Co Sligo are seeking a distinction that eluded even the great Portmarnock teams before the second World War, when the Bulmers-sponsored National Cups and Shields finals get under way at Athlone today. And the challenge holds a special appeal for international Kenneth Kearney, who will be making his last appearance for the club.
The westerners are attempting a unique four-in-a-row in the foursomes championship for the Barton Shield. Even more remarkable is the fact that Kearney, Serryth Heavey and David Dunne have been ever-present in those Co Sligo teams. Kearney and Heavey have formed an unbroken partnership but Tom Ford replaces Kevin Flanagan as Dunne's partner today.
"I'm moving to Galway for business reasons on November 1st, so this is my swansong for Sligo," said Kearney. "It means I'll have an extra incentive to take the trophy one more time - and I know the other lads feel the same."
Then, by way of explaining their success so far, Kearney added: "We have worked extremely hard for those victories, coming together at Rosses Point twice a week since April. As for my partnership with Serryth, it is based essentially on a very good personal relationship."
Grange provide the opposition in the opening semi-final this morning. Remarkably, given the presence of such luminaries as David Sheahan and Paul McGinley, the Dublin club have never won a national pennant. A younger McGinley, former North of Ireland champion Michael, is the most notable member of the present side.
Warrenpoint will be powered by the formidable Paddy Gribben in the other semi-final against Limerick. The Ulster club are attempting to take the trophy for the first time since their successes of 1987 and 1988 when Gribben, was partnered by Jim Carvill.
The Senior Cup doesn't get under way until tomorrow but there was evidence yesterday of thorough preparation by Portmarnock, who lost to Co Sligo in the semi-finals 12 months ago. They competed in strength in the recent Athlone Scratch Cup which was won by Colin Cassidy, with David Kelleher third.
Shandon Park, the 1994 winners, are also impressive. But it will be interesting to note the progress of Connemara, who shocked "double-bouble" winners Co Sligo in the Connacht final. Cork are the only club challenging for a double - in the Senior Cup and Junior Cup - which means that a total of 19 clubs are taking part in this annual golfing festival. And the weather struck an appropriate note yesterday as the picturesque Athlone course was bathed in brilliant sunshine.
Overlooking the Shannon, this undulating parkland stretch places particular emphasis on straight driving. An element of blindness - the tee-shot at the 432-yard 12th being a prime example - suggests that local knowledge will be a decided advantage to the Connacht teams.
Although the Barton Shield dominates today's play, there is a fascinating aspect to Old Conna's Junior Cup team, which is dominated by members of their triumphant Jimmy Bruen Shield line-up of 1993. By way of balancing the experience of Joe Drea, Pat Hayde and Declan Kerrigan there are talented four-handicappers in 15year-old Mark Kynes and 16-yearold Paul McDonald, who won the Smurfit All-Ireland foursomes title in 1996.
They face last year's runners-up Cork in the first semi-final. And whatever about the strength of the other Junior Cup sides, there is obvious appeal in the presence of James Bruen, grandson of the greatest player in the history of the Little Island club.
Strabane, beaten semi-finalists in 1988 and 1991, make their third appearance at this level in a clash with Tuam. Their determination can be gauged from the fact that came to Athlone for a practice session last Sunday and went back home that night, before returning yesterday. They, too, have four-handicap teenagers in Ronan McCay and Patrick Kennedy.
Galway, five times winner of the trophy, were accorded the dubious status of "Dream Team" when retaining the Pierce Purcell Shield at Woodbrook in 1993. As it happens, Woodbrook players who witnessed their success on that occasion will be challenging them in the first semi-final.
Nenagh, the winners in 1989 and 1991 - they were close to meriting dream status prior to Galway - face newcomers Nuremore in the other semi-final in an attempt at capturing the trophy for a third time.
The Jimmy Bruen Shield, which gets under way tomorrow, is certain to produce new champions in that none of the four semi-finalists has been there before.
