Douglas Golf Club create AIG history on home soil by winning the men's and women's title

Douglas Captain Don Coughlan said it was probably the greatest day in the history of the club as they pulled off an historic double in the AIG Men’s and Women’s Senior Cups on Sunday afternoon.

Two 17-year-olds sunk the winning putts with Claudia O’Donoghue sealing back-to-back victories for the women while Barry O’Connell won the inaugural title for the men, both on the 18th green in Douglas.

This is the first time any club has done this double since Royal Portrush in 1979.

“We were dead and buried, six, seven holes ago,” said Coughlan.

“We just kept saying, pick a hole, pick a hole, stay in the game and somehow those guys turned it around and they’ve created probably one of the greatest, if not the greatest day in the history of the club.

“116 years since Douglas was formed and our first Senior Cup and the double with the ladies, an incredible double.

“I can’t help but say it’s probably really deserved as well. 

"Fantastic people, fantastic club and I can’t believe that we pulled it off.” 

Douglas defeated Belvoir Park on Saturday to set up a semi-final with County Louth, and with wins for Peter O’Keeffe (4&3), Sean Reddy (2&1) and Kyle McCarron (1up) they advanced to the final. 

Rosslare had a comprehensive 4-1 win over Moyola Park in the other final four tie but they found their Cork opponents just too strong.

Peter O’Keeffe beat Mark Whelan on the 19th hole, and while Gary Collins (3&2) and Mark Shanahan (4&3) were both victorious, a win for Jack Murphy (2&1) and finally O’Connell sealed the title.

Earlier in the day, reigning champions Douglas won another AIG Women’s Senior Cup, their first time going back-to-back since 1987.

Douglas beat Knock in the quarter-finals on Saturday and then County Sligo, 4-1 in Sunday’s semi-final, with Shannon Burke, Clodagh Coughlan and Karen O’Neill all securing points.

Lahinch defeated 2023 champions Royal Portrush in the other semi-final and with wins for Áine Donegan (8&7) and Chloe Ryan (2up) in the final, they were well in the fight.

However, Burke maintained her 100 percent record with a 5&4 success, and another win for O’Neill (4&3), left it to O’Donoghue to secure another precious piece of silverware with a 1up win.

“Those girls were amazing,” said Douglas Captain Kate MacCann.

“We were not looking good all the way and Claudia was just always going to do it, she was amazing. All the girls have been incredible, every single one of them have contributed. We wouldn’t be here but for all of them.

“Shannon leads from the front and she is such an inspiration to all the others. She’s going to win so you know you have that one in the bag.

“I always thought Claudia was going to do it, she’s had a tough week but she’s just come through and I just thought she’s going to shine. 

"She’s just turned 17, she’s fearless and she was loving it.

“We have an amazing team, an amazing club, we’re just so proud right now.”