2021 ” What a year for Jack McDonnell”
Congratulations to Jack McDonnell as he joins Six-man Ireland team named for Octagonal Matches in Spain
As we head to close out an eventful 2021, without doubt one of the stars of Forrest Little for the year was Jack McDonnell who made his International debut for Ireland in September and played a crucial role as Ireland went on to win the Men’s Home Internationals for the first time since 2017. It was nip and tuck throughout the afternoon decider v England and Jack played his part in winning his singles match 3/2 with no less than 7 birdies in his round. Earlier in August Jack put in a brilliant performance in helping Connacht to their first Provincial title in 10 years with victory over Leinster in the deciding match at Shannon Golf Club. In the crucial singles, Jack was up against the seasoned Irish International Caolan Rafferty. Out at no 2 Jack took care of business with a comprehensive 5/4 victory. Jack had been in a rich vein of form earlier in the season claiming 3rd place at the Irish Amateur Close Stroke play and qualifying for the match play stages of the South of Ireland Championship and playing a key role with our Barton Shield team which reached the North Leinster final only to lose to The Island GC. Then he closed out a great year by winning the prestigious Dundalk Senior Scratch Cup, claiming the scalp of none other that local man & fellow Irish International Caolan Rafferty at the 19th hole.
We also congratulate Julie McCarthy on a brilliant performance for Ireland in the Women’s Home Internationals, winning all her 3 singles matches as Ireland finished runners-up to a very strong England side. She continues her studies at Auburn and was delighted to be honoured to play in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Tournament back in March.
We wish both Jack & Julie the very best for 2022.
Finally Congratulations and well done to Allan Kiernan who set a new course record with an amazing score of 63 on Sunday 30th May playing in the Club Cup Qualifying. The previous course record for Forrest Little was set on the 21st July 2019 by Jack McDonnell who on that occasion brought home a terrific score of 64. Incidentally prior to Jack’s great achievement in 2019 the previous record goes back to the 31st March 2012 when one Allan Kiernan set a new course record of 65 which remained intact for over 7 years. The question now is how long will this fantastic record score hold up, and who will take it to a new level!
Check out all the Photo’s of 2021 HERE