Having secured their place in the All Ireland Senior Colleges final at Balmoral Golf Club; Rice College under the stewardship of local teacher Joe Cuddy clinched the first national golfing pennant for Westport in over 30 years.  Jack Healy, Matthew Golden, Sam Gillivan, Joe Hastings & Jack O'Donnell overcame tournament favourites Ulster with some determined play in the morning semi-finals and went on to defeat De La Salle, Waterford in the final. With every player contributing a crucial point over the two matches the result could not have been any sweeter. The record in the All Ireland final will show: Jack Healy (Won 2/1), Matthew Golden (Won 1 up), Sam Gillivan (Won 2/1), Joe Hastings (Called in 2 up) & Jack O'Donnell (Called in 2 up.)

All 5 team members play golf locally at Westport Golf Club and shortly after news came through from Belfast, Westport Junior Convenor Joe Carty congratulated all those involved in this tremondous victory for Rice College, Westport Golf Club and the town of Westport. "Its important to acknowledge the Rice College team manager Joe Cuddy who has been involved in the development of schools golf for a number of years. Also Ciaran McGettigan who looks after junior team affairs in Carrowholly. I would like to pay special tribute to Jim Browne, former junior convenor at Westport Golf Club for his input during the boys' formative years" commented Joe. Each of the team members wanted to thank their family members who travelled on the day and were all looking forward to getting back to school.