Lyons and McDonnell set the pace in Connacht Stroke Play
Joe Lyons. Picture by Pat Cashman
Veteran Joe Lyons fired a brace of two-under 70s to share the halfway lead with Jack McDonnell heading into the final 36 holes of the Connacht Stroke Play at Portumna.
After making was he said was his last interclub appearance for Galway in that semi-final defeat to Belvoir Park in the AIG Senior Cup at Donegal on Thursday, the Offaly man (49) showed he’s far from a spent force at Portumna’s stunning parkland layout.
He made eight birdies and four bogeys over his two rounds to share top spot with Forrest Little star McDonnell, who followed a 73 with a five-under 67.
They were a shot clear of Lisburn’s Aaron Marshall (71-72) and four ahead of an eight-man group on level par - Galway’s Liam Nolan, Portmarnock’s Cathal Nolan, Dundalk’s Josh Mackin and Eoin Murphy and home favourite Sam Murphy.
The cut fell at five-over-par 149 with Darragh Flynn (146) and Eoin Sullivan (149) making it through despite their exertions for Carton House in Friday’s AIG Senior Cup win over Belvoir Park.
