50th Anniversary of Limerick duo's All-Ireland pitch and putt success

THE LIMERICK All-Ireland winning hurling team have been looking back at the 50th anniversary of their Croke Park success throughout the year but they are not the only group to have brought success to the county in 1973.

Catholic Institute's very own Nancy Tuohy and John Downes also tasted All-Ireland glory 50 years ago by winning the national mixed foursomes competition at the Hammond Lane Pitch and Putt Club in Dublin.

Nancy, who sadly passed away a couple of years ago, was a distinguished player with All-Ireland titles in both stroke play and match play during her excellent career.

The duo were favourites heading into the competition and produced a stunning back nine, in which they were seven under par, to claim victory on eight under overall.

John remembers the success like it was yesterday. "I was just honoured that a player of Nancy's standing even agreed to play with me to be honest," John told Leader Sport.

"She was a superstar. My biggest fear was that I would let her down. We played brilliantly on the day and to come away with the trophy was amazing.

"Nancy was one of the best around. It's a great memory to have. I'm not sure how many All-Ireland's came to Limerick in 1973 but we won, as did our magnificent hurlers. It was a great experience.