This season’s Smith Cup at County Armagh Golf Club saw local fireman, Thomas Murray, set the fairways alight and pour cold water on the hopes of his rivals, as his superb tournament run ended in a blaze of glory.
Thomas’s title tilt in the knockout matchplay event for the 0-12 handicap bracket began in earnest with victory over Roy Davis in June. There then followed a no-nonsense defeat of talented club newcomer, Dermot McCaffrey.
Next up for the six-handicapper was a quarter-final encounter in which he sent Shea Brady packing; no mean feat given the competition convenor’s own impressive form this term.
Murray proceeded to overcome the last-four threat of fellow big-hitter, John Vernon, before a marvellous display in September’s final deservedly secured him the silverware and meant that Paddy Digby had to content himself with second-placed recognition.
Despite being unable to live with peerless Thomas in that deciding encounter, runner-up Digby can also reflect with satisfaction on a Smith Cup journey that incorporated wins over Anthony Farrell, Lee Stewart and Adam Cromwell.
Murray’s Mint! Thomas Murray, County Armagh Golf Club’s Smith Cup champion 2019, celebrates his triumph with proud wife Máire, daughter Molly-Jane and son Matthew.
Thomas Murray, winner of County Armagh Golf Club's Smith Cup, was presented with the trophy by Club Captain, Kenny Edgar.