Ennis in search of back-to-back titles

THE five District champions — Ennis, Kilkenny, Roscommon, Royal Portrush and The Island — join this year’s back-door graduates — Douglas, Slieve Russell and Woodbrook — in the Irish Suzuki Senior Cup quarter-finals at Galway GC this week.

Favourites Ennis will look to the experience of Tricia McDonnell to claim back-to-back victories, having won the title for the first time last year at Milltown. Youngsters Sarah Cunningham and Ciara Pender are again in action but will need to be in top form to see off a feisty Kilkenny who will be ably led by double 90’s Irish champion Eileen Rose Power and youngsters Rebecca Muholland and Sinead Slater.

The talented Maguire sisters, Leona and Lisa, fly the flag for Slieve Russell as they take on Eastern District champions The Island. Teenagers Sarah Carty and Rachel Cassidy should prove a stern test for the twins, while double girls champion Suzy Sheehan, albeit 24 years ago, makes a welcome return to competitive play.

Past internationals Eavan Higgins and Kate MacCann lead 12-time champions Douglas into battle with an unknown quantity in Roscommon who field Connacht champion and past girl international Anne McCormack and the talented Ailbhe Farrell in their ranks.

The final tie sees second- favourites and 22-time champions Royal Portrush, led by past international Helen Jones, who field the in-form Gemma Hegarty and Lucy Simpson. The northern side should prove too strong for the talented Sue Phillips and her Woodbrook teammates who have only previously once succeeded at this level in 1969.

All four quarter-finals take place on Friday, with the semi-finalists lining up on Saturday morning at 8am.

Friday: Roscommon v Douglas (11.30am), The Island v Slieve Russell (12.20), Kilkenny v Ennis (1.10pm); Royal Portrush v Woodbrook (2pm)

Saturday: Roscommon/Douglas v The Island/Slieve Russell (8am); Kilkenny/Ennis v Royal Portrush/Woodbrook (8.50am)