Ireland suffered a disappointing start to the Home International Championship at Ganton, suffering a narrow 8-7 defeat at the hands of a below strength England side.

MUNSTER got off to the best possible start on the opening day of the senior and boys interprovincial championships at Rosses Point yesterday.

SHANE LOWRY will be looking to equal Rory McIlroy’s feat and retain the Radisson-Blue West of Ireland title when the championship gets underway at Rosses Point this morning.

ALTHOUGH there has been a serious drain to the professional ranks, especially where outstanding players like Graeme McDowell, Michael Hoey and Stephen Browne are concerned, Irish captain Eddie Dunne is positive where his team’s prospects in this week’s home international at Royal St David’s, Harlech, are concerned.