Irish ladies upbeat as they bid for historic hat-trick

IRELAND attempt to make history this week by winning, for the first time, a third consecutive Ladies Home International Golf Championship.

The competition takes place at Dundalk and they have not won on home soil since succeeding at Royal County Down, Newcastle back in 1907.

Before Ireland won at Cruden Bay in 2003, England had triumphed in 10 of the previous 11 years only interrupted by a Welsh victory in 1999.

The Irish are in buoyant mood and captain Sheena O’Brien Kenney said: “We are very happy with the way practice has gone over this excellent parkland course.

“We know our opposition are strong this year, but we are excited to have the opportunity to challenge for three-in-a-row,” she said.

“Good team morale, added to the expected healthy home support, will help tip the balance in our favour,” said O’Brien Kenney.

Ireland’s three Vagliano Trophy heroines, Irish champion Tricia Mangan, the prison officer from Ennis; Claire Coughlan, runner-up in the British Championship and Helen Holm winner Martina Gillen spearhead the challenge.

“We are cautiously optimistic and raring to go,” said Coughlan from Cork.

USA-based Tara Delaney from Carlow and Maria Dunne are called into the side this year in place of Sinead O’Sullivan and Helen Jones. Heather Nolan, Maura Morrin and Deirdre Smith are also in the line-up.

England are strong with Emma Duggleby topping the bill, while Wales have six teenagers in their side and Scotland have strength in depth.

Ireland open today against Scotland, play Wales tomorrow and close against England.