Well done to Ian Barrett’s winter league team on beating John Sweeney’s team on the 20th hole!Battle commenced as the first four ball teed off promptly at 13:00.All matches had to be played to a finish unless the final had already been decided i.e. one side has 3 wins, in which case the final match can be called in.

In the event that the matches are tied at 2:2 the captains designate a single player from each team for Sudden Death Singles Match Play Playoff starting on the first hole.
All of the matches were closely contested. The outcome of the Winter League 2022 Final came down to an enthralling battle between Tom Bradshaw & Maurice Kelly (H) vs Ian Barrett & Phil O’Neill (F). Tom & Maurice found themselves dormie 2 down playing 17 and rose to the challenge winning both of the last two holes to force a sudden death playoff.
It was back to the first tee (19th) and all 4 drives were in good position for the approach to the green. For a heartbeat it seemed that a superb chip from Tom Bradshaw (H) was about to hole-out for birdie but the ball finished just inches from the hole for a gimme. This left Ian Barret with a tricky shot from rough just off the green. Worst case he had to at least match Tom’s result. As we wondered what shot to play? Ian opted for the putter and we all held our breath the ball ran through the rough, broke down to the hole and for a split second we were once again looking at a birdie but it was not to be. Hole halved with 2 pars and up the 20th we went.
A superb second shot left Ian Barrett just feet from the pin with a birdie putt. However it was Phil O’Neill who made the winning downhill putt for team F following a superb third shot onto the green. The result, Ian Barrett’s Team F lifted the Winter League O’Loughlin Trophy 2022.
(As reported by Conn Loy)