Young Kildare golfers storm to World Amateur Match Race title in Dubai

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Two young golfers from North Kildare have claimed the inaugural World Amateur Match Race title in Dubai following two days of intense competition across November 29th and 30th.

Cormac Browne from Donadea, who is a member of Edenderry Golf Club, and James O’Brien from Caragh, who is a member of Rathcore Golf Club, took the World title by overcoming an international field of 16 teams who arrived in Dubai last Saturday (Nov 27th).

The two days of competition ended with the Kildare pair finishing with a seventeen-under par total to take first place by 3 shots, having entered the final day in a three-way tie for the lead with the teams from England and Canada.

Day 1 of the final took place on the Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth course which is home to the DP World Tour Championship, the culmination of The Race to Dubai and European Tour Season.

The team Ireland representatives finished day 1 on six-under par, but it was day 2 on the Dubai Creek course where the pair made their decisive move clear of the field, securing the title with a stunning back 9 to finish ahead of team Germany in second (-14), and team England in third (-14).

Speaking after the win, Cormac Browne said: “This is the stuff of dreams. Coming here was the trip of a lifetime and I can’t put into words how it feels to have won. We can’t wait to bring this amazing trophy home”.

As part of their win, the young golfers will return to Dubai in 2022 to defend their title. O’Brien and Browne were presented with a diamond encrusted golf club on the final green which will don their names until they return to the venue next year.

James O’Brien added: “It’s unbelievable! We’ve had the trip of our lives and now we’ll get to relive it all over again next year. The competition was amazing, and the organisers made us feel like pros since we got off the plane. We can’t wait to bring the trophy home to Kildare!”

The World Amateur Match Race Champions are due back on Irish soil tomorrow afternoon.

The World Amateur Match Race is a season-long match play knock-out competition that starts locally in Ireland and ends for the winners with a tournament final in Dubai against other nations from around the world.

Player Profile – Sean Gerard Walsh Jenkinstown Gaels Minor Footballer

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Name: Sean-Gerard Walsh

Team: Jenkinstown Gaels 2021

Favourite Position: Full forward

Most important skill of the game: Catching the high ball

What would you change about the game (if anything)? Get rid of the black card.

Any pre match rituals/superstitions: Rest up /listen to music

Toughest opponent (in training or from another team) Charlie Ward from our own team, though unfortunately he’s currently injured.

Team you most like to beat: Bective

Proudest Day in or out of Gaa: Kildare beating Mayo in ‘Newbridge or Nowhere!!

Toughest or most disappointing day: Losing to Bective in an u12 final.

Biggest influence on your career:My uncle John Gerard (rip)

Joker in the panel: Colin Byrne

Best trainer played under: Brian Byrne

Best fashion sense on the team: Charlie mulligan

Most skilful player on the team: Tom Powderly

One player from another team (same age group) that you would like your team to sign: Keith Farrell Kilcock

Sports Person you most admire: Rachel Blackmore

Other sports you play competitively or as a hobbie: Rugby and I like to attend horse racing meetings.

Favourite thing to watch: Adam Sandler movies

Favourite food: Bacon, ribs and cabbage

3 things you couldn’t live without: My Playstation, Liverpool FC and good beef!!!

In 10 years time I hope to be: An Auctioneer or a Millionaire. Or both!!

What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to your dinner party: Michael D Higgins,Willie Mullins & Daniel Flynn

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know: I think Ronaldo is the G.O.A.T

Player Profile – James Daly Blackhall Gaels Minor Footballer

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Name: James Daly

Team: Blackhall Gaels Minor Football

Favourite Position: Half Forward

Most important skill of the game: Fitness

What would you change about the game (if anything) Nothing, it’s fine the way it is!

Any pre match rituals/superstitions? Just listening to music, it helps me relax.

Toughest opponent (in training or from another team) Colin Byrne

Team you most like to beat: Summerhill

Proudest Day in or out of Gaa: First County final in 2016.

Toughest or most disappointing day: Losing to Kilmainhamwood.

Joker in the panel: Jake Harris

Best fashion sense on the team: None of us!!!

Most skilful player on the team: Charlie Mulligan.

Best player played with or against: (Against) Half back for Kilmainhamwood.

One player from any age group you would like your team to sign: Ben Foley from our u15s.

Player you most admire from another sport: Robin Van Persie.

Other sports you play competitively or as a hobbie: Golf and Soccer.

Favourite thing to watch: Peaky Blinders.

Favourite food: Tortallini Pasta.

3 things you couldn’t live without: My phone, earphones and a football.

In 10 years time, I hope to be: An Engineer.

What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to your dinner party: Conor MacGregor, Arsene Wenger and Robin Van Persie.

