A disappointing end to a great season for our Barton Cup team. Losing out by the narrowest of margins to Kilkenny was a bitter pill to swallow on Saturday. The burnt conditions in Kilkenny didn’t suit our away team who are used to more lush surroundings in Castlecomer and ultimately the away draw proved pivotal in deciding the tie. That’s not to say we didn’t have our chances, we certainly did, but you have to take the opportunity when it presents itself and that was the difference in the match, Kilkenny took theirs and we did not. At home the big hitting pairing of Rob Brennan and Josh Kelly decimated their opponents who simply couldn’t live with the lads and they brought the Kilkenny pairing in with a resounding victory of 5 and 4. With both players from ‘Comer giving a short game clinic, to match their exceptional long game, the Kilkenny lads had no answer to what they faced.
Unfortunately the other home pairing of John Buggy and Colum Lynch were on the receiving end of a similar score line. Away the first pairing out of Tom Coogan and Kieran Byrne proved far too strong for the Kilkenny lads and raced into a 4 up lead, they did stumble a little towards the end, but the lead proved a bridge too far for the townies and Tom and Kieran secured the point for ‘Comer. A magnificent achievement under the conditions, with baked fairways and inconsistent bunkers being mentioned by all three sets of players, local knowledge was to prove crucial and ultimately decided the match. Up next was Michael Buggy and Nicky Walsh who took the lead early with a birdie on 2, but relinquished their lead at the next hole and then a series of exceptional golf from the Kilkenny lads saw them race into a 3 up lead.
The ‘Comer lads didn’t shy away from the fight however, and by the 12th hole they had retaken the lead after some really solid golf. A loss on 13 however gave the home side hope and a hard fought half meant it was honours even in the par 3 15th. With ‘Comer securing an unlikely win due to an outstanding putt from Buggy putting the squeeze on the other side, who three putted from close to give our lads the lead by the slimmest of margins heading to 16. A subsequent half at 16 meant we held the same slim lead but an unlucky bounce for our duo compared to a fortuitous one for Kilkenny gave them the advantage. What followed for Kilkenny was brilliant though as Jeff Kealy who had played super golf throughout stitched his approach to inside 6 inches. A poor bunker shot from Walsh gave Buggy no real chance with the putt, so honours even as we head to 18. With both teams putting for birdies, and with Kilkenny missing theirs, Nicky had an opportunity to win the game but his putt rolled over the edge of the hole. 19 proved the decider with Kilkenny hitting an excellent approach which was to prove decisive. The last match then with Mark O’ Dowda and Mark Shortall representing ‘Comer , proved a real topsy turvy affair. ‘Comer raced to a commanding 4 up lead but Kilkenny fought back valiantly and by 14 were level and then the match seesawed and Kilkenny were in command until our pair had a brilliant win on 17 to level the match. Mark ‘O didn’t hit his greatest teeshot and left Mark S in the bunker and with Kilkenny in close it was always going to be a tall order to come away with even a half. Having said that Mark will be disappointed with his shot but that’s golf, and Kilkenny secured the win on the 18th which closed out the game overall. While there was obvious disappointment at losing Captain and manager Warren Byrne can be proud of his panel and their efforts over the year. A special word of thanks to the skipper and his beautiful wife Kiera who were there for everyone with iced water and towels, which were greatly appreciated by the players! Not just that though, the effort from everyone has to be commended and was mentioned multiple times yesterday evening “we go again”. Good luck to Kilkenny in their endeavours in a fortnights time and thanks once again to Warren and everyone who contributed over this successful campaign.