Offaly golfer key to heroic Walker Cup triumph

Tullamore native Stuart Grehan played a pivotal role as Great Britain and Ireland secured a dramatic Walker Cup triumph in Lahinch today.

Grehan produced a resilient 2&1 success in the singles this afternoon against World Amateur No 1 Preston Stout to contribute to a remarkable comeback by the home side against USA.

It wrapped up a double victory for Grehan over Stout, after the two were also paired together in Saturday's singles, in which Grehan won the last three holes to secure a win.

The final day had begun in nightmare fashion for GB&I after USA won all four morning foursomes to hold what seemed an insurmountable 9.5 to 6.5 lead ahead of the ten singles contests.However, a battling GB&I team roared back in a hugely dramatic final session, with the eventual outcome coming down to the 18th green in the last match on the course.A half would have been sufficient for the visitors, but with Josh Hill and Tyler Watts all square coming up the last, it was Hill, with a four foot putt, who secured the win for GB&I with a par.

It ended an eleven-year wait for a Walker Cup success for GB&I after USA won the last five editions by 13.5 to 12.5