Player Profile – Charlie Barker Blackhall Gaels Minor Footballer

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Name: Charlie Barker

Team: Blackhall Gaels Minors

Favourite Position: Half back/ Centre back

Most important skill of the game: Reading the play

What would you change about the game (if anything) Nothing, it’s fine the way it is.

Any pre match rituals/superstitions? Listening to Music

Toughest opponent (in training or from another team): Colin Byrne. When he hits you, you stay hit.

Team you most like to beat: Dunderry/Moynalvey

Proudest Day in or out of Gaa: Beating Longwood in our u12s final

Toughest or most disappointing day: Breaking my arm and missing football.

Biggest influence on your career: Donal Keogan- Meath centre back

Joker on the panel: Jake Harris

Best trainer on the panel: Brian McDonald, pity he’s over age!!

Best fashion sense on the team: Colin Byrne – Pink jerseys

Most skilful player on the team: Charlie Mulligan

Best player played with or against: Oldcastle Centre Forward. His name escapes me!!

One player from another team (same age group) that you would like to sign for your team: Hughie Corcoran

One player from any age group you would like your team to sign: Ronaldo, put him on the frees 😂

Player you most admire from another sport: Cj Stander

Other sports you play competitively or as a hobbie: Rugby

Favourite thing to watch: Hurling

Favourite food: Apple tart

3 things you couldn’t live without: Food, The Craic and Massey Fergusons

In 10 years time, I hope to be: A Carpenter or a Farmer!

What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to your dinner party: Micheal Jackson, Beyoncé and Gerry Adams.

Who do you want to nominate as the next Player to be profiled: Colin Byrne

What 1 question do you want to ask that person: Favourite Memory from Primary school

Player Profile – James Ruddy Blackhall Gaels Minor Footballer

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Name: James Ruddy

Team: Blackhall Gaels Minor Football

Favourite Position: Fullback/Midfield

Most important skill of the game: The Shoulder

Any pre match rituals/superstitions? Listening to music.

Toughest opponent (in training or from another team) Barry O’Toole

Team you most like to beat: Kilmainhamwood/Summerhill

Proudest Day in or out of Gaa:
First game for the Senior Cup team in Clongowes.

Toughest or most disappointing day:
Losing in the Junior Cup (Rugby)

Biggest influence on your career:
Aidan O’Shea

Joker in the panel:
Charlie Barker

Best trainer on the panel:
Kealan Forde (2020 Minor)

Best fashion sense on the team:
None of us stand out really!!!

Most skilful player on the team:
Luke Jennings (2020 Minor)

Best player played with or against:
Hugh Corcoran

One player from any age group you would like your team to sign:
Brian Fenton

Player you most admire from another sport:
Will Connors Leinster & Ireland

Other sports you play competitively or as a hobbie:
Rugby and Golf

Favourite thing to watch:
The Last Dance

Favourite food:
Chicken (any type)

3 things you couldn’t live without:
Chicken, Rugby, GAA

In 10 years time, I hope to be:
Pro Rugby Player

What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to your dinner party.
Richie McCaw, Elon Musk, Jesus Christ

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know:
I’m a qualified lifeguard

Who do you want to nominate as the next Player to be profiled:
Charlie Barker

What 1 question do you want to ask that person:
Best Coach you’ve played under.

Player Profile – Charlie Mulligan Blackhall Gaels Minor Footballer

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Name: Charlie Mulligan

Team: Blackhall Gaels

Favourite Position: Corner Forward/ Wing forward

Most important skill of the game: Determination

What would you change about the game (if anything): I’d Get rid of the mark!

Any pre match rituals/superstitions? I always have some Weetabix before a game.

Toughest opponent (in training or from another team) Sean Lavin from our minor team for sure.

Team you most like to beat: Dunderry

Proudest Day in or out of Gaa: Beating Dunderry in the first round of last year’s Minor Championship!

Toughest or most disappointing day in Sport: Finding out that the Gaa was called off due to the pandemic.

Biggest influence on your career: David Clifford from Kerry.

Joker in the panel: Colin Byrne

Best trainer on the panel: I know it’s a cliche but all of the lads are top trainers in fairness.

Best fashion sense on the team: No one stands out unfortunately.

Best player played with or against: Daithi Martin (Kilcock Hurling)

One player from any other team you would like your team to sign: David Clifford Kerry

Player you most admire from another sport: Patrick Bamford, Leeds United

Other sports you play competitively or as a hobbie: Hurling

Favourite TV show to watch: The Office

Favourite food: Chicken wings

3 things you couldn’t live without: Gaa, Leeds United, Friends/Family

In 10 years time, I hope to be: An Engineer

What 3 people, alive or dead, would you invite to your dinner party? Messi, Patrick Bamford and The Gooch

Tell us something about yourself that most people wouldn’t know: I play the guitar