DONABATE CC WIN IN TENSE FINISH
The senior golf team of Kevin Le Blanc, Niall Foley, Matthew Keane, Sean Dowling and Joseph Hanney did the school and whole community proud last Friday by beating Maynooth Post Primary to reach the Leinster semi-final (see picture above with Principal Mr. Creevey and their manager Mr. Roche)
The conditions in Castlewarden Golf Club, Naas, were abysmal and the lads had a tough job keeping themselves and their gear dry as well as battling Maynooth in a top class match.
Kevin and Niall were the first two players out for Donabate and both players won tough battles in close fashion in matches that went back and forth. Kevin won 3&1 and Niall won 2&1. With two points on the board we only needed one more for the win but Sean, Joseph and Mathew were all involved in battles that could go either way.
As it turned out Joseph and Sean lost their matches, battling to the end in two close matches. So it came down to Matthew’s match, the winner of this match sent their school through. Like all the other matches it was back and forth, Mathew led early on but found himself four down with four holes to play. Mathew showed the same spirit that the whole team had showed all day and all season and won the last four holes to tie the match meaning they had to play the first hole again. With the whole team now following this match Mathew won the 19th hole that gave Donabate CC the victory 3-2.
The lads all put in so much work in their own time after school practicing and represent the school and community with pride. The level they are playing is the best in the country and the school has never been near this stage before. Over 100 schools in Leinster started the competition and we are now in the last four in Leinster and four matches away from potential All Ireland success at the highest level of golf in the country, an amazing feat by the team.
The team could not function without the help of the players’ parents. They have provided transport and helped immensely with the organisation of the team especially at the events. We would not have a team without their help and the school is extremely grateful. Many thanks to Mr. Keane, Matthew’s father who sponsored tops for the team.
Details of the semi-final are yet to be announced.