PROFILE - Margaret Hennessy - NENAGH GUARDIAN SPORTS AWARD WINNER 2020

Margaret Hennessy became the first player from Riverdale Pitch & Putt Club to win an All-Ireland Matchplay title by winning the ladies Nett competition, held in Clonmel and Cashel in September.

Day one’s play was held in Hillview, Clonmel and Margaret had to overcome stiff opposition to reach the semi-final, which took place at Larkspur Park, Cashel. Margaret had a tight encounter with former champion Elaine Quinn of Lakeside before winning 4&3. In the final Margaret faced Lorraine Creed of Hillview and she got off to a great start winning the first four holes and remained four ahead at the halfway stage, In the second round Margaret again got off to a great start and extended her lead to eventually win by a margin of 8&6.

It has been a whirlwind rise in the game for Margaret who only recently took up the game.

“About two years ago I decided to take up golf and because Pitch & Putt and Golf,” she said.

“They are complementary sports I joined the two (Riverdale Pitch & Putt Club and Nenagh Golf Club) as I live locally.

“I used to play camogie (with Limerick) back in the day, so I had good hand-eye coordination and I found the game liked me and I liked it.

“The club suggested that I enter the All-Ireland Matchplay and because I was so new at it, I thought I would have had to be playing it for years before I entered but those who saw me playing thought I would be up to the standard and the rest is history.”