The good humor of the Irish was in evidence aplenty early Tuesday morning when 14 Irish superintendents and sales reps assembled with 22 players of ours in the chilly forecourt of the venerable Portmarnock Golf Club for the playing of the 6th TurfNet Emerald Challenge golf event.

Maybe they had advance knowledge of the outcome of the day. Maybe not, but the laughter, smiles and general good nature amongst themselves and with our group set the tone for a great day of golf and fellowship... "one putt and one pint at a time" as the event slogan goes.

Team Ireland finished with 279 points, topping Team TurfNet by 13 points in the tournament scored using the Modified Stableford scoring system.  This was a departure from the norm as the visiting team had won each of the previous five tournaments, thus garnering the honor of transporting the Hurley Trophy back across the pond.

The traveling Hurley Trophy will stay in Ireland until the next Challenge in San Diego.

Frank Byrne, captain of Team Ireland, beams as he carries off the Hurley Trophy... until next time.

Ireland also won the Emerald Isle Challenge (by only one point) played earlier this year at The Quarry in San Antonio during GIS. The next challenge will be played in February at Torrey Pines in San Diego, just prior to the 2016 GIS.

The Irish lads also showed good form by sporting ties and jackets for the luncheon and award presentation following golf (oh, yes, and a few pints as well!). Seems we didn't get that memo, but some gentle ribbing ensued (even a comment that "everyone not wearing a tie this afternoon got their arses kicked this morning!").

Some photos from the day:

Eric Wygant (l) of Shannopin Country Club in Pittsburgh enjoys a laugh with Eddie Donlon (right), retired course manager from Rush Golf Club and a member of the Portmarnock greens staff.

The inimitable Eddie Donlon (purple tie) holds court with Matt and Cheryl Crowther.

Joan Colleran, Matthew Tacilauskas and John Gosselin didn't let a few match points shy spoil their day.

Jorge Croda (Southern Oaks Golf Club, Fort Worth, TX) quickly learned to enjoy Guinness.

Joel Kachmarek (Tacoma Country and Golf Club) compares notes with Mark Fuller (Connecticut Golf Club) after their round.

Peter McCormick with Jorge Croda and Joan Colleran.

Some of the group headed out for another nine after the afternoon festivities were complete.

All smiles and international fellowship... what it's all about.