Nenagh member Hunt through to semi-finals of the Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Close Championship
By Caomh Breen Allen
David Hunt is keeping local hopes alive as the Nenagh member booked his place in the semi-finals of the Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Close Championship.
The 2024 club president battled through two tough matches on Thursday, edging past Tony Cleary (East Clare) 1up in the morning before defeating Mark Ford (Cork) 2&1 to cap a brilliant afternoon for the Tipperary club.
“A long day and two really tough matches,” said Hunt.
“I played with Mark in the qualifiers and he’s an exceptional player, so I knew it was going to be tough and I’ve played against Tony before, it’s always close.”
Roared on by strong home support, Hunt will face Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Open Champion Andrew Morris (Royal Portrush) tomorrow.
“I’m so grateful to them. The club has been tremendous through the week,” said Hunt.
“The course is exceptional, and everything has run really well.”
“Tomorrow’s another day, we’ll just take it as one match at a time, one shot at a time.”
Morris too is chasing history, aiming to become the first player since the late Maurice Kelly in 2010 to win both the Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Open and Close titles in the same season. He advanced with wins over Shane Kenneally (Kinsale) 1up and Joe Lyons (Galway) 4&3.
In the other semi-final, Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Close Stroke Play Champion Eddie McCormack (Galway Bay) meets Pat Murray (Adare Manor). McCormack beat Johnny Ward (Banbridge) 4&3 to reach his second consecutive final, while Murray staged a late surge to see off Alan Condren (Greystones) 1up.
The Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Close Championship is also down to its last four, with leading qualifier Deirdre Smith (County Louth) continuing her strong form.
The 2022 champion and last year’s runner-up defeated Sheena McElroy (Grange) 5&3 before a dominant 7&6 win over Clandeboye’s Nikki Currie.
“Just played solid to be honest, didn’t do anything crazy. Birdied the first, so I got off to a nice start,” said Smith.
“Played par golf and got up early and sometimes when you get up early you sort of consolidate it and that’s kind of what happened.”
“Last year is last year and it’s gone. I’m not putting pressure on myself, there’s more to life than golf.”
“Hopefully we’re in the final, it would be great, but it’s not going to make or break me.”
Smith will meet Maria O'Reilly (Headfort), who edged Alison Taylor (Malahide) 1up in her quarter final.
On the other side, 2023 champion Tracy Eakin (Dooks) will face Sinead Benedetti (Roscommon). Eakin defeated Joanna Campbell (Royal County Down Ladies) 3&1, while Benedetti prevailed over Laura Webb (Royal Portrush) on the 20th hole.
Friday will also see semi-final action in the Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Close Plate and the Irish Veteran Men’s Amateur Close Championship.
Mary MacLaren (Royal Portrush) will face Aileen Hanratty (Donabate) in the opening women’s match, with Orla Foley (Headfort) taking on last year’s runner-up, Fionnuala Halpin (Dun Laoghaire).
In the Veteran Men’s, defending champion Karl Bornemann (Douglas) plays John Mitchell (Tramore), while Castlemartyr’s John O’Brien takes on David Kinneen (Galway Bay).