It was another remarkable year of achievement for Tipperary golfer Donnacha Cleary

2023 was another remarkable year for Donaskeigh’s Donnacha Cleary, who plays out of Tipperary Golf Club, and who has been honoured by the Tipperary United Sports Panel with an Annerville award.

The Abbey CBS student shone on the national and international golfing scene, no more so than when his high levels of performance were noted by the Great Britain and Ireland selectors, who picked him to play for the Great Britain and Ireland Under 18s against Continental Europe in Golf du Chantilly, France.

Upon his return, Donnacha lined up with the Munster Men’s team in Moyvalley Golf Club in the interprovincial series.

He also helped the Irish Boys team to victory in the Home Nations for the first time since 2013. His victory over England’s Jack Lee in the final match proved crucial in claiming the crown. The following week he played in the R&A Boys Amateur championship, where he reached the last 16.

His summer began with a second place finish in the Munster Under 18 boys championship, which was hosted in his home club of Tipperary. He followed this up with victory in the Leinster Under 18 boys championship in New Forest.

Donnacha’s run of good form continued with another second place, this time in the Ulster Under 18 Boys championship, and he also made the knockout stages of the South of Ireland championship for the first time.