Offaly man at the forefront of national pitch and putt championships

Just three months ago, Offaly's Darren O'Connell received the honour of becoming the new National Co-Ordinator for Pitch & Putt Ireland.

And this weekend, the Tullamore Pitch & Putt Club stalwart will play a major role in running organisation's most coveted tournament of its calendar, the All-Ireland Matchplay Championships.

The event takes place over three venues in Cork (Rocklodge, Bishopstown and Ranges) and will also present an opportunity for his fellow Tullamore member, Amy Galvin, to have a tilt at reclaiming the championship she won in 2024. Amy was defeated in last year's final, held at Erry Pitch & Putt Club, but will be determined to compete heavily for the crown this weekend.

Speaking to Pitch & Putt Ireland's website, Darren said he has been extremely busy with his new role but is looking forward to the weekend's action in Cork.

“I am confident we can produce a professional and enjoyable championships for players, spectators and officers-on-duty across all three courses. We want to make this national championships the biggest one yet,” he said.

One change that Darren has already implemented for the upcoming championships is to veer away from the traditional format of players performing in a 1,3,2 format. Instead, they will now play twice a day.

“I've been heavily involved with Tullamore for so long and have always tried to implement exciting new ideas to enable the club to move forward. I believe, as national co-ordinator, I can bring this approach to the bigger stage and I'm excited for the challenges ahead in the role,” said Darren.

Darren, who said his main goal for the role in the next few months is to build solid relationships with members and to improve each championship that takes place. He said that Ireland is fortunate to have 'some of the world's best players', including many extremely talented young performers.