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THE CLUBHOUSE: Black Bush GC… Why Kobe McDonald’s philosophy inspired a Meath golf club to Leinster success, and how news of the Pennant lit up a club stalwart’s face as he lay on his death bed…

The three sets of nine holes have matured into a tough test of parkland golf but it's less than 40 years that this same stretch was just farmland.

Daily Mail

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 7:57 PM

Key Things to Know

Black Bush Golf Club captured the Pierce Purcell Leinster final, claiming its first men's pennant in 21 years.
Manager Liam McKay drew inspiration from Mayo prospect Kobe McDonald, handing out "Believe" wristbands to his squad.
McKay visited terminally ill club stalwart Mick Kane in a nursing home to celebrate the Leinster final victory.

The Story in 60 Seconds

County Meath's Black Bush Golf Club claimed its first men's pennant in 21 years by winning the Pierce Purcell Leinster final against Castleknock. Team manager Liam McKay took inspiration from teenage sports star Kobe McDonald to give players wristbands inscribed with the word "Believe." McKay used the championship run to motivate the squad, sharing emotional updates with ailing club stalwart Mick Kane shortly before Kane passed away.

Founded in 1987 by a group of five local members, the Dunshaughlin club has expanded into a 27-hole facility with capped membership. Assisted by club professional Shane O'Grady and Derek Keogh, the Pierce Purcell team advanced past the Leinster final to win their All-Ireland quarter-final in Ennis before falling to Portumna in the semi-finals.

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