Mayo golf stars blaze to famous All-Ireland success at Woodenbridge

Castlebar Golf Club has captured the All-Ireland Mary McKenna Diamond Trophy for the first time at Woodenbridge, Co. Wicklow, with an exhilarating victory over Carton House, Co. Kildare, in the final by 3.5 to 1.5.

In an encounter played during an incessant downpour, the Connaught champions were placed in a commanding position by solid early wins by Deirdre Moylette and Margaret Tighe (4 & 3) and Gina Kelly and Edel Burke (6 & 5) to go two up.

But the decisive, match-winning third point remained elusive for more than another hour as the other three matches out on the beautiful course ebbed and flowed.

However, Margaret Tuffy and Ilish McGing delivered the golden moment in memorable style at exactly 4.32 p.m., five and a half hours after the decider got underway.

Having been three down after four holes, the terrific duo completed a remarkable comeback on the 17th green to seal the historic win for the Mayo county town club.

The victory sparked scenes of joyous celebrations as the Castlebar players sang The Saw Doctor's classic 'The Green and Red of Mayo' with enthusiasm and pride.

At that point, the two others matches - involving Ann Gallagher and Betty Gannon and Sheila Baynes and Anne O'Sullivan - were called in.

Also joining in the celebrations were squad members Carmel Moran, Ger Lyons, Mary Rose McNulty, Flavia Cafolla and Bernie Bourke.

The team had been boosted by the arrival at the course prior to teeing off by Carmel Moran, who had undergone surgery a number of days earlier - but she could not be kept away from savouring one of the club's most famous triumphs.

It was proud occasion, too, for team captain Maureen Collins, her vice-captain Merlyn Clarke, club captain Terri Fahey and the many supporters who made the long journey.

When the history of Castlebar Golf Club is written, the Mary McKenna Diamond Trophy success of September 14, 2025, will surely warrant a chapter on its own, such were the twists and turns along the way.