Hanlon and Kenny dominate in the opening County team trial.
Last Sunday saw the much-awaited opening trial for the Westmeath County team of 2014. Collinstown was the venue for this 54 hole event and the course was presented in good condition for the time of the year. Thirty one players took to the first tee and the tension and excitement was clearly visible to all there.
Collinstown’s players as expected showed very well on the day with John Browne leading the field after the opening 36 hole on 93. Another Collinstown man Larry McGinn was tied second with Lough Owel’s brilliant Dessie Baker on 95. Next was Custume’s Martin Kenny on 96 with Collinstown’s Alan Hanlon and Michael Buckley both on 97. The final round saw everything change though.
Martin Kenny shot a superb 45 to give him a 21 under par total. But not to be outdone, Collinstown’s Alan Hanlon shot a 44 to equal Martin’s overall total. This score was good enough to give both men a minimum of a 3 shot cushion over the rest of the field after trial one. John Browne finished in third place with a 144 total. Joint fourth on the day went to Michael Buckley from the home club and Dessie Baker on 147. The other 3 places in the top eight were taken by Kilbeggan’s Alan McCormack and Niall Cuffe as well as Collinstown’ Larry McGinn all on 150.
Other notable scores from a Collinstown point of view were Liam Buckley on 153 whilst Martin Carter and Darren Reilly both shot 154. The second trial is also a 54 hole trial and it is in Tullamore on bank holiday Monday (5th May) at 10.30 am.
Click here for full results from the first trial
Click here for the draw sheet and tee-off times for the second trial in Tullamore