Munster claim title in style after nine years in the wilderness

MUNSTER bridged a nine year gap by convincingly defeating Connacht in the final match of the AIB Ladies Senior Inter-provincial golf series at Mount Wolseley, Carlow yesterday, much to the delight of non-playing captain Evelyn Hearn and a band of supporters.

The last victory was achieved in Waterford in 1993 and three members of that team Eileen Rose Power, Bridget Gleeson-Healy and Mary Sheehy were important players in this week's squad as well.

Wins over holders for the past eight years, Leinster, and Ulster set the scene for yesterday's shoot-out with Connacht. And the Southern Province gained an early psychological boost when taking the morning foursomes 2-1.

Eileen Rose Power and Marian Riordan, unbeaten all week in this aspect of the play, gained the first point with a 2-1 triumph over Suzanne Corcoran and Michelle Holmes, while Tricia Mangan and the impressive Gillian O'Leary the youngest member of the side at 19 years also won at the 17th against Deirdre Judge and Sarah Gallagher.

With that cushion under their belts, just four points were then required from the eight singles and this target was never in doubt as Sheehy and O'Leary had big wins; Riordan got home at the 17th against Ruth Lennon and there were halved matches for Coughlan, Power and Limerick's Sheila Galvin in the 5.5 to 2.5 success.

And the margin could have been greater as both Coughlan and Power lost the 18th to Darragh McGowan and Suzanne Corcoran respectively.

It mattered little at that stage, however, as the Cup was on its way South much to the satisfaction of non-playing Captain Evelyn Hearn, herself a two handicapper at the Waterford club.

She was relieved to get the nine year burden off the Province's back and elated that the victory was so convincing in the end. "The strength of the team" she declared "was that everybody contributed and there was no weak link. When it mattered most the players produced the goods and I am delighted for them. Also the support of officials and fans was just fantastic especially on Thursday when conditions were atrocious."

A series to remember for all concerned and particularly for Eileen Rose Power, who dropped just half a point in six starts. Rewarding also for Tipperary's Marian Riordan whose only loss was to Naoimh Quigg from Ulster, while Gillian O'Leary (Cork G.C.) can look back satisfied on her debut with four points from five starts.

Claire Coughlan, Tricia Mangan and Mary Sheehy provided inspiring victories at crucial stages, while Sheila Galvin and Bridget Gleeson-Healy also came up trumps with much needed points over the three days.