Conor Doran to defend Mullingar Scratch Cup
Twelve months on from his initial success, Banbridge based Conor Doran will be back in Mullingar next weekend attempting to retain the coveted Grant Thornton Scratch Trophy. For the first time in its history, the tournament, which is kindly sponsored by Grant Thornton and is played over 72 holes, has moved from its traditional August Bank Holiday date to its now latter date.The organisers have been forced to make a new date as the European Individual Championships has been scheduled to take place on the August Bank Holiday from this year on. This year’s tournament is once again sponsored by Grant Thornton.First played for almost fifty years ago, in 1963, the Trophy is one of the most coveted on the Irish amateur golfing circuit and many illustrious names have followed that of original victor, the great Joe Carr on to the role of honour. They include current professionals, Darren Clarke (1989), Paul McGinley (1991), Padraig Harrington (1994), Peter Lawrie (1996), Colm Moriarty (2001 and 2003) and rising stars, Rory McIlroy (2006) and Shane Lowry (2008).Local golfer, Des Morgan is expected to once again make a real challenge and provide the first host club winner of the event.Saturday’s drawDraw for Saturday 28th Aug 20106.30/11.30 D. Reidy (Co Sligo), M. Kelly (Mullingar), S. Doherty (Malone)6.38/11.38 J. O’Rourke (Mullingar), M. Sheridan (Old Conna), J. Ward (Banbridge)6.46/11.46 E. Stack (Ballybunion), A. Grant (Killinbeg), P. Burke (Mullingar)6.54/11.54 T. O’Connor (Athlone), P. O’Leary (Lucan), R. Knightly (Royal Dublin)7.02/12.02 S. Grehan (Tullamore), W. Hanna (Kilkeel), B. McSweeney (Woodbrook)7.10/12.10 J. Lenehan (Portmarnock), S. McGlynn (South County), J. Connolly (Massarene)7.18/12.18 B. Casey (Headfort), I. O’Rourke (Cork), S. O’Connor (Skerries)7.26/12.26 D. Beattie (Castlerock), J. Monaghan (The Island), S. Barry (Lee Valley)7.34/12.34 J. Pierce (Grange), A. Kearney (Castlerock), C. O’Sullivan (Fota Island)7.42/12.42 M. Durcan (Co Sligo), D. Reilly (Westmanstown), R. Walsh (Kilkenny)7.50/12.50 R. McNamara (Headford), K. McDonagh (Athlone), N. Grant (Knock)7.58/12.58 E. Arthurs (Forrest Little), D. Morgan (Mullingar), J. Fox (Portmarnock)8.06/1.06 J. Fanagan (Milltown), D. Lernihan (Castle), J. Greene (Carlow)8.14/1.14 C. Martin (Kilkenny), R. Whitson (Mourne), J. Hopkins (Skerries)8.22/1.22 A. Dunbar (Rathmore), C. Doran (holder) (Banbridge), C. Curley (Newlands)8.30/1.30 B. Anderson (Co Sligo), R. Leonard (Banbridge), N. Gorey (Lee Valley)8.38/1.38 R. McCarthy (The Island), I. Brennan (Greenore), D. Ruddy (Thurles)8.46/1.46 D. Kernehan (Galgorm Castle), C. Cunningham (Carton House), B. Walton (The Island)8.54/1.54 G. Kelly (Co Louth), A. Hogan (Newlands), M. Shanahan (West Waterford)9.02/2.02 J. Carvill (Warrenpoint), G. Bohill (Co Louth), E. O’Sullivan (The Island)9.10/2.10 P. Errity (European Club), M. Buggy (Castlecomer), D. Lally (Mullingar)9.18/2.18 C. Glynn (Carton House), C. Daly (Castletroy), A. Gleeson (The Castle)9.26/2.26 M. Collins (Mahon), D. Downie (Sutton), D. Coughlan (Royal Dublin)9.34/2.34 S. Ryan (Royal Dublin), M. Brett (Portmarnock), D. Hallissey (Muskerry)9.42/2.42 D. Coyle (Co Louth), T. McGowan (Strandhill), J. Lyons (Galway)9.50/2.50 A. Lowry (Esker Hills), G. Shaw (Mullingar), G. McGrane (Royal Dublin)9.58/2.58 G. Dillon (The Heath), S. Bryan (Delgany), C. Geraghty (Carton House)10.06/3.06 S. Devey (Skerries), T. O’Regan (Carton House), S. Brady (Co Sligo)The top forty five or forty eight will qualify for a further two rounds on Sunday.