Council Hosts Reception for Fred Daly Ulster Champions 2017

October 25, 2017

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council held a reception to recognise the achievements of Lisburn Golf Club's youth team for being crowned Ulster Champions 2017 in the Fred Daly Trophy and reaching the All Ireland Finals.

The Mayor, Councillor Tim Morrow, together with Councillor Amanda Grehan, Councillor Rhoda Walker and Alderman Stephan Martin were delighted to welcome the team players, Club Captain, Ivor Walker and Juvenile Convenor, Glen Walsh.

Started in memory of Ireland's first Open Champion, the Fred Daly Trophy has been competed for since 1995.  Daly, who won the Open Championship in 1947 at Hoylake in 1947, also played in the Ryder Cup four times, in 1947, 1949, 1951 and 1953.

Competing in the most prestigious junior golf competition in Ulster for the Fred Daly Trophy on 6 August were Brian Houston, Jack Shellard, Josh Robinson, Kyle Patton and Mark Stewart while teammates Aaron Marshall and James Mulholland competed for the All Ireland Trophy.  After initial success against Bangor, Tandragee, Buncrana and Knock, the five man team went on to become Ulster Champions, beating Hilton Templepatrick in a 4-1 score followed by another 4-1 win in the finals against Royal Portrush.

Speaking at the reception at Lagan Valley Island, the Mayor, Councillor Tim Morrow said, "I am delighted to host a reception for the Ulster Champions of the Fred Daly Trophy.  It is great to see local talent excelling in their sport and I am honoured to be able to acknowledge their hard work and achievements at this reception.  Both the Council and wider community are extremely proud and I am already looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for these young stars."

Juvenile Convenor, Glen Walsh said, "The boys really enjoyed being recognised by the Council and were appreciative of the time taken by the Mayor to host the reception and show them around the Chambers and his offices.  The team are all of an age where they are still eligible to enter the competition next year.  We hope we will return to the Mayor's Office, as not only Ulster Champions, but All Ireland Champions next year."