Aquinas Grammar

Aquinas were crowned winners of the Darren Clarke School Golf League on Monday following a thrilling final at a sun-kissed Banbridge. Aquinas triumphed by the narrowest of margins with Matthew Egan sealing a 4-3 victory with a glorious approach shot to the treacherous 16th hole. The tie against St. Colman’s Newry had ebbed and flowed throughout the day with Aquinas only gaining the ascendancy in the latter stages. In addition to Matthew, fellow Year 9 pupils Conor Curran (who carded an impressive 3 birdies) and Adam ‘one -putt’ Mulholland also won vital points.  Ciaran Shearer’s match went to the final hole before a confident two putt from the edge of the green saw the Aquinas number two emerge victorious. At the top of the order the Aquinas captain Olivia McClurg battled hard but was edged out by an impressive performance from the St. Colman’s number one. Without Olivia’s magnificent victory in the semi-final though none of this would be possible and her attitude and effort both this year and in previous campaigns deserves commendation. Euan Neeson lost his match by the narrowest of margins but again his performances in previous rounds, commitment and will to win played a major part in our success this year. Last but most certainly not least the 2016 Aquinas Junior Sportsman of the Year Frank McWilliams lost his game on the final green. Despite not quite being able to complete the season unbeaten (Frank won all six previous matches), Frank can be proud of his achievements this season and it is clear he has a bright future in the game.

It has been my pleasure to have been involved with this group of students this season. Back in February we set out with a goal to reach the knock-out stages for the first time. Once this was achieved it was clear all seven players were not happy to simply settle for that.  While there were plenty of tense moments and narrow victories the attitude and desire to succeed of all of the players has been a pleasure to witness. With all of the players eligible to compete next season it is clear that the future of golf in Aquinas is in good hands!!