Minister for State Niall Collins topped the ballot to win Captain Jim Nolan’s Prize at Lahinch Golf Membership.

12-handicapper, Mr Collins performed along with his brother James, and mates Richard Hickey and Donal Byrnes in Saturday’s qualifying spherical and made the 28 who teed it up within the nine-hole play off on Sunday.

“It was a workforce effort,” he informed the Limerick Chief. “My brother James caddied for me on Sunday. Richard Hickey and Donal Byrnes had been out on the course performing as ball spotters as you could possibly lose a ball fairly simply within the treacherous tough in Lahinch.”

He received after a countback with 58 factors, including: “It’s the largest golf competitors that I’ve ever received. Most individuals fortunate sufficient to win a captain’s prize would solely ever win one of their lifetime so it’s a massive honour.

“I’ve been a member since I used to be a boy. We’ve been going to Lahinch on household holidays since we had been kids.”

Mr Collins, whose father Sean and mom Marian are each previous captains of the membership, was thrilled to have his image taken along with his mates and a Limerick flag in entrance of the bronze, ‘Rampant Goat’ statue behind the primary tee.

“It’s one other win for Limerick,” he added after heading a subject of some 400 entrants. “Every little thing went for me over the 2 days. I performed nicely and acquired a number of fortunate breaks. It’s important to have a share of fine luck to win one thing that massive.”

Lahinch Golf Membership captain Mr Nolan offered Mr Collins with a portray by Peg Quinlan of the sixth inexperienced wanting throughout the bay in the direction of Liscannor.