Coughlan wins Midland Scratch Cup

 Carlow Golf Club's Steve Cronly (left) and Peter Tuite from sponsors Boylesports present the Midland Scratch Cup to Castleknock's Paul Coughlan

Castleknock's Paul Coughlan claimed his first major scratch cup when he won the prestigious Boylesports sponsored Midland Scratch Cup by three strokes at Carlow Golf Club. 

Once a 72-hole classic with a list of past champions that includes Joe Carr, Peter McEvoy, Mark Gannon and Pádraig Harrington, it was a 36-hole affair again this year with Coughlan firing rounds of 71 and 70 and to win on one-over-par 141.

Wet early conditions gave way to fine weather but once again the magnificent Deerpark Course was the star of the show.

Thurles' Aaron Ryan was second on 144 after a brace of 72s with Killeen Castle's Paraic Connolly third on 145 thanks to rounds of 75 and 70.

Castle's Jack Walsh shot 71-75 to finish fourth on six-over 146, edging out Woodbrook three-handicapper Conor Byrne who was the only player to break par, opening with two-under 68 before carding a 78 in the afternoon.