Father and Son win for formidable Finlans

Stephen and Michael Finlan (Castle / Grange Castle) winners of the 2018 Dawson Jewellers sponsored Father & Son Competition at the Castle Golf Club. Picture by Pat Cashman

Michael and Stephen Finlan won the Dawson Jewellers sponsored All Ireland Father and Son Foursomes for the fourth time when they beat Naas' Vincent and Lloyd O'Rourke 4 and 3 in the final at Castle.

Grange Castle member Michael is now a five-time winner as he won with his father Ben in 1979 before going to partner his son Stephen, who is a member of Castle, to victory in 2005, 2013 and 2014

Almost 450 golfers representing nearly 100 different golf clubs participated in the qualifying rounds of the popular Castle event this year.

The Finlans beat the formidable pairing of Grange stalwart Morgan Pierse and his son Jack, the plus two handicapper from Portmarnock, 4 and 3 as the O'Rourkes beat Castle's Andrew and Ryan Baird on the 19th.

In the final, the O'Rourkes won the second in birdie and third with a par to go two-up before the Finlans won five of the next six holes to be three-up at the turn.

2018 Father & Son competition at the Castle Golf Club

Stephen Finlan (Castle) bunkered at the 10th green in the 2018 Dawson Jewellers sponsored Father & Son Competition final at the Castle Golf Club today (15/07/2018). Picture by Pat Cashman

2018 Father & Son competition at the Castle Golf Club

Lloyd O'Rourke (Naas) driving at the 9th tee in the 2018 Dawson Jewellers sponsored Father & Son Competition final at the Castle Golf Club today (15/07/2018). Picture by Pat Cashman

2018 Father & Son competition at the Castle Golf Club

Stephen and Michael Finlan (Castle / Grange Castle) winners of the 2018 Dawson Jewellers sponsored Father & Son Competition at the Castle Golf Club today (15/07/2018). Picture by Pat Cashman

2018 Father & Son competition at the Castle Golf Club

Vincent O'Rourke (Naas) bunkered at the 13th green in the 2018 Dawson Jewellers sponsored Father & Son Competition final at the Castle Golf Club today (15/07/2018). Picture by Pat Cashman

2018 Father & Son competition at the Castle Golf Club

John Leonard (Captain, Castle Golf Club) with Ken McDonagh (Dawson Jewellers) presenting Michael and Stephen Finlan (Grange Castle / Castle) with the 2018 Dawson Jewellers sponsored Father & Son Competition at the Castle Golf Club today (15/07/2018). Also in the picture is Lee Healion (Tournament Chairman). Picture by Pat Cashman

Another win at the 11th put them four up and while the O'Rourke's, well supported by Naas members, birdied the 12th to reduce the deficit to three holes, the Finlans won the 13th to go four up again.

While the O'Rourkes fought back and won the 14th with another birdie, the match ended on the next with yet another successful Finlan putt.

Ken McDonagh from Dawson Jewellers said that his company were delighted to be part of this great tournament that builds and nourishes future talent, family relationships and values.

2018 All Ireland Father and Son Foursomes, sponsored by Dawson Jewellers, Castle Golf Club

• Monday results
• Tuesday results
• Wednesday results  
• Last 16
• Quarter-finals

Semi-Finals

• Vincent (10) & Lloyd (4) O'Rourke (Naas)  beat  Andrew (15) & Ryan (10) Baird (Castle) 19th
• Michael (14) & Stephen (5) Finlan (Grange Castle/Castle) bt Morgan (4) & Jack (+2) Pierse (Grange/Portmarnock) 4/3

Final

• Michael (14) & Stephen (5) Finlan (Grange Castle/Castle) bt Vincent (10) & Lloyd (4) O'Rourke (Naas) 4/3.