But their friendship was tested recently when father and son met in the final of the club matchplay championship. The pair had a few practice rounds together before the "nal and there were never more than a few shots between them in these rounds. But it all just clicked for Donal on the big day.

"I guess he just buckled under the pressure, " is all a chuckling Donal Walsh said about his comprehensive final victory over his Dad. Donal works with his Dad in Walsh Draughting Services and also lives at home. So was he thrown out of the house and sacked? "No, " laughed Donal, "we had great fun and enjoyed a few pints later."