Damien McGrane, just returned from competing in the Club Professionals match against the US will head a strong field in the chase for the first prize in the £20,000 Connemara Pro-Am at Connemara next Saturday and Sunday. The increased £20,000 prize fund elevates the AIB-sponsored Connemara event to number three on the Irish circuit and this is reflected in the entry. Irish Professional champion, Neil Manchip from Royal Dublin, who will be defending his title at Co Louth from October 5th to 8th will be a strong contender, while Damien Mooney will be hoping to add to his list of victories. On the amateur side, former French back row rugby international Jean Pierre Rives will line out for the Kitty O'Shea team.