Pro-Am to honour memory of Michael Moran

A century after his death, the Southern Branch of the PGA in Ireland will mark the life of Michael 'Dyke' Moran in fitting style by hosting a pro-am at Royal Dublin.

Moran was an Irish golfing pioneer, a trailblazer, considered by many to be the country's first touring professional and the dominant player of his era.  He died alongside thousands more fighting in the Battle of Lys in the spring of 1918.

Moran was born in a cottage at 'Curley's Yard' on Bull Island, three years before Dublin Golf Club settled on Dollymount. From humble circumstances, he would go on to win the IPGA Championship an unprecedented and unmatched five times in a row.

He played in the Open Championship in 1909, 1910, 1911 and 1912 before becoming the first Irishman to win a cheque in the event at Hoylake in 1913 when he finished third.

Moran's name is on the trophy that has been played in his honour by the Southern Branch of the PGA in Ireland since 1920.  The current holder is Colm Moriarty (Drive Golf Performance) with past winners including Christy O'Connor Snr, Harry Bradshaw and Bobby Browne.

John Kelly, the chairman of the Southern Branch of the PGA in Ireland, has won the Moran Cup three times.

“It's not just another event," Kelly emphasised. "It was started for the right reasons. After Moran was killed, his fellow professionals decided to commemorate him because he had been such a good player.

“It's nice to have your name on a trophy that has been around for so long and has such a history attached to it.”

On Friday April 27 the Michael 'Dyke' Moran Centenary Pro-Am incorporating the staging of the Moran Cup will be played at the Royal Dublin Golf Club.

Two shotgun starts – incorporating morning and afternoon sessions, will be employed.

After the golf and before the pro-am dinner, a commemorative plaque will be unveiled at Curley's Yard, adjoining the third and the 13^th holes on the Dollymount Links.