You’re never to old to win your Captains Prize and that was certainly the case for Co Derry native, James McAllister, who won Mr Bernard Foy’s Captain’s Prize at Ballybofey and Stranorlar Golf Club last weekend.
McAllister claimed his fourth Captains Prize and indeed has been a runner up  no fewer than six times.
They say thirteen is unlucky for some but not McAllister.
With a creditable 37pts on Day one, he was in thirteenth position, four points behind the Club House overnight leader Martin O’Reilly, the young Donegal County footballer with a bright future in both sports.
For young O’Reilly, a fantastic forty one points on Saturday was to see him with a clear two point advantage. Sunday was to prove a topsy turvy day for him, slipping well back in the pack, Â He was to put up a great comeback in the back nine but it wasn’t to be his year.
The Gross group were having a real battle on day two. After nine holes, Dermott O’Neill was level par, Barry Farmer was four over for the nine while Paul Henderson and Martin O’Reilly were beginning to struggle a little.
Farmer and O’Neill were to be seen live on Facebook having two great rounds. O’Neill was beginning to struggle on the back nine whereas Farmer was applying pressure on him and although it was close on the end, it was big Dermott O’Neill who came out on top to claim the Gross Prize.
 Back to McAllister, who had a great start on Day Two with three pars on the trot but things looked to be changing with a few bogeys entering on to his card.
A few other notable names were beginning to build some good scores, Danny Bannigan and Lee Henderson both having twenty four points after twelve holes must have fancied themselves for this prestigious prize but, in the end, it was James McAllister with a fantastic birdied on the 18th hole that was to see him giving the winning speech.
Runner up spot was secured by Barry Farmer who had a fantastic level par in the back nine.
Former Murvagh player Christy Brogan was to pick up third spot ahead of Martin O’Reilly. Danny Bannigan in fifth place and Paddy Mullin secured sixth  place.
 Captain Bernard was introduced to the stage by Club President John Bradley and was to give a great speech.
He acknowledged the presence of Paddy Carr, a founding member and Tony Gallinagh who between them have played in 115 Captains Prizes, a fantastic achievement.
He also welcomed Bill Duncan who won Captains Prize fifty years ago. Present also were the Kee’s from Los Angeles and Canada, a family who were also instrumental in the foundation of the club.
