SPRIGHTLY nonagenarian Vincent Nevin (Limerick Golf Club) was among a collection of previous West of Ireland champions who gathered recently at County Sligo Golf Club.
No fewer than 26 winners of the West came together in the clubhouse at Rosses Point for a special centenary celebration of an event first played in 1923.
Nevin won the West in 1972, and during a stellar amateur career the Ireland international also captured the Irish Close (1969) and the South of Ireland twice at Lahinch during the 1970s.
He was also the lynchpin in the Limerick team that won three Irish Senior Cups, two Barton Shields and a European Club’s Cup in that era.
The 100-year history of the West of Ireland Championship is beautifully captured in the brilliantly produced book – The West of Ireland Amateur Open Golf Championship, Centenary History 1923-2023 by Brendan Cashell.
It is available from County Sligo Golf Club for €25.
