Gifted Kynes pulled two ways

When you're 15 years old and a huge golfing talent, it can lead to all sorts of associated problems . . . like the prospect of telling your dad that you can't play on his team.

Old Conna's Marc Kynes sank the vital putt on the 18th green in last week's Leinster final of the Smurfit Irish Junior Foursomes at Beech Park ensuring that his club will represent the province in the national finals in Youghal next week, where they will be chasing a second Irish title in three years.

Marc, however, may not be there himself due to a clash of dates with one of the most prestigious junior competitions on the calendar. As the Irish winner of the Weetabix Golf Foundation age-group, the four-handicapper's presence is required in Shropshire for the internationals finals this day week. This just happens to be the same day as the Irish Junior Foursomes finals, where Old Conna, representing Leinster, will face Connacht champions Co Sligo in the semi-final.

"I don't want to put any pressure on Marc, the decision is entirely down to him," said his father, Tony, who was non-playing team captain in the club's march to the Leinster crown. "All I've said to him is that I'd like to know what decision he makes by the middle of the week."

Old Conna, the progressive north Co Wicklow club, has established a fine reputation as a breeding ground for young golfers. Two years ago, they won the Irish Junior Foursomes crown in Headfort when three of the current squad - Marc Kynes, then just 13 years of age, Gary Power and Paul McDonald - were also involved. Last year, they reached the Leinster final where they lost out to Lucan (who went on to win the national title).

Ironically, that loss to Lucan came on the 18th green at Beech Park - and, yet, 12 months later, that same piece of ground was to witness Old Conna's teenagers display nerves of steel to fend off Mullingar in another gripping decider in the popular competition.

Old Conna's title win was built around a strong six-player squad. Mark Purcell, who'd played in the earlier rounds, actually missed out on the final because he was away at college in France, but Power, the Kynes brothers, Marc and David, and the McDonald brothers, Paul and David, ensured that the phone call to France would relay news of their victory.

Using the "horses for courses" theory, manager Tony Hynes altered his team for the final and brought in Power to replace his son David in the top foursomes. Amid great excitement, Marc Kynes and Power, who were one down playing the 18th and giving a shot to their opponents, won the hole with a par four to their opponents' six when Marc Kynes showed tremendous character to sink a downhill four-footer.

Then, the McDonald brothers - who watched the drama from their position in the middle of the 18th fairway - closed out their match to ensure Old Conna regained the Leinster title.

Ulster will have six survivors from the team that triumphed last year when they set out in defence of their Golfsure Senior Interprovincial Championship at Portstewart tomorrow.

Ricky Elliott, Paddy Gribben, Michael Sinclair, Andrew McCormick, Ciaran McMonagle and Stuart Paul were all involved in last year's success in Ballybunion, and the 10-man squad is augmented by the return of Garth McGimpsey along with Irish amateur strokeplay champion Michael Hoey and David Gibson.

The interprovincials are always keenly contested and, despite playing on home ground, Ulster face a tough task to retain their crown. Bryan Omelia, the only Irish player picked on the British and Irish team for the St Andrew trophy against the continent of Europe in Italy next month, leads a strong Leinster team, while Irish close champion Eddie Power backbones a Munster team that mixes youth with experience. Last year's Irish champion Ken Kearney leads Connacht.

The Island's Pamela Murphy, a three-time Irish girls' champion, will spearhead Ireland's attempts to make home advantage count in the Girls' Home Internationals which start at Mullingar tomorrow.

Ireland's non-playing captain Elaine Bradshaw and manager Cathy Smith are hoping that the team will manage to repel the invaders from England, Scotland and Wales and, certainly, the Irish team is full of promise with Murphy joined by Claire Coughlan, Finola Donnelly, Sheila Galvin, Marina Gilhawley, Martina Gillen, Aine Burke and Deirdre Judge.

A limited number of places are still available on the timesheet for the Whirlpool Parent and Child team event to be held at Donabate Golf Club on Friday week. Contact Des O'Shaughnessy 01-833 7762.