Coveted double up for grabs

GOLF: Given the intensity of the Bulmers All-Ireland Cups and Shields, and how cherished an item a green pennant is on a clubhouse wall, it is not surprising that the Barton Shield and Irish Senior Cup double in the one year is a rare enough feat.

Co Sligo, however, proved it could be done in spectacular fashion, winning both in 1996 and again in 1997.

This year, Clandeboye are the only club capable of achieving such a double and the Ulster club commence that particular quest today at Galway Golf Club, when competing in the Barton Shield where they face Leinster champions Mullingar in the first semi-final. Ballinasloe and Nenagh meet in the other semi-final.

Clandeboye's cause has been strengthened considerably by the acquisition of Andrew McCormick, the Irish international. McCormick partners Trevor Spence in the top foursomes of this unique competition, where they meet Peter Wallace and Des Morgan.

BULMERS CUPS AND SHIELDS FINALS

(at Galway Golf Club)

BARTON SHIELD Semi-Finals - Clandeboye v Mullingar 8.30: A McCormick, T Spence v P Wallace, D Morgan; 8.40: C Moriarty, J Caldwell v C Cunningham, J Morris. Ballinasloe v Nenagh - 8.50: M Staunton, J Barton v C Martin, R Maher; 9.00: E Barton, D Kealy v D Hunt, P Burke.

JUNIOR CUP Semi-Finals - Co. Louth v Malone - 9.10: R Branigan v M Bell; 9.20: D Doggett v B Brennan; 9.30: S Gannon v K Gilbert; 9.40: P McCaffrey v J Conlon; 9.50: M Kierans v J Gilbert. Killarney v Portumna - 10.00: B O'Toole v G Lynch; 10.10: R O'Sullivan v E Dervan; 10.20: J Brosnan v P Quinlan; 10.30: J Arthur v J Harte; 10.40: G McKenzie Vass v M Donohue.

PIERCE PURCELL SHIELD Semi-Finals - Loughrea v Woodstock - 10.50: V Leahy, M Kennedy v L McInerney, M O'Brien; 11.00: B Fahy, J Greally v M Kelly, D Lynch; 11.10: J Dervan, A Greally v F Doherty, J O'Connor; 11.20: K Greally, T Horan v A Coote, R Dormer; 11.30: J O'Connor, P Murray v J Kelly, M Nugent. Moyola Park v Castlewarden - 11.40: A Corr, F Archer v E Butler, D Bolger; 11.50: K Beatty, G Caskey v C Kellett, N Walsh; 12.00: D Caskey, L Peoples v S Callery, A Birthistle; 12.10: A Kearney, R O'Kane v B Flynn, D O'Neill; 12.20 - M Gormley, J McCloskey v J Murray, B Devereux.