In over four decades as a single-handicap golfer, Paddy Breen has competed against the likes of Joe Carr, David Sheahan, Darren Clarke and Padraig Harrington in the Dundalk Senior Scratch Cup.

And, come next Sunday, the 70year-old Irish seniors' international will be teeing up again to take on all-comers - among them Garth McGimpsey - in the popular event which has attracted entries from all over the country. "Unfortunately, I've never managed to win the Cup," laments Breen, who retains a highly-competitive streak, demonstrated by the fact that he has appeared in the winners' enclosure in his four club competition outings so far this season. Indeed, on one occasion Breen shot a gross 74 for 40 stableford points.

Breen's closest bid for glory came 10 years ago when he tied with Declan Brannigan - but lost out on a poorer second round. Breen, who is retired from the family meat business, still manages to play "two or three times" a week, but is realistic about his chances of taking on some of the country's top amateurs in Sunday's 36-hole event.

"I should be able to play to my handicap, though," says the Dundalk man, who is now playing off five. However, he has shown in recent years that he is well able to compete: he fired a round of 71 to win the Irish Seniors' championship in Bangor four years ago and tied with Brian Hoey for the Leinster Seniors'. Also, he has earned international recognition in recent years, representing Ireland against the United States at Druids Glen three years ago in a seniors match and then facing Sweden the following year.

Meanwhile, McGimspey - who missed out on the West of Ireland - heads a strong field in this weekend's event. McGimpsey is joined in the event by fellow international Andrew McCormick and some top young players like Sean McTernan, Gavin Lunny and defending champion David Doggett. Ulster interprovincial Stuart Paul, Enda McMenamin, Seamus McParland, Dundalk's own Peter Rogers and Liam Brady are also competing.