Where's the pluck of the Irish?

AS Scots Marc Warren and Peter Whitefield battled in a three hole play-off at the inaugural Ireland Ryder Cup Challenge in Killarney, the 38-strong Irish contingent were left to reflect on largely disappointing performances.

In the end, it was a club professional, Leslie Walker of Dundalk, who led the way on four under par, 12 strokes behind victor Warren and Whitefield at the Lackabane course. Next best were Aaron O'Callaghan, the 19-year-old amateur from Douglas, Cork, and Colm Moriarty from Athlone, both on two under. Mark Murphy of Waterville closed with a 71 for even par 288 while Cork's Padraig Dooley shot 72 for a five over 291.

Most had distinguished themselves as amateurs, representing their provinces and country and with expectations so high that they believed they would be rubbing shoulders with the Harringtons, Clarkes and McGinleys of this world. Sadly, their confidence has ebbed to a point where it has become seriously undermined once they tee it up competitively.