Ladies beaten in All-Ireland semi

Accompanied by Lady Captain Anne Knox, the squad travelled to Mullingar Golf Club last week for the All-Ireland finals.

They had secured their place by defeating Belvoir in the Ulster final, which was played at Royal Belfast at the end of August. This was the first Ulster Senior title for the ladies and they were hoping to add the All-Ireland title as well.

The quarter final match was played against Ballinsloe, the Connaught champions. The ladies played well in this round securing the two matches necessary to progress, with the second pairing of Lynne Hanna and Niamh McSherry, and the third pairing of Bronagh McKavanagh and Annabel Wilson earning the points.

The next day they faced the Leinster champions Laytown and Bettystown Golf Club and the team knew they were in for a tough challenge, with two experienced senior Irish internationals featuring in the opposition pairings.

The first pairing of Niamh Ward and Fiona McGrady played well in the first match and secured the first point.

Sadly the news was not so good in the next two games. Both pairings fought hard but could not seem to get ahead of the opposition and sadly both games ended on the 16th green, as did the All Ireland title hopes of the team.

So disappointment this year, but the team can be very proud of reaching these prestigious finals and of their performance.

The team, a blend of youth and experience, gained valuable insight into what is required at this level and will surely be back in future years.

Squad: Team Captain. Bronagh McKavanagh, Fiona McGrady, Lynne Hanna, Niamh Ward, Niamh McSherry, Annabel Wilson, Sian Mullholland, Zoe Allen.