Dwyer and Dunlea share the spoils at Slieve Russell
L-R Graeme Dunlea, Tony Walker (General Manager, Slieve Russell) and John Dwyer
Ashbourne's John Dwyer and Adare's Graeme Dunlea shared the spoils at the Slieve Russell Masters Pro-Am.
In swirling winds, Dwyer carded a second round 70 to finish on 139 (-5) while Dunlea compiled a fine 68 to end the tournament on the same mark.
The pair made the most of the opportunity handed to them by overnight leader, Michael McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown), who followed up his opening round 66 with a three-over 75 to slip out of contention.
“I probably played as well yesterday (Monday) but I holed more putts today, that was the difference,” said Dunlea who opened his bid with a one under 71.
The 29-year-old, starting from the 10th, was out in three under 33 with birdies at 13, 15, 17 and 18, offset by a dropped shot at the 14th. He dropped two further shots at the second and third but a run of three birdies at the sixth, seventh and eighth saw him home in one under 35.
“When I birdied the sixth I thought I was probably behind so the birdie at seven was pretty huge,” he said.
Dwyer began with a birdie at the first, dropped a shot at third before reeling off a string of pars until the 12th when he dropped another shot. He bounced back in some style over the closing six holes, with birdies at 14, 16 and 18.
Reigning Order of Merit champion, John Kelly (St Margaret's) finished third on four under par.
The team event was won in some style by David Ruddy and playing partners who finished on 193 after rounds of 98/95.
Slieve Russell Masters Pro-Am
Leading Scores
T1 John Dwyer (Ashbourne GC) 69/70 (139)
T1 Graeme Dunlea (Adare Manor Hotel & Golf Resort) 71/68 (139)
3 John Kelly (St Margaret's Golf & CC) 67/73 (140)
T4 Brendan McGovern (Headfort GC) 70/71 (141)
T4 Michael McDermott (Pure Golf Leopardstown) 66/75 (141)
T4 Niall Kearney (Royal Dublin GC) 69/72 (141)
7 Damian Mooney (Ballyliffin GC) 70/72 (142)
T8 David Ryan (Cahir P ark GC) 71/72 (143)
T8 Jimmy Bolger (Kilkenny GC) 71/72 (143)
T10 Colm Moriarty (Glasson Hotel & GC) 72/72 (144)
T10 Ciaran Molloy (Blackwood GC) 74/70 (144)
Team Scores
1 David Ruddy 98/95 (193)
2 John Dwyer 93/91 (184)
3 Brendan McGovern 97/84 (181)
4 Donal Gleeson 91/88 (179)
5 James Quinlivan 92/86 (178)
