Westmeath Juniors clinch Leinster Pitch and Putt title

On Sunday, September 1, 2024, Westmeath’s Junior Pitch and Putt team triumphed in the Leinster Inter-County Championship at Oldcastle Pitch and Putt Club, Co. Meath. Under the management of Raymond Fay, the Westmeath team finished 13 shots ahead of their nearest rivals, Carlow, with Louth finishing third.

This success marks a return to winning ways for Westmeath, who last won this title in 2019. That year, Raymond Fay was a player in the winning team, and now in his first year as manager, he has led the team to victory once again.

The winning team was captained by William Quigley and included Matthew Cunningham, Neil Hannigan, Tom Metcalfe, Pat Maguire, and Michael Flynn, with Joe Clooney and Barry Walsh as substitutes. Westmeath got off to a strong start in the team event, with Michael Flynn and Tom Metcalfe scoring an impressive 21 under par in the opening doubles.

In the singles, Neil Hannigan and Pat Maguire helped to stretch Westmeath’s lead, but it was Michael Flynn’s round of 11 under par, which included a birdie on the 11th hole, that clinched the title for Westmeath. The roar from the Westmeath contingent when Flynn holed his birdie putt was heard all around the course.

Fay praised the efforts of his players and said that their dedication and commitment since trials began in April had been key to their success. He also paid tribute to his predecessor, Jim Clooney, who had managed the team to their previous victory in 2019.

Three weeks later, on Sunday, September 22, 2024, Westmeath travelled to Riverdale Pitch and Putt Club, Co. Tipperary, for the National Junior Inter-County Challenge against Kerry. Westmeath faced a strong Kerry team, who went on to win the match 6½ to 2½. Despite this defeat, Westmeath can be proud of their achievements this season, and their Leinster Championship victory will go down as one of the highlights of 2024.