Father and son golf champs

Well known ESB Networks member and golfing enthusiast Paul Mullarkey and his 17-year-old son Neil recently made history in winning the All-Ireland Final of the Father & Son Foursomes. Paul"s involvement in so many ESB Golf outings or his experience dealing with Apprentices over many years may have contributed to this success which, apart from golfing skill, was a test of temperament and nerve, played over five days.

Inaugurated in 1961, this much-prized tournament roll of honour features some of the most notable names in Irish golf, including the storied pairing of JB & Roddy Carr (1967 winners).

Many other famous names have participated over the years, including Philip Walton, Tom Craddock, Jody Fanagan, Martin Sludds and Noel Fox, to name but a few. Having successfully negotiated the stroke play qualifying round involving 250 pairs, Paul and Neil won their way superbly through 5 rounds of matchplay to reach the final at the Castle Golf Club, overcoming opposition from Stackstown, Castle, Slade Valley, Greystones and Newlands along the way.

The final of any event can strain the nerves of those involved and on this occasion the Mullarkeys, away to their Castle opponents showed cool heads and good tactics. Establishing an early lead they won the 12th to go two up and finished comfortably from there on ending 3 and 1 at the 17th. This is the first such victory for their Club and the Mullarkey family were honoured at the celebrations which were held in Carton House to mark this unique occasion.