Dundalk's Clem Walshe won the first RaboDirect Hilary Golf Society outing of the year at Portmarnock Hotel and Golf Links on Sunday.

The five handicapper made four birdies in a two under par 69 to win by three strokes from Carton House's Fergal Harrington, who was also playing off five.

Harrington edged out Royal Dublin's Kevin Knightly (5) after a countback for third place while the gross went to plus two handicapper Barry Anderson.

Now out of The Royal Dublin but a native of Co Sligo, Anderson posted a level par 71 while the team prize went to Clem Walshe, Ed O'Keeffe (Corrstown), Tom Freeman (The K Club) and Marcus Malley (The Royal Dublin) with 60. 

The Hilary Golfing society was founded in 1953 by Sutton's Michael Fitzpatrick to give players competitive golf and match practice in advance of the golfing season. The society, which was originally to have been called ‘The Top Twenty’, was ultimately named after the Hilary law term which extends from Christmas to Easter each year.

Forthcoming outings

• FEB 21 Seapoint
• MAR 6 Laytown & Bettystown
• MAR 20 Co Louth
• APR 10 Portmarnock Old Course
• APR 15 Royal Dublin