Galgorm Golf Club Juniors honoured at Mayoral Reception after landmark season

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, pictured with Galgorm Golf Club representatives and junior players.

The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, has hosted a special reception recognising the outstanding achievements of Galgorm Golf Club’s junior players following a record-breaking season for the club.

Junior representatives from the Ballymena club were welcomed to The Braid after two Galgorm teams – the Junior Cup side and the Fred Daly squad – capped an exceptional year by reaching the All-Ireland finals of their respective championships.

The Junior Cup competition is a senior men’s event played over five single matches, open to male golfers who held a handicap no lower than 2.5 the previous year.

The Fred Daly Trophy, meanwhile, is regarded as the premier junior boys’ competition in Ireland, also contested over five single flat matches and open to all handicaps.

Both Galgorm teams emerged victorious in their Ulster North finals earlier this year, securing their places on the national stage:

• Fred Daly Finals: Donabate Golf Club, 18–20 August

• Junior Cup Finals: Tandragee Golf Club, 5–6 September

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, pictured with Galgorm Golf Club representatives and junior players.

Paying tribute to the players, Councillor Minford said:

“These players have represented Galgorm and our Borough with remarkable skill, determination and sportsmanship. Their achievements this year stand as an example not just to other young athletes, but to the entire community.

“I am incredibly proud to celebrate their success and look forward to seeing what they accomplish in the years ahead.”

Historic First for Galgorm

In a remarkable achievement for the club, both the Junior Cup and Fred Daly teams progressed through quarter-final and semi-final stages to reach the All-Ireland finals, where they narrowly missed out on national titles, suffering 3–2 defeats.

The Fred Daly team’s run was particularly significant, marking the first time in Galgorm’s history that a team had reached an All-Ireland final. Only two other club teams had previously made it to the national semi-final stage: the Senior Cup team last year and the Boys Foursomes three years ago.

The Fred Daly squad comprised seven boys, while the Junior Cup panel included three junior golfers within its five-man team.

Strong Provincial Representation

The club’s rising talent was further showcased through selection for the 2024 Boys Inter-Provincial Championships:

• Ulster U18: Cole Henderson

• Ulster U16: Harris Fleming, Adam Doherty, Fionn McCormick

• Ulster U14: Parker Bonnes, Rory Brown, Jack McKee, Thomas Owens

In addition, junior star Harris Fleming is set to be honoured as Ulster U16 Golfer of the Year at next week’s Ulster AGM.

More Success at Ulster Junior Close Championship

Galgorm juniors also impressed at the Ulster Junior Close Championship at Ballyclare Golf Club on 26 August, delivering outstanding results across several categories:

• Boys U18: 2nd place: Brendan Mulgrew

• U16 Winner: Fionn McCormick

• U14 Winner: Parker Bonnes

• U18 Girls Winner: Mollie Blair

The Mayoral reception celebrated not only the players’ achievements but also their dedication and passion, which continue to inspire younger golfers and strengthen Galgorm Golf Club’s reputation as a leading centre for junior development.