Galway and Maynooth University’s Ronan Mullarney has his sights set on a championship win and an Irish cap after he joined the legends of the game by cruising to an impressive five-stroke win in the Mullingar Scratch Cup yesterday.

The 20-year-old Paddy Harrington Scholarship student from Salthill had a three-stroke lead heading into the final 36 holes and won with ease on 10 under par 278 from Hermitage’s Rowan Lester and Portmarnock’s Jack Pierse.

A morning 70 saw his lead cut to two strokes over Mullingar’s Liam Grehan on nine under par. But in trying to become the first home winner in the event’s 54-year history, the talented Grehan followed his superb morning 67 with a 77 to settle for seventh on two under.

Course management

Mullarney, playing well within himself all weekend, relied on clever course management and a razor sharp short game to close with a one under 71 for his first major amateur win as an individual.

“I am not as long as these guys but I found a way to get it done,” said Mullarney, a Connacht interprovincial for the past two years. “And I just love the place. Along with Portrush, it is one that just suits my eye off the tee and around the greens.

“I probably shouldn’t be saying this but coming down the last couple of holes I was thinking everyone who is anyone in Irish golf – McIlroy, Harrington, McGinley, Lowry – they have all won this. So there could be no better trophy to put your name on but alongside those lads on the Mullingar Scratch Cup.

“Hopefully I can push on. I have two events left this year, the Irish Youths in my home club, Galway Golf Club, and the Irish Close in Ballyliffin. I won the Senior Cup with Maynooth University last year but this is special. I am over the moon.”