RONAN O'Reilly's early start proved a winning move in the McElvanna Drapery and Footwear sponsored stroke competition at County Armagh.
The 8-handicapper, who has hit a rich vein of form in recent weeks, beat the torrential rain which was to fall for much of the day, to post an untouchable winning score of nett 62.
Ronan O'Reilly, winner of the McElvanna Drapery and Footwear, Keady sponsored stroke competition, is presented with his prize by Hugh McElvanna. Looking on are County Armagh Golf Club Captain Martin Oliver and competition runners up (from left) Kieran Grimley, Winston Gordon and Pat McAleavey.
Playing partner Paul Pender (12) also took full advantage of the better weather conditions to register a nett 67 - for the runner's up prize.
A birdie at the par four 2 nd hole was the perfect start to a one-under par front nine for Ronan. And with further birdies at the 10, 11 th and 15 th holes – and a double bogey six at the last – his one-over par back nine saw him complete his round in an impressive 70 shots.
Paul Pender did his best to keep in touch – two over par after nine holes and seven over the back nine for his nett 67.
Neil Linton (5) topped Category 1, returning a nett 69 and with a better back nine pushed Kieran Grimley (11) – who also posted a nett 69 – into the runner's up spot.
Teams' Convenor Declan McReynolds (13) won Category 2 with a nett 68, and again a better back nine pushed Winston Gordon in to the runner's up spot after he also recorded a nett 68.
In Category 3, Pat McAleavey's nett 73 topped the pile, albeit yet again on countback from Jason Yau who's nett 73 earned him the runner's up prize.
Philip Kelly's gross 72 lifted the Gross Prize.