Team South, captained by John Cassidy, won the third United Cup in a row at Carton House, Co Kildare, on Tuesday 3rd September, but Team North, captained by Gary Boyd, achieved their best score in the series to date, with Team South winning by 5.5 points to 3.5.
Accepting the United Cup from Pat Reede of United, John Cassidy said: “We have had yet another fantastic golf day, with great weather. United is a great airline and we wish them all the success with their new routes.” Graciously accepting ‘runner-up’ position, Gary Boyd echoed those sentiments, thanked Team United, and said: “We are getting closer!”
Great craic was had throughout the day, including rumours around an alleged responsibility by Team North for the last-minute change from the scheduled O’Meara Championship course to the Montgomery course. There was also much banter about Mervyn McNeely of Stena Line – Northern Ireland who was called on to play for Team South and who made a crucial putt. Barry Jackson of United even presented him with his prize of a new BFH, or bus fair home!
Welcoming the players and guests to the post-golf dinner, Pat Reede of United, which is celebrating 15 years in Ireland this year, said: “Over the past 12 weeks our new Shannon – Chicago service has been a phenomenal success and has surpassed all expectations. The signs are that this service could be here to stay, but I can’t confirm that right now.”
