BY FAOLÁN CAHILL
Joe Lyons made history today (Friday, 3rd July 2026) by winning the Whirlpool Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Close Championship to complete the set of senior championship titles, whilst it was Judith Kyrinis who was crowned the Whirlpool Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Open Champion after a thrilling day at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club.
Lyons began the final round two strokes clear, and on a day where steady golf was required around a difficult track, his fifteen pars proved key to securing the win.
“Yeah delighted, always nice to win, particularly at a magnificent venue such as this. I was really bowled over by Dun Laoghaire Golf Club this week. And to win around here, you know, you got to play well to win here, so I’m just absolutely thrilled.”
Lyons came out on top as he carded a final round of 71, that saw the Galway Golf Club golfer finish on one-under par, one stroke clear of playing partner Gary Cullen in second, who pushed Lyons all the way.
“He’s a class act, and I knew he was going to be hard to beat. He birdied the first and he birdied the third and I said ‘oh here we go’. So I was one ahead and we were level. I was one ahead, and then level. I managed to just scramble over the line in the end”
With his win today, Lyons becomes the first player in history to win all three Irish Senior Men’s Amateur Championships, having won the Irish Senior Men’s Close Match Play back-to-back in 2022 & 2023, before adding the Irish Senior Men’s Open in May of this year.
When asked how he plans to celebrate the historic feat, Lyons instead took the opportunity to pay tribute to his parents.
“I won’t do anything too strenuous. I’m looking forward to chatting to my mom and dad, who really inspired me all my life and have encouraged me to play golf”.
Meanwhile it was Canadian Judith Kyrins who claimed the Whirlpool Irish Senior Women’s Amateur Open title after an 18-hole battle with defending champion and compatriot Shelly Stouffer.
Kyrinis carded a final round 75 to end the championship on two over par, a solitary stroke ahead of Stouffer, who missed a putt on 18 to force a playoff.
Speaking afterwards, Kyrinis was delighted to get the victory on Irish soil.
“Yeah I’ve been trying to get here and check this one off my box, so I’m really happy to finally get it done”
The Thornhill Club golfer trailed playing partner Stouffer by one as they began their final round, but consistency was key as Kyrinis notched up seventeen pars, before a double bogey on the last momentarily opened the door for Stouffer.
“It was pretty steady, made some really good saves to start off the day. My irons were just a little bit off to begin but made some really good up and downs to keep myself in it. Was really steady all day, I didn’t really make anything, but just really steady all round the hole, besides maybe the last. Made a mess of that one”
It was a 1-2-3 for Canada as Terrill Samuel finished on eight over par, six back from Kyrinis, whilst Gertie McMullen (T4) was best of the Irish on nine over.
Attention now turns to the Whirlpool Irish Senior Men’s & Women’s Amateur Close Championships in Enniscorthy on 11-14 August.
View the final scores from today here
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