Jack Clingan is the new Golf Croquet Champion. He beat the defending champion, Simon Williams,5/7. 7/5, 7/5 in a fairly tame final at Carrickmines on the 12th/13th of September. Carrickmines looked its best in the bright sunshine, and the comfortable clubhouse was most appreciated during the sometimes heavy rain. Lunches were provided by Carrickmines regulars, “No Hassle Catering”. The lawns were also surprisingly fast. Photos by Alan Looney

The entry of 38 was significantly higher than in recent years, and manager Williams is not sure that he did justice to everybody in the allocation or timing of matches – 110 games in total - but everybody was patient and all seemed anxious to enjoy themselves. Congratulations to all those who turned out in the teeming rain on Friday evening to complete the first round. As well as the Carrickmines locals, there were players from Herbert Park, Strokestown, Newcastle, Co Meath Croquet Cracks and Australia.

Very occasional gc player Nathaniel Healy upset the odds when he beat five-times champion Patsy Fitzgerald, and Shot of the Weekend was William Synnott’s 50ft jump-shot over Evan Newell’s ball in the jaws of hoop 4.

The doubles was won by Jack Gleeson and Tony Carey, from Sylvia Briggs and Alan Looney, and the Plate was won by Paddy Furey, from Tony Carey.