Irish women’s golf has gone through many ups and downs over the years but there has nearly always been a big star to keep things ticking over, from a Philomena Garvey or Clarrie Reddan to a Mary McKenna or a Maureen Madill.

A brilliant two under par 70 by former British champion Stephanie Meadow gave Ireland a chance of qualifying for the top flight — the last eight — in the European Ladies Team Championship at Fulford, York today.