Waterford showcase winning golf skills
Waterford GAA Club of New York made a little piece of history this weekend, becoming the first overseas team to emerge victorious in the FBD All Ireland Golf Challenge picking up the perpetual Waterford Crystal Dunhill Trophy in the process.

The team from New York took on the best GAA golfers from each of the provinces over two days of exciting golf at Faithlegge Hotel and Golf Club, Waterford on September 8th and 9th.

The All Ireland champions from New York sealed victory with a winning score of 161 and were led by team captain Mick Carthy playing off a handicap of 20. Mick was ably assisted by team members, Eugene Brophy (16), John Power (16) and Connie O’Reilly (7).

The New York team held their overnight lead from the first day and despite a battling performance from the reigning 2006 All Ireland Champions St Brigids of Dublin, the New York team pipped their Irish counterparts by one point at the finish.

Competition patrons former President of the GAA, Sean Kelly and Eddie Keher were on hand to present the winning members of the Waterford – New York team with the perpetual Waterford Crystal Trophy. Each of the individual players were presented with Waterford Crystal medals as well as a weekend for four people, plus partners at the Faithlegg House Hotel & Golf Club.

Over 120 GAA clubs competed over the last three months at provincial finals to qualify for the honour of representing their province in an All Ireland Final. This year’s finals weekend also witnessed the continuing tradition of an overseas team taking part. This honour rested with the golfers from New York’s Waterford GAA Club.

The FBD All Ireland Golf Challenge was established by Dunhill GAA Club, Co Waterford in 2000, allowing golfers the chance to represent their GAA club in an All-Ireland for the first time ever. The FBD Golf Challenge was established with the aim of the young and the not so young playing on the one side. The unique feature of this competition is that there is no senior or junior status, no large or small section and no age restrictions. The smallest rural club can take on the largest urban club and compete on a level basis in an All-Ireland Final.

Mr. Adrian Taheny, Director of Marketing & Sales, FBD said, "Congratulations to Waterford of New York on been crowned All Ireland Champions. The FBD All Ireland Golf Challenge has gone from strength to strength with GAA clubs all over the Country competing for All Ireland honours. We are very proud of FBD’s association with this event and hope that it will continue to grow year on year and enjoy as much success as it has since we first established the event eight years ago."

1st Place Waterford – New York 161
2nd Place, St. Brigids 160
3rd Place, Claremorris 158
4th Place, Derrygonnelly Harps 151
5th Place, Boherlahan / Dualla 147

The Waterford GAA Club from New York, who are the first Overseas team to have won the FBD All Ireland GAA Club Golf Challenge Fourball Final at The Faithlegg Golf Club, Co. Waterford. Pictured L to R: Adrian Taheny, FBD Director of marketing and sales, Eugene Brophy, Mick Carty, Sean Kelly, Patron, John Power, Connie O'Reilly and former Kilkenny Hurling Legend, Eddie Keher. - Photo: Don Moloney/Press 22