Week of success for the ladies

It all kicked off on Sunday, August 22, when Sheena McStay’s Junior Cup Team (handicaps 8-15) headed down to Balmoral for their quarter-final match against County Donegal team, North West.

Convincing wins by the first three players, Bronagh McKavanagh, Fiona McGrady and Sian Mulholland meant that Katie Allen and Lynne Hanna could be called in early to join in the celebrations. They now meet Kirkistown Castle in the semi-final on Monday, August 6, at Malone Golf Club.

Tuesday, August 24, saw another semi-final place secured, this time by the Senior Foursomes team (handicaps minimum combined 14)

They met previous Ulster winners, Ballycastle, at Tandragee. Success for Lurgan looked promising throughout. Sisters Zoe and Katie Allen notched up the first win 6 and 5. Team Captain, Bronagh McKavanagh and young Niamh Ward sealed the second win with a closing birdie. Sian Mulholland and Lynne Hanna had never been down in their match and were one up playing the 16th hole when called in.

The semi-final will be held at Bangor on Friday, August 10, against a strong Clandeboye side.

On Thursday history was made when the club’s two under 19 girls’ teams met in the final of the ILGU Interclub matches at Knock Golf Club led by team captain and girls’ junior convenor, Fiona Cummins.

Lurgan A team, consisting of Niamh Ward, Cara Murphy and Katie Allen, beat Royal Portrush in the semi-final while Lurgan B team, consisting of Annabel Wilson, Maeve Cummins and Eadaoin Ward, knocked out Bangor.

A thrilling final was set for the afternoon and there was some brilliant golf. All matches stretched to the 18th hole with the A team narrowly scraping through. They now represent Ulster in the National final held at City of Derry Golf Club on Monday, August 20.

The hat-trick of semi-finals was secured for the Ladies Branch on Friday when May Baxter’s Junior Foursomes team (handicaps 15-30) had a great win against local rivals Edenmore at Ballyclare Golf Club.

Katrina Bradford and young Maeve Cummins brought home the first win with a comfortable 4 and 3 advantage.

The team’s place at Bangor on Friday, August 10, was made certain with a great 4 and 2 win for Lady Captain, Dee Farrell and Christine Hagan. Ray Gregg and Olwyn Forrester were one up when called in.