Lowry fails to retain West

Shane Lowry failed to retain his West of Ireland Amateur title when he was beaten by England’s David Corsby’s 19th hole birdie in a dramatic decider at Rosses Point.

Shane LowryEsker Hills international Lowry was two up after five holes but slipped one down at the turn and two down with two to play before fighting back.

The Offaly player claimed the 17th with a bogey five and then brilliantly birdied the 18th from eight feet to force extra holes.

But it was Corsby from Royal Lytham who walked away with the title when he hit his approach to just a foot at the par-four first and Lowry failed to match his birdie three.

Corsby beat Royal Dublin’s Niall Kearney by one hole in the morning semi-finals as Lowry defeated Newlands’ Cian Curley 4 and 2.

West of Ireland Amateur Open Championship, Co Sligo GC

Semi-finals: Shane Lowry (Esker Hills) bt Cian Curley (Newlands) 4/2; David Corsby (Royal Lytham & St. Anne's) bt Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin) 1 hole

Final: Corsby bt Lowry at 19th.