Walsh takes One Finance Dundalk Scratch Cup to Munster
James Walsh of Kinsale Golf Club receives the Carroll Cup from Dundalk Golf Club Captain Michael O'Sullivan (left) and sponsor Martin McDonnell of One Finance (right) after winning the 2026 Dundalk Scratch Cup.
Kinsale’s James Walsh made history as the first Munster winner of the One Finance Dundalk Scratch Cup.
He claimed the prestigious Carroll Cup by two shots from defending champion Caolan Rafferty.
A Maynooth University third-year and Harrington scholar, Walsh was making his first visit to Dundalk and immediately loved the course.
He seized control with a brilliant opening six-under-par 66 to lead by three shots over Rafferty and Warrenpoint’s Colm Campbell, the West of Ireland runner-up.
Dundalk Golf Club Captain Michael O'Sullivan and Vice-Captain Martin McDonnell make a special presentation to Peter Rogers to mark his 50th appearance in the One Finance Dundalk Scratch Cup.
Starting again at the ninth in round two, Walsh birdied the 10th and 14th to reach eight under, though bogeys at the 15th and 18th followed.
A birdie at the sixth, his 16th, restored his momentum, and pars at the seventh and eighth sealed a seven-under total and his first senior title.
Rafferty’s challenge faded with early bogeys, but he birdied the last two for a 70 and five under.
Campbell finished with a 71 for four under while Mark Cadden shot 68 to finish fourth.
During the prize-giving, Peter Rogers, the 1988 winner, was honoured for his 50th appearance.
Rogers, one of Dundalk’s finest golfers, was the competition’s first Dundalk winner. The event dates back to 1963 and boasts a famous roll of honour.
Walsh now joins an impressive list that includes Rafferty, Campbell, Padraig Harrington and JB Carr.
Dundalk Scratch Cup sponsored by One Finance (Par 72)
Overall
137 James Walsh (Kinsale) 66, 71
139 Caolan Rafferty (Dundalk) 69, 70
140 Colm Campbell (Warrenpoint) 69, 71
141 Mark Cadden (Roganstown) 73, 68; Daid Kitt (Athenry) 70, 71
143 Eoin Murphy (Dundalk) 72, 71.
Round 1 Gross: Padraig Curry (Millicent) 71.
Round 2 Gross: Evan Farrell (County Louth) 70.
Overall Nett: Sean Ryan (+1.0, Warrenpoint) 144 (71, 73).
