Pursuit of prized pennants

The green piece of fabric, triangular in shape, is a most coveted prize. Whether it be symbolic of victory in the Irish Senior Cup, or the Barton Shield, the Irish Junior Cup or the Jimmy Bruen Shield, or perhaps that competition which has an affinity with more club golfers than any other, the Pierce Purcell Shield, the scene is invariably an emotional one.

Later this week, in Newlands Golf Club, close by the bustling Naas Road dual carriageway, club players from all over the country will descend in search of one of the Bulmers Irish Cups and Shields titles - and that cherished green pennant.

For many, it will be a first taste of this unique national inter-club competition that will see seasoned international players and double- digit handicappers competing on adjoining fairways.

For each of them, the pressure - in his own way - will be as great as the other.

The road to Newlands, or to any national final, is not an easy one.

Sectional qualifiers have been followed by regional qualifiers and, finally, provincial finals. And the costs incurred by clubs along the way is certainly not insignificant.

When Thurles laid their hands on the Pierce Purcell Shield back in 1997, it was estimated that their entire campaign had cost in the region of £15,000; and, when St Annes took their first green pennant in winning the same competition at Rosses Point in 1994, it was estimated their cost was close to £10,000.

Yet, for the honour and glory, it is considered money extremely well spent if diligent preparations and dedication stretching back to the spring months bring the ultimate reward as the evenings shorten.

For the 20 clubs involved in this week's national inter-club festival - with five pennants at stake - this is what it is all about.