The Barton Cup team got off to a flying start in beating a highly fancied Balbriggan team 3 ½ to 1 ½ on Sunday. Balbriggan had beaten Baltray in the first round proper. Youth and experience were in evidence as Paul and Michael Branagan’s charges delivered the goods. Junior Captain Ethan McGarry combined brilliantly with Ciaran Barker to seal the Skerries win on the 18^th in a 2 up victory. Not to be outdone, they were ably supported by veteran John McInerney, and Martin Coleman in the match behind. McInerney had chipped from the trees at the back of the 17^th stone dead to a red flag and concession. He then followed that up by splitting the fairway on 18 before being called in with the match over.

Second pairing Keith Hickey and Fergus Gannon won the vital first point in a great match, 4 and 2. Gannon had good support in the form of dad Frank, our Irish international. In what was a pivotal win away from home, multi-tasking co-manager Paul Branagan, teamed with Barry Sherwin to win 2 and 1 after a hard fought match. Louis Dwyer and Conor Power met stiff opposition from the home team who secured their only point of the match.

Captain Domo was in attendance to offer his support, as was Lady Captain Ciara at the 18^thgreen, and Skerries now play Ashbourne away on Saturday 28^th April (2 games at home and 3 away). Hopefully the momentum will continue in what has always been a special competition for Skerries members.