Gort made to fight

It was a long road to success, but ultimately one that was well worthwhile. Having started out last May, last Friday Gort emerged victorious in the fifth Ulster Bank/ILGU All-Ireland Fourball Championship played at the delightful Rathsallagh golf and country club. And they were made to fight all the way in the final before seeing off the determined challenge of Clontarf, by a 2-1 scoreline. Clontarf had begun their participation in April against Luttrellstown Castle and Edmondstown, while they also beat The Island, Forrest Little, Knockanally and Castleblaney before winning their semi-final against Ballykisteen in match that went to the 19th. A total of 250 clubs participated, involving an astonishing 245 matches. On their way to the final, Gort beat Portumna, Galway, Mountbellew, Ballinasloe and Sligo county. The winning team in the final against Clontarf consisted of Bernie Larkin, Josie Collins, Geraldine Connors, Maureen Brennan, Catherine Burke and Jane Joyce.