Darragh Stakelum is Tipp-top at British Open for the blind

HANDA British Blind Open and British Masters champion Darragh Stakelum (right) with his guide Adrian Morrissey.

Darragh Stakelum proved a good omen for Tipperary hurlers when he captured the HANDA British Golf Open for blind and visually impaired golfers shortly before their All-Ireland win over Cork.

The Tipperary golfer, who is a member of the famous Stakelum hurling family in Tipperary, triumphed at Cardrona Golf Club north of Edinburgh.

He had already tasted success this season with victory in the HANDA British Masters at Meon Valley outside Southampton.

Darragh, who was competing in the B1 category in both events, is now targeting the HANDA World Blind Championship in Simcoe, Ontario, in August.

The former Thurles CBS student will carry the hopes of the entire Irish blind golf community as he tees it up in Canada.

Darragh, who played off six when he was a young golfer at Thurles Golf Club and played on the Jimmy Bruen Shield team, is coached by Thurles’ PGA professional Ray Ryan.

Darragh played hurling at Thurles CBS and is part of the famous Stakelum hurling family that included Pat Stakelum, who won three All-Ireland titles and six National Hurling Leagues.

Irish snooker international, Adrian Morrissey, is Darragh's guide and plays an important role in his success.