There is more than one way to skin a cat !

Good fellowship between the clergy in Northern Ireland has always existed and this continued, even through the tempestuous years of "the troubles."

Golf clubs have played an important role in fostering goodwill by granting favourable annual subscriptions and green fees to ministers of religion, regardless of their church loyalties.

Since 1975, the Roman Catholic priests and the Protestant ministers have met  annually in The Apostolic Cup over the famous Dunluce course at Royal Portrush.

It is a match of 8 singles usually played on St Patrick's Day.

Until this year, the protestants  have been singularly disastrous, losing every year with the exception of the inaugural fixture.

However in 2008, to mark his retirement, the Presbyterian Synod, appointed the Reverend Doctor Ian Paisley as non-playing captain, who immediately took upon himself the task of correcting the failures of past years.

After several meetings it became apparent he simply had not sufficient low handicap players to put up a real challenge, but "the Big Man", not one to ever surrender without a fight, came out with his master plan.

On good authority he learned Darren Clarke was of protestant stock, therefore was prepared to spend "whatever" it takes to persuade the Dungannon man to play for his side.

"Clarkie" could not refuse the opportunity of 18 holes on his favourite and agreed to turn up and play at number 8.

On match day, the captain was sitting in the clubhouse anxiously waiting as the contestants returned.

The first three matches went to the priests, the next three went to the ministers and the seventh ended all square.

Then Dr. Paisley spotted Darren walking in from the 16th green, dashing down the clubhouse steps he embraced him in a bear like hug and hollered, "Well done Darren, at last we've beat them"

Darren looked him in the eye and said " Sorry captain I lost 4 and 2 "

"Who beat you ?" cried Ian

"Father Padraig Harrington" was the response!