The most famous landmark in golf - Swilken Bridge, St Andrews Old Course

Munster Golf Champions, and All-Ireland contenders, Coláiste Chiaráin Senior Boys, have just completed a historic trip to Scotland for the inaugural ‘Links Cup’, between a top boys golf team from Kirriemuir, Angus, Scotland.

The pioneering competition took place over three days and saw students from both countries play some of the top courses in Scotland including St Andrew’s Bay, Royal Montrose and Brechin. The competition followed the typical Ryder Cup format – players competed against each other on a singles matchplay format and combined team formats. In addition to the golf, the students also visited what many recognise as “the home of golf” and of course the venue for this year’s Open Championship, St Andrews Old Course. They also visited the venue of last year’s Open – Turnberry and Kingsbarns. “There are no words really to describe how it felt to be playing golf on such historic courses. Scotland is the mecca of golf in my eyes. To walk on the very greens and fairways that Tiger Woods and Padraig Harrington is so special. The Scottish team are excellent golfers and they pushed us all the way. We’ve made great new friends and we can’t wait for when they come over to us next year,” explained team captain, Jack Ryan.

The competition marks the first of this kind in both Ireland and Scotland and the aim is to extend the competition to more schools from both countries to compete next year. “Our Scottish counterparts will make the return trip to Ireland next year in a bid to take the Links Claret Jug back to Scotland,” explained Jack. The return leg will see students play a number of prestigious courses including Adare, Ballybunion and Lahinch.

This year’s competition was fierce with a high standard of golf being played on both sides. Coláiste Chiaráin, representing Ireland, edged it out in the end on a scoreline of 4 ½ points to 1 ½ points.

The trip was undertaken on a home stay basis where students from Scotland hosted the Irish. This worked to great effect and added a further dimension to the overall experience for the students. It gave students the opportunity to share very similar but yet different cultures and traditions. “I am very excited about the establishment of this link with Scotland. A lot of work has been done behind the scenes to make this competition a reality. At Coláiste Chiaráin, providing sport for all, is core to our school ethos. In addition to developing the players’ golf, it will also encourage students to develop their personal and social skills while at the same time experiencing Scottish cultures and traditions,” explained Mr Eoin Shinners. “We are hoping to invite more schools from Limerick and Scotland so that the event will become a key golfing opportunity for our schools on an annual basis”, he stated.

The concept originated from two teachers of Coláiste Chiaráin, Mr. Eoin Shinners, and Mr. Colm Hanley, both fanatical golfers, together with Mr. Peter Herron, from a top Scottish School, heavily committed to the sport and Mr. Steve Renee, Golf Professional, at Brechin Golf Club, Scotland.

The victory cannot come at a better time as the team from Coláiste Chiaráin bid to take the All-Ireland title next April after recently winning the Munster Secondary Schools Golf Championship. Special thanks must go to their sponsors – Mr Ken O’Brien of ProGolf Raheen and Mr Seán Mullaly of RT Communications, Raheen. Their support and encouragement has been vital to the golfers’ success. Coláiste Chiaráin is delighted to be associated with these local enterprises.

 The Coláiste Chiaráin team is led by team captain Jack Ryan, Charleville Golf Club, David Carroll, Adare Golf Club, Owen O’Brien and Colin O’Sullivan, both of Limerick Golf Club.

On the 18th at St Andrews Old Course (Swilken Bridge in the background)

Colin O'Sullivan and Jack Ryan on the 18th at St Andrews Old Course

On the 18th fairway on St Andrews Old Course

Jack Ryan

David Carroll

Owen O'Brien

Colin O'Sullivan