Defending champions Concra Wood came out on top again in the recent All Ireland final of the Musgrave Crumlin Hospital Club Challenge in Portugal. 

The team of Noel O’Reilly (15), Eugene McGuigan (12) and PJ Harte (22) were wire to wire winners over the 36 holes final at the Faldo and O’Connor Jnr courses at the Oceánico Golf complex on the Algarve.

Concra Wood's rivals  for the coveted All Ireland title  and pennant were Leinster champions Tullamore, Connacht champions Bearna and Munster champions Ballyneety. And it was the Ulster champions who emerged victorious by five points after two days of competition.

The title was decided over 36 holes at Oceánico Golf in a single stableford format at the Faldo course (two scores to count from the three) and in the rumble format on the second day at the O’Connor Jnr Course. 

Stars of the first day were PJ Harte (Concra Wood) with 40 points over the Faldo Course closely followed by Siobhan Smyth (Bearna) on 39 points. Concra led by four points after day one and extended their lead with 79 points on day two in the rumble format.

There was also success for Castleblaney with their Hon Secretary Sean Mulligan (21) winning the Captain's/Guest's prize with 66 points from Tim Smyth (Ballyneety Captain) on 65 points. Concra Wood's Gareth McMahon (16) with 72 points was the runaway winner of the Musgrave Retailers prize from Bridie McNamara (Bearna).   

Guests of honour at the final were Mary McKenna (President, Irish Ladies Golf Union) and Albert Lee (Hon Secretary, Golfing Union of Ireland).

At the presentation dinner hosted by the Tivoli Carvoeiro Hotel, Chris Martin (Chief Executive, Musgrave Group) said the company was delighted to be associated with this wonderful event bringing much needed funds to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital.

All funds raised from this competition go directly to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin thanks to the generous support from the Musgrave Group. Now in its eighteen year the competition has raised over £1.4 million for the Hospital.

Clubs can get involved in the 2015 Musgrave Crumlin Children’s Hospital Club Challenge in two ways by including the three person “Rumble for Crumlin” competition day in their club’s diary which can include all male teams, all ladies teams or mixed teams or during a singles event charging an extra £10 per person with the winner, runner up and gross winner representing the club at the Provincial Final. 

The 2015 Provincial Finals will be held at the following:

• Leinster Final at Hermitage Golf Club
• Connacht / Ulster Final at Roscommon Golf Club
• Munster Final at Ballyneety Golf Club early September.

All clubs can enter by emailing their interest to the tournament Co-ordinator Pat Cashman at litia@eircom.net 

2014 All Ireland Results in Portugal

1. Concra Wood Golf Club, Castleblaney, Co Monaghan (Noel O’Reilly / Eugene McGuigan / PJ Harte) on 156 points
2. Ballyneety Golf Club, Co Limerick (Walter Shanahan / Ger Whelan / Jackie Nelligan) on 151 points
3. Bearna Golf Club, Co Galway (Roisin Keady / Siobhan Smyth / Lily Sheehan) on 143 points
4. Tullamore Golf Club, Co Offaly (Ray McGowan / James Minnock / Paul Daly) on 140 points