Local talent, Aodhagán Brady (pictured), will play his cousin David Brady (Straffan) in the pick of the ties as the Last 32 was whittled down to 16 at golf’s Connolly Motor Group West of Ireland Championship on Sunday.
The in-form golfer of the week, and leading qualifier, Mark Doogue (Castleknock) got the proceedings underway in what was a blustery and cold morning at County Sligo, continuing his great weekend with a 5&4 victory over Oscar Murphy (Royal Portrush).
However, the last 32 would be as far as the Baltinglass man would go, Aodhagán Brady (County Sligo) booked his place in the next round at his expense with a battling 2&1 victory.
“Feels good, played well out there. Played very well coming in in both matches. Good match with Adam this morning going down 19. Played very solid there in the second round so happy to get through,” said Brady.
“He (Doogue) played very well in the stroke play and a good win this morning. He played well in the second round just probably got him on the way in into the wind.”
He now takes on his older cousin David Brady, who came through with a 3&2 victory over former champion, Hugh Foley (Royal Dublin), in the last 64 before a play-off win on the first extra hole against Shea Dorman (Bangor).
“Had a good match this morning against Hugh played really nicely. Thankfully got a couple up and stayed up then in that one. Had a tough battle this afternoon. It was tough in the wind. Thankfully got over the line on 19,” said Brady.
“Should be interesting (playing Aodhagán), it’ll be good fun having all the family out watching as well, from both sides. Something like this doesn’t happen too often so be cool to experience it.”
Aodhagán & David Brady
Another familiar name booking his place in the Last 16 round is Eddie McCormack (Galway Bay), who took a 3&2 victory over James Stenson (The Island). The current European Senior Men’s Champion said his short game has helped him get to the next round.
“I’m putting very well and putted very well in the qualifiers so it’s holding me together at times,” said McCormack.
Joining the Bradys and McCormack in the last 16 are 2022 quarter-finalist Matt McClean (Malone) who defeated Dwayne Mallon (Dungannon) 2&1. Jake Whelan (Grange), Paul Coughlan (Castleknock), Joe O’Neill (Berehaven), Robert Galligan (Elm Park), James Fox (Portmarnock), Keith Egan (Carton House), Paul O’Hanlon (Carton House), David Howard (Fota Island), Evan Farrell (Co Louth), Ross Lattimer (Clandeboye), Darryl Gwilliam (Coventry, Eng) and Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint).
Campbell ended TJ Ford’s interest in this year’s championship as he beat the Co Sligo golfer on the 17th, 2&1.
Monday’s third round begins at 8am with the battle of the Brady cousins.
Ocean FM Sport will provide live online commentary of the last 16 matches on Monday morning from 8am.
Last 16 pairings
Aodhagan Brady (Co Sligo) v David Brady (Straffan)
Matthew McLean v Jake Whelan
Paul Coughlan v Joe O’Neill
Robert Galligan v James Fox
Keith Egan v Paul O’Hanlon
David Howard v Evan Farrell
Ross Latimer v Eddie McCormack
Darryl Gwilliam v Colm Campbell
