Baltray, Ireland — David Howard of Fota Island emerged victorious at the 2025 East of Ireland Men’s Amateur Open Championship, holding off a surging field to claim the title with a steady final-round 70 and a 72-hole total of 283 (-5).
Howard showed composure in blustery Baltray conditions, backing up rounds of 69-72-72 with a closing 70 to finish one shot ahead of Robert Abernethy of Dun Laoghaire, who charged into second place after a dazzling third-round 66 and final-round 69.
Home favorite Gavin Tiernan of County Louth finished solo third at 285 (-3), while Adam Fahey of Portmarnock and Dylan Keating of Seapoint tied for fourth, both finishing at 286 (-2).
Final-Round Brilliance
Howard’s victory was earned with consistency—he made just two bogeys on Sunday and capitalized on birdie chances around the turn. Abernethy was the biggest mover, gaining four places with a back-nine 33 that included birdies at 13, 15, and 18.
David Howard (@FotaIsland) is the 2025 East of Ireland Men’s Amateur Open Champion @CountyLouthGC
— Golf Ireland (@GolfIreland_) June 1, 2025
Final Scores 🔗 https://t.co/K5HUnLOJ1G pic.twitter.com/GJs2Vt7rAU
Top Finishers
| Pos | Player | Club | To Par | R4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | David Howard | Fota Island | -5 | 70 | 283 |
| 2 | Robert Abernethy | Dun Laoghaire | -4 | 69 | 284 |
| 3 | Gavin Tiernan | County Louth | -3 | 74 | 285 |
| T4 | Adam Fahey | Portmarnock | -2 | 69 | 286 |
| T4 | Dylan Keating | Seapoint | -2 | 68 | 286 |
| 6 | Keith Egan | Carton House | -1 | 69 | 287 |
| 7 | Stuart Grehan | Co. Louth | E | 75 | 288 |
| 8 | David Kitt | Athenry | E | 75 | 288 |
What It Means
Howard adds his name to a long list of champions who’ve used the East of Ireland Amateur as a launchpad to greater heights in Irish and international golf. The tournament, hosted by County Louth Golf Club and presented by Pharmaher Healthcare, continues to uphold its reputation as one of the crown jewels of Irish amateur competition.
📍 Course: County Louth Golf Club, Baltray, Ireland
📅 Dates: May 30 – June 1, 2025
🏆 Format: 72-hole stroke play, cut after 36 holes
💼 Sponsor: Pharmaher Healthcare
🔗 View Full Leaderboard and Tournament Details