The problem with judging the Inter grade is that the scoring tends to go through peaks and troughs, depending on whether there is a glut of “bandits” or not, and the scoring can tend to be either what I would call true Inter scores, whereby a handful might break 100, and then the rest fall away, or you can have the mock-senior scoring whereby the majority break 100, and a handful break away. I much prefer the former scenario, as it means that the real intermediate feels he can still have a chance and makes for a much better Championship.
31 players compete and two-thirds of that number will be in with a shout, that is how good the inter section has become. That still doesn't include a number of very good players who I've discounted for other reasons either.
The first three-ball is one short of experience but high on quality. Gary Pyke's form has dropped a bit this year, but can score well if he relaxes a bit. Eoghan Coyle probably doesn't have the low scores in him at present to win, but if the scoring is as it should be, then he is well capable of putting two solid rounds together. Darren Heaney completes the trio, and following the rap across the knuckles I got from the Bellewstown secretary for the errant, and poorly-researched information I gave on Peter Reilly for the National Matchplay series, I'll keep my neck safe and say that Darren will surely play well if he turns up and will more than in with a chance.
There are a few real contenders up next; Christy Hannon will know everything there is to know about Ryston. The Kilcullen clubman might just fall short of the big prize though if there is a gap to exploit then he is the man to do it.
Trevor Heffernan is one of three Erin's Isler's involved and they really have been to the fore in the Intermediate grade in recent times, indeed they've been part of an Erin's Isle team that recently reached the Dublin Senior League final, so that gives a big insight into the quality of player currently in the Finglas club. Trevor is well-known in his own right in Dublin circles and a very adept player.
It might be hard to see him emerge on top, but he is playing with a player who definitely has a great chance: Lough Owel's Dessie Baker. Baker absolutley obliterated the Leinster Matchplay back in May, including stunning favourite Charlie Egan en-route, and was fully deserving of his win. That said he was somewhat surprisingly beaten by Stephen Ruane in the county final (although Ruane is definitely a tough nut to crack in matchplay – his forté). He won the county Strokeplay in excellent fashion, while he shot an incredible 94 to qualify for this event. He is the form Inter in Leinster, and it will take a good man to stop him.
John Carton and Albert Mithen, and I'm sure they won't mind me saying this, are the old guard of Leinster Intermediate Pitch and Putt. Albert was a member of the all-conquering Loughlinstown club when around the turn of the millenium they hoovered up prizes and awards to beat the band. Struggles in the senior grade hopefully have been forgotten and we can look forward to seeing Albert back where he belongs. John Carton is known throughout the country and a more thoughtful, insightful Pitch and Putt man I've yet to meet. If John says something, then it's worth paying attention. He's a dab hand with a club too, and it would be a fitting reward if he could medal on Sunday.
Bellewstown's Colin Byrne made the Leinster Matchplay final, and the Meath final, but had heartbreak on both occasions. He, self-admittedly, had the 36 holes of his life in the Leinster semi to knock out the juggernaut that was Dean Grannell. Unfortunately for Colin, he then had 18 holes to forget in a final that left him with too much to do. It depends which Colin Byrne turns up that will dictate his chances.
The next trio is both ironic and curious. Mick “Tullamore” Byrne plays alongside former clubmate, and Dublin Chairman, Christy Broe. Yes, Broe is now in the Intermediate section, and I'm sure many you are as shocked as I am! They play with local Mick McMarlow, and this is an exciting prospect, as the home club can not see past this man for title.
Knowing Byrne as I do, that will mean he is going to be chomping at the bit to keep up with McMarlow, and the trademark fist-pump will be on overtime. The recently crowned Offaly Matchplay Champion is a huge competitor, and this will likely spur on Broe as well. Deceptively laid-back, Christy will love the thoughts of playing with Byrne, and a serious prospect in McMarlow, who has shown a lot of form coming into the competition.
[If you ever get talking to Mick Byrne, ask him about that time in the IGB Scr Cup – he'll keep you enthralled]
Dean Grannell from Enniscorthy's St Patrick's club is both a gentleman and a good player. He's come back to the game in the last 18 months after a bit of a hiatus, and his committment is impressive. I know that ahead of the Leinster Matchplay he and a couple of his clubmates made a couple of journeys to Offaly for practice, and I believe the same has happened for the Leinster Strokeplay. That is preparation rarely found at this level, and I've been told that he is in exceptional form and to watch for a big performance. I watched this guy a few times before, and he would be my dark horse on Sunday.
His clubmate Derek Ryan had a nice cameo at the National Matchplay in Lucan recently. He made the last 16 and had a great couple of victories before bowing out. He will surely feature on Sunday too, as will his playing partner Glen Woodward, from the aforementioned Erin's Isle club. Discount him at your peril. Also I feel obliged to mention young Alan Kelly who also plays with them. He's jumped up from the Junior grade to qualify well, and it is great to see a young face coming through from the Ierne club, something that hasn't happened in a long while. Congratulations to all and hopefully it's the start of a trend on the North side of Dublin city.
Richard Lambe will come into the Leinster Strokeplay with little pressure, but plenty of ability. He is an outside chance for a medal, as is his playing partner, yet another Juvenile from the most established academy in Dublin, the Old County club. Another O'Reilly, he is definitely in with a chance of bringing back another title to the homestead, but it remains to be seen if he can shoot low enough, as may be required.
Stephen Ruane from Collinstown is more of a Matchplayer, so I'd be inclined to discount him, but two very much in the front of the running, are the final pairing of David Donnelly and Fran O'Connor. Donnelly is the double Dublin champion and now a Senior, so this will probably be his last chance at a Leinster (for a year anyway!). He is highly regarded in the capital, and will be seen as the man to put it up to Baker and McMarlow. Ryston's own O'Connor will have something to say about the destination of the title, but his prospects perhaps lie as a medalist rather than the outright victory.
I'm going to go against local judgement here and predict Dessie Baker for the win, with McMarlow and Grannell taking the medals. (Outsider Donnelly)