IGWA Chairman Dermot Gilleece presents Championship winner Paul Kelly with the Mary McKenna Trophy at Woodbrook Golf Club.

Paul Kelly made the trip south well worthwhile when he holed a 15-foot putt on the final green to claim the Irish Golf Writers' Association Championship at wonderful Woodbrook.

The supremely accurate Armagh ace had 39 stableford points, edging out Ray Scott and playing partner Gary Moran on a count back in the Tipperary Crystal sponsored event.

Gary, who like Ray is a former winner of the title, had the consolation of making the third hole-in-one of his life at the second, where his seven iron from 136 yards found the bottom of the cup for a five-point bonus.

However, Gary and Ray were pipped at the post by a thoroughbred competitor, giving our Ulster brethren a rare chance to take the famous Mary McKenna Trophy back north.

As IGWA Chairman Dermot Gilleece remarked at the magnificent meal, it was heartening to see Paul and his Ulster press colleague Deiric Henderson make the effort to travel south for the day.

Our sincere thanks to Woodbrook Golf Club and Mr Jim Melody for their generosity. Thanks also to the IGWA's Cathal Dervan, who did much of the organising but had to withdraw early in the round due to illness. A speedy recovery Cathal.

Gary Moran is all smiles after his hole-in-one at the second.