A Touch of Class

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Donegal’s own Séamus McMonagle — PGA Professional, Barton Shield winner, and one of the most respected coaching voices in Irish golf.
Séamus shares his journey from growing up in Donegal’s tight‑knit golf community to competing at the highest levels of Irish amateur golf, winning national titles, and eventually turning professional. He talks about his time in Australia, New York, and Miami, the lessons he learned on the road, and how those experiences shaped the coach he is today.
Topics Covered:
Growing up in Donegal golf
Winning the Barton Shield with Sutton
Life as a young Irish golfer abroad
Coaching philosophy and player development
Stories from the road and the people who shaped his journey
If you love Irish golf, great stories, and honest conversation, this episode is a wander worth taking.
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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with one of the brightest young talents in Irish golf - Katie Poots. Hailing from Knock Golf Club in Northern Ireland, Katie has already built a résumé that reads like a seasoned player.
Katie burst onto the scene with her victory at the Irish Girls Championship, a win that marked her as one to watch. She went on to represent Ireland twice at the European Girls Team Championships, showcasing her consistency and composure on the international stage. Katie also earned selection for the Junior Vagliano Trophy, competing against the best young players in Europe.
Closer to home, she claimed the Ulster Women’s Stroke Play Championship and played a key role in Ulster’s Interprovincial victories, delivering when it mattered most.
Now based in Indiana, USA, Katie is balancing college life with elite competition - sharpening her game, gaining experience, and preparing for the next chapter. And make no mistake: that next chapter is big. Katie plans on turning professional, and everything about her trajectory suggests she’s more than ready.
Topics Covered:
Growing up at Knock Golf Club
Winning the Irish Girls Championship
Representing Ireland at the European Girls Team Championships
Junior Vagliano Trophy experience
Ulster Interprovincial victories
College golf in Indiana
Preparing for life as a future professional
A wonderful personality, a fierce competitor, and a player who can go low when it counts - Katie Poots is a name you’re going to hear a lot more of.
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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Wexford’s own Luke Furlong — 2026 Irish Boys Open Champion, Irish Schools winner, and one of the brightest young talents in Irish golf.
Luke talks through his breakthrough victory at Malone, where he came from behind on Sunday to win the 2026 Irish Boys Open Championship, a performance that put him firmly on the national radar. He reflects on growing up in Wexford Golf Club, developing into a +3 handicap at just seventeen, and the confidence he gained from winning the 2025 Irish Schools Championship at Milltown.
Luke also shares his excitement about signing with Arkansas State University, his ambitions for college golf in the United States, and his long‑term dream of turning professional once his education is complete.
Topics Covered:
Growing up in Wexford Golf Club
Winning the 2026 Irish Boys Open at Malone
The back‑nine momentum that sealed the title
Winning the 2025 Irish Schools Championship
Life as a +3 handicap junior golfer
Committing to Arkansas State University
Long‑term goals and the path toward professional golf
If you enjoy stories of emerging Irish talent, competitive junior golf, and the mindset behind breakthrough performances, this episode is one you’ll enjoy.
Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy

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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Cavan’s own Eddie McCormack — Senior Irish Amateur Open Champion, Matchplay Champion, European Gold Medalist, and one of the great characters of Irish golf.
Eddie reflects on his remarkable two‑act career. In his early years, he battled the very best: losing the 2005 Irish Close final to a teenage Rory McIlroy, falling to Shane Lowry in the 2008 West of Ireland semi‑final, and finishing runner‑up again in the 2010 West. Along the way he collected three Senior Cup All‑Ireland medals, a Barton Shield title with Galway Golf Club, eight mid‑amateur wins, and the 2018 Connacht Stroke Play.
But Eddie’s second act is even more extraordinary. He relives winning the 2023 European Senior Individual Gold Medal at Douglas, a victory that earned him a place in the Senior Open, where he played alongside his hero José María Olazábal. In 2025, Eddie made history by becoming the first player ever to win both the Senior Irish Amateur Open and Senior Matchplay in the same season, before adding a European Senior Team Championship gold medal in Austria.
Topics Covered:
Growing up in Cavan and early amateur battles
Facing Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry & Ireland’s elite
Senior Cup and Barton Shield success with Galway
Eight mid‑amateur titles & the 2018 Connacht Stroke Play
Winning the 2023 European Senior Gold Medal
Playing in the Senior Open with José María Olazábal
Making history with the 2025 Senior Open & Matchplay double
Winning European Senior Team gold with Ireland
If you love Irish golf legends, comeback stories, and the grit behind long‑term success, this episode is one you won’t forget.
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In this episode of A Touch of Class, Will Griffith sits down with Meath’s own Mark Cadden — 2026 West of Ireland Champion, Irish international, and one of the most exciting young players emerging in Irish golf.
Mark reflects on his journey from growing up in Oldcastle to developing his game at Roganstown under coach Geoff Loughrey, where he transformed from a 21‑handicap junior to a + player in just a few years. He talks about his early success, including winning the 2023 Ulster Boys Championship and collecting four Junior Elite Tour victories across 2024 and 2025.
Mark also shares his experiences representing Ireland at U16 and U18 level, travelling to Argentina for international duty, and competing at TPC Sawgrass in the Junior Players — a rare honour for any young golfer.
The episode dives deep into his incredible run at Rosses Point, where he battled brutal conditions and defeated some of Ireland’s best, including Caolan Rafferty, Alex Kerins, and Colm Campbell in a dramatic final to win the 2026 West of Ireland Championship.
Topics Covered:
Growing up in Oldcastle and developing at Roganstown
Working with Geoff Loughrey and rapid handicap progression
Winning the 2023 Ulster Boys Championship
Four Junior Elite Tour victories in 2024 & 2025
Representing Ireland at U16 & U18 level
Competing at TPC Sawgrass in the Junior Players
The full story of his 2026 West of Ireland win
Looking ahead to Walker Cup ambitions
If you enjoy stories of rising Irish talent, elite junior golf, and the mindset behind championship performances, this episode is one you’ll want to hear.
Follow us on Instagram @atocpod and follow our YouTube channel @PARfectlyclassy