LAHINCH’s Jonathan Keane is today (Sunday) aiming to become the first local golfer representing the club in over half a century to win the Pierse Motors South of Ireland Amateur Open Championship.
By Daragh Small
Last year American Patrick Adler (North Shore) ended the 56-year wait for a Lahinch member to win the coveted prize while Clare native, Keane, dreams of also donning the green jacket and replicating the heroics of JD Smyth back in 1968.
Local support is out in force for Keane this morning as he teed off against Edmondstown golfer Liam Abom in the second semi-final.
The first semi-final, will see 2018 champion and match play expert, Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk) clash with last year’s Connacht Stroke Play winner Jake Whelan (Grange).
“I joined here in 2011 and when Stuart Grehan and Colin Fairweather were in the final that was my first time ever coming out to watch it,” said Keane.
He explained that his approach will be every shot at a time. “Ever since then, all the crowds and everything, you’re a young lad and being a Lahinch member you always dream about playing in the South and just getting on well in it. I’d great support, there was a lot of people out there, I couldn’t even count how many, so many faces as well. It really did help. It’s nice to see, supporting the local golfers, it’s great.
Rafferty was the first player to book his place in the quarter-finals after a 5&3 win over Seán Desmond (Monkstown). He was made to wait for his opponent as Jordan Hood (Galgorm Castle) and David Kitt (Athenry) went up 19 before the Galway man prevailed.
There was another thriller in the third match out on course, last year’s leading qualifier Ryan Griffin (Ballybofey & Stranorlar) won 16, 17 and 18 against West of Ireland champion Dylan Holmes (Greystones), and Griffin got through after the 21st hole. He went on to face Whelan, who had a 2&1 victory over Luke O’Neill (Connemara).
Keane had a more comfortable 5&4 win against Joe Lyons (Galway) and he would play Paul O’Hanlon (Carton House) following another 2&1 success at the expense of Conor Stapleton (Westport).
Fota Island’s David Howard defeated reigning AIG Irish Men’s Close champion Thomas Abom (Edmondstown) on the 20th hole, to set up a quarter-final against his brother, Liam, who beat Mark Cadden (Roganstown) in the remaining Last 16 tie.
In the afternoon, Rafferty again advanced first thanks to a 5&3 win against Kitt, in front of his family and daughter Maisy.
“Every championship is the same, it’s the best feeling ever. That’s why we play golf,” said Rafferty. “This will be a wee bit more special, be the first one that the child will be here, to have that as well. So that’s an addition to it this time. I’m definitely playing less golf (as a father). But I’m being relaxed again. Probably a little bit uptight at times with golf like we all do.”
Keane was next into the clubhouse for his place in a semi-final against Abom, after a 2&1 success. Abom beat Howard 2up while Whelan defeated Griffin 2&1.
