managed to win a vital away point in Skerries having won their two home matches.

But it was a close affair -Mark Donoghue and George Leech went 5 down early in their away match but staged a marvellous recovery to get back to 1 down only to suffer the agony of defeat on the 18th green.

Co-Manager Paul Branagan, hero with Barry Sherwin of the Ashbourne win, suffered his first defeat away from home. Frank and Jason Rogan played extremely well and won their match – conceded on 17.

There was heartbreak for Junior Captain Ethan McGarry and Ciaran Barker – who both played brilliantly in this years run and were unbeaten in the first 2 rounds – when lady luck deserted them. They even had to witness a pushed shot from their opponents on 10 ricochet off the tress on the right of the green on 10 only to land 2 feet from the pin!

Fergus Gannon and Keith Hickey battled to a hard fought conceded half on 17th when the match was called in.

A learning for next year for sure and many thinks to the Captain and overall team Manager Paul O’Neil for their support and encouragement.

Next stop the Jimmy Bruen on 16th June in Roganstown.

Michael Branagan & Paul Branagan

Managers Barton Cup