Mayo golfers win Connacht Shield

BALLYHAUNIS Golf Club are Connacht Shield champions for 2026.

On day two of the competition on Sunday, a home leg, the Ballyhaunis men's team bridged a 24-year gap since they last won the provincial title.

Following a fantastic first-leg performance, Ballyhaunis held a 2½ to 1½ lead over Oughterard heading into the home leg, and emerged victorious in a closely fought final.

The Ballyhaunis team members were: Paul Finn and Charlie Finn, David Burke and Barry Freeman, Kevin Heneghan and Sean Horan, Oisin Henry and Ruairi Freeman.

It was a poignant win for Ballyhaunis, with the late Shane 'Peach' Freeman never far from thoughts. Shane was a member of the team when they last won the Connacht Shield and helped nurture the younger talent in this year's team, including his son Ruairi.