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The annual Moran Cup competition, played at Royal Dublin, was won by Mark Staunton with a steady two-under-par 70, just one stroke ahead of Gerry Burke.
Staunton made his mark on the front nine which he covered with eight pars and a birdie three at the fourth hole to turn in 34 shots. Back-to-back birdies three and four at holes 10 and 11 sent the Fore Ireland player three-under with his only stumble being bogey five at the 17th hole as he returned in one-under-par 36.
The victory reflects Staunton's steady run in the Lexus Race to Mount Juliet in association with PING. Waterville's David Higgins continues to lead but only narrowly from David Mortimer (Fore Ireland) while Staunton began this outing in eighth position.
The trophy is named in memory of Michael Moran who served as the club professional at Royal Dublin for many years. He also won the PGA Irish Championship in five consecutive seasons from 1909. The tournament is a closed PGA Southern Branch event.